Conceptualizing Femicide as a Human Rights Violation: State Responsibility Under International Law

This book explores femicide as a human rights violation, examining it through the lens of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and various aspects of human rights. It challenges the common definition of femicide and includes victim blame, sexual abuse, forced marriage, and delayed investigations by authorities. Case studies from Iraq, Nigeria, and Mexico provide insight into the global nature of femicide. The book incorporates feminist legal theory and discusses state responsibility for crimes committed by private actors. It is a valuable resource for academics, activists, practitioners, and lawyers interested in advancing femicide in international human rights law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

This thought-provoking book delves into the complex realm of femicide, conceptualizing it as a multifaceted human rights violation. It proposes that the state bears responsibility for mitigating the risks of violence against women and girls, particularly in contexts where these risks are linked to groups. By reassessing the concept of femicide in the context of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and various facets of human rights, Angela Hefti challenges the conventional understanding of this crime.

The book expands the definition of femicide beyond the mere act of killing women solely due to their gender, encompassing elements such as victim blame, sexual abuse, forced marriage, and delayed investigations by authorities. Chapters explore femicide within the frameworks of the African, Inter-American, and European regional and universal human rights systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of its global nature. Case studies from Iraq, Nigeria, and Mexico offer valuable insights into the multifaceted and diverse aspects of femicide, highlighting its prevalence across different regions.

This book engages with several key academic debates related to femicide, incorporating underlying feminist legal theory and approaches that shed light on the subordination of women and girls in society. It argues that femicide should be recognized as an autonomous human rights violation, deserving of its own distinct legal framework and protections. By providing an impetus for further research on femicide, particularly on state responsibility for crimes committed by private actors, this book serves as a crucial resource for academics, human rights activists, practitioners, and lawyers.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of human rights, shedding light on the devastating phenomenon of femicide and advocating for its recognition as a standalone human rights violation. It will be of immense value to scholars, activists, practitioners, and lawyers who are committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls worldwide.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803920436