III I N T E G R AT I N G A G E N D E R P E R S P E C T I V E I N T O H U M A N R I G H T S I N V E S T I G AT I O N S • G U I D A N C E A N D P R A C T I C E Accordingly, attention should be given to: application of these strict rules and the punishment for non-compliance is flogging. Faced with this situation, many women prefer not to go out.” (A/HRC/22/33, para. 44) • Any changes in the legislation and/or state policies or practice during the conflict/crisis, which may have led to further violations of women’s human rights, including an increase in GBV, for example, changes in legislation reinforcing tribal and religious practices with the aim to gain the support of certain groups; OHCHR investigations assessed how the armed conflict has increased violence and discrimination against women in another country. “Women and girls face multiple layers of discrimination and continue to suffer violations and abuses in addition to those encountered by the rest of the population. The assassinations, assaults, harassment and threats against women carried out by armed groups appear designed to send a broader message that women should not be vocal in the public sphere. Women and girls remain at risk of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly by armed groups. In several parts […], the ability of women to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of movement or the right to work, has been restricted not only as a result of the conflict, but as a result of requirements for accompaniment by ‘male guardians’. Women also continue to face specific barriers in relation to access to justice.” (A/HRC/31/CRP.3, para. 172) • The role of the authorities, armed groups and/or religious and community leaders in exacerbating gender stereotypes and the subordination of women in society, for example by imposing strict (or stricter) codes of conduct on women or a dress code, including with the supposed intention to “protect” them; • The fact that LGBTI persons can also face increased vulnerability and exacerbated forms of violence and discrimination in conflict or humanitarian contexts, such as IDP settlements, as protection measures and services often fail to address their situation.48 Example “The ongoing conflict has added to the burden of womanhood, especially for survivors of sexual violence. […] Even before the current conflict began, early marriage was a means for families to escape poverty and destitution. The ongoing conflict […], coupled with families facing severe economic hardships, have resulted in young girls being forced into marriage. […] Sexual and gender-based violence is not new and predates the current conflict. Crafting responses to address sexual and gender based violence in the ongoing conflict, must take into account the continuum of violence throughout the history of [the country] as well as the current conflict-related violence. In the current context women’s lives have little value resulting in extremely high levels of sexual and gender-based violence”. (A/HRC/37/CRP.2, paras. 171-175) The conflict in a particular country has led to increased discrimination against women and more control over their lives – women’s movement is restricted in the north of the country. “A strict dress code has been imposed, requiring girls (from the age of 5) and women to be covered from head to toe. On buses connecting major cities, men and women are now segregated, sometimes by a curtain ... Boys and girls and men and women no longer have the right to appear in public together unless they are married or are members of the same family. Girls and women can no longer ride with men on motorcycles. Islamic police monitor the See, for instance, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, A/HRC/29/34/Add.2. 48 40