CRSV: Sabra and Shatila
This case note documents the occurrence of sexual violence in violent conflict. It contains explicit mentions of different forms of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Background of the Sabra and Shatila Massacre
The Sabra and Shatila Massacre unfolded between September 16 and 18, 1982, and led to the killing of around 3,500 civilians – most of whom were Palestinians and Lebanese Shias – in Beirut, during the Lebanese Civil War (Shahid, 2002). The killings were perpetrated by the Lebanese Forces, a Christian militia in Lebanon, in alliance with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which had surrounded the Sabra neighbourhood and Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to target the Palestinian insurgency operating there. By August 30, the Palestine Liberation Organization withdrew from Lebanon, after several weeks of battle in Beirut (Shahid, 2002).
However, on September 14, the Israel-allied Lebanese politician, Bachir Gemayel, was assassinated. In response, the Phalangists, a Christian political party in Lebanon, called for revenge, and advanced into western Beirut along with the IDF – a major violation of a ceasefire agreement among all sides involved (Hasan, 2010). As it advanced, the IDF ordered that Lebanese forces clear out the PLO fighters from Sabra and Shatila. As the massacre unfolded, the IDF dd not take any action to stop it despite receiving reports of the atrocities committed (Malone, 1985). IDF troops were stationed at the exists of the area, as well, in order to ensure that the camp’s residents did not leave (Hirst, 2010). They also fired flares to illuminate Sabra and Shatila through the night during the massacre (Cobban, 1984).
Prevalence of Violence targeting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Women
Reports show that sexual violence was part of the many forms of violence that unfolded during the Sabra and Shatila massacre. Women were found dead in their houses with their skirts up to their waists and their legs spread apart, several young men had been castrated, pregnant women were found chopped open. According to reports by the Kahan Commission, pregnant women were particularly targeted on the ground that they would give birth to children who would grow up to be terrorists (Malone, 1985; Kahan et al., 1983). Reports show that both the Lebanese forces and IDF were involved in perpetrating sexual violence (Al Jazeera, 2012; Kahan et al., 1983).
Basis of Violence targeting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Women
Sexual violence was pursued as part of a campaign of genocide (UNGA Resolution 37/123). The UN General Assembly declared that the massacre amounted to genocide, and in corroboration with the Kahan report, the deliberate targeting of pregnant It was also actively pursued as a means of intimidation and to torture and punish people living in the camp. It was intended as a means to humiliate the residents of the camp as well (Kahan et al., 1983).
References:
Al Jazeera. (2012). Survivors recount Sabra-Shatila massacre. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2012/9/16/survivors-recount-sabra-shatila-massacre
Cobban, Helena (1984). The Palestinian Liberation Organisation: people, power, and politics. Cambridge University Press.
Hassan, Maher (24 January 2010). "Politics and war of Elie Hobeika". Egypt Independent. http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/politics-and-war-elie-hobeika
Hirst, David (2010). Beware of small states: Lebanon, battleground of the Middle East. Nation Books.
Kahan, Yitzhak, Barak, Aharon, Efrat, Yona (1983). The Commission of Inquiry into events at the refugee camps in Beirut 1983 FINAL REPORT.
Malone, L. A. (1985). The Kahan Report, Ariel Sharon and the Sabra-Shatilla massacres in Lebanon: Responsibility under international law for massacres of civilian populations. Utah L. Rev., 373.
Shahid, Leila. The Sabra and Shatila Massacres: Eye-Witness Reports. Journal of Palestine Studies, Vol. 32, No. 1. (Autumn, 2002), pp. 36–58.
