This briefing paper draws attention to the human rights abuses women suffer in armed conflict. It is based on Amnesty International’s research in dozens of countries and expert analysis by other individuals and organizations. Amnesty International has campaigned for many years to end unlawful killings, torture (including sexual violence) and other abuses that devastate the lives of men, women and children in armed conflict. The current focus on violence against women and girls is a response to the fact that their needs are frequently overlooked, while women organizing to demand their rights are often ignored.