Behind the Lines: Gender-Based Violence Within Armed Groups and the Politics of Victimhood in Colombia and Northern Ireland
This event explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrated within armed groups, focusing on the contexts of Colombia and Northern Ireland. While transitional justice processes have traditionally emphasised violence committed against civilians, this discussion shifts attention to the internal dynamics of armed actors, where GBV is frequently silenced, denied, or rendered invisible. By examining how victimhood is contested, negotiated, and recognised within transitional justice mechanisms, the event also interrogates dominant narratives that separate perpetrator from victim. Through this Colombia–Northern Ireland comparison, the conversation considers how gendered harms are framed, whose voices are heard, and what justice looks like for those who suffered violence behind the lines. The event is funded through the ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme.
Speakers:
Dr Daniela Suárez Vargas, QUB; Judge Lily Rueda, Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz; Judge Oscar Parra, Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz; Professor Cheryl Lawther, QUB; Dr Theresa O’Keefe, University College Cork; Cristina Rosero, Centre for Reproductive Rights Professor Aisling Swaine, University College Dublin; Alejandra Alemán, Attorney, Women’s Link Worldwide; Dr Colm Walsh, QUB & Juan Manuel Martinez Ramirez, COALICO.
This event takes place on Wednesday 22 October at 2pm in the Moot Court, School of Law, QUB (MST.02.006). When you register there is an option to attend in-person or online.
