15 December 1999

This is the second part of footage from a panel discussion organized by the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice on crimes against humanity, held during of the 3rd Preparatory Commission of the International Criminal Court in New York City in December 1999. Four panelists present and discuss the issue of crimes against women, giving various examples, and explain why crimes against women have to be considered as crimes against humanity. The panel continues with Jan Perlin, of the International Human Rights Law Clinic and the Guatemala Truth Commission, who discusses institutional responsibility in the defense of women. Vahida Nainar of the Women's Caucus summarizes earlier discussions. During the question and answer period, Hawa Ghaus, the associate for Global Programs at the Feminist Majority Foundation, explains more about the situation of women in Afghanistan, describing how women are not allowed to see male doctors nor go to medical school themselves, which has created a healthcare void. A man asks Khader if changes could happen at a domestic level; Khader replies that since honor crimes happen at a domestic level, there needs to be an institutional level of protection to enforce laws. After two more questions, Perlin discusses reparations for victims. Another woman asks about honor issues within the United States and comments that honor crimes need to be included within national legislation. Khader responds international laws should be put in place in order to help guide individual countries' legislation. Nainer concludes by thanking everyone for attending.