Justice Rapid Response and UN Women: new Guidance and Practice Tool on Intersectionality for an intersectional approach in investigations of serious human rights violations and international crimes

In January 2026, Justice Rapid Response (JRR) and UN Women are introducing their New Guidance and Practice Tool on Intersectionality for investigating serious human rights violations and international crimes. This tool aims to assist those in the justice sector in adopting an intersectional approach during their investigations. By considering intersectionality, investigators can better understand how various identities, social narratives, discrimination, and privilege influence perpetrators' motives. This approach is crucial for comprehending the full extent of harm experienced by victims and survivors, potentially uncovering previously overlooked crimes and violations.

The initiative addresses a gap in the justice sector, where guidance on applying an intersectional lens has been limited. The new resource provides a justice-specific definition of intersectionality and offers practical recommendations and checklists for incorporating this framework throughout the investigation process, from preparation to reporting.

The tool includes real-world examples of best practices. For instance, it highlights how the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia used an intersectional approach in identifying sources. By gathering information from diverse sources, the Commission uncovered a pattern of violations against the Tigrayan community, revealing discriminatory intent based on both ethnicity and gender.

Ultimately, this guidance aims to provide a practical framework for investigators to implement an intersectional approach. By doing so, it seeks to improve access to justice for victims and survivors, acknowledge the complex nature of harm they may have endured, establish more effective remedies, and promote a more inclusive and comprehensive justice process.