UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem. UN Independent Expert on French Rape Trial Human Rights
A trial of multiple rapes in Mazan, France, has become a stark reminder of the scale of sexual violence, says UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem.
On December 19, Dominic Pelico was convicted of brutal crimes: he systematically drugged his ex-wife Gisele Pelico, raped her, and arranged for other men to rape her. Moreover, he recorded and distributed videos of these crimes. It was established that at least 72 men had committed acts of violence against Gisele over a period of more than ten years. As a result, 50 of them were also convicted. This case became one of the most egregious examples of systematic abuse and exploitation.
Reem Alsalem expressed support for Gisèle Pelico, stressing that her actions were an example of courage and resilience. Having overcome shock and pain, Gisèle gave up her anonymity and allowed evidence of crimes to be revealed, which has fundamentally changed the debate on violence and accountability for it. The UN independent expert expressed solidarity with her, paying tribute to the unrecognized victims of such crimes who continue to face enormous structural barriers to speaking out and seeking justice.
The Special Rapporteur stressed that the trial showed that rapists are not rare: they are often “ordinary people with seemingly normal families, jobs and responsibilities.” They also refuse to acknowledge their responsibility for acts that amount to torture and inhuman treatment, trying to minimize their actions.
The trial also highlighted the influence of the pornography industry and digital technologies on the spread of violence. Alsalem stressed that such technologies not only increase the commercialization of violence, but also contribute to the spread of an “epidemic” of male aggression towards women.
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The Mazan case once again confirmed the importance of a clear understanding of the concept of “consent”. Many countries still do not recognize marital rape as a crime, and about 60 states have not amended their legislation accordingly.
The use of new forms of violence, such as drugging victims, is particularly alarming. Alsalem called on states to adopt laws to combat such crimes, as well as digital violence. She stressed the need to dismantle outdated sexist and misogynist stereotypes.
Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.