19 August 2026
Addressing militarised masculinities is important for breaking cycles of violence, advancing accountability, and supporting non-repetition.
Militarised masculinities are ideals of manhood that glorify military service and combat, and the use of force, domination and aggression. These shape attitudes, institutions, and power relations; contributing to cycles of violence and conflict, widespread human rights abuses, and prevailing impunity. It is a global responsibility to transform militarised masculinities as a root cause of conflict.
Human rights inquiry (HRI) mechanisms – including Commissions of Inquiry, Fact-Finding Missions or other investigative and accountability mechanisms – are well placed to examine militarised masculinities as structural root causes of violence and harm. In addition to documenting serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, these mechanisms are increasingly mandated to also investigate underlying drivers and enabling conditions of human rights violations. Their findings shape accountability efforts, inform policy responses, and influence guarantees of non-repetition.
However, despite growing attention to gender in investigations, militarised masculinities have received insufficient and inadequate consideration. This report addresses this gap by offering practical guidance, checklists, and recommendations for HRIs to integrate attention to militarised masculinities throughout investigative processes.
The policy report is therefore of relevance to investigative bodies, human rights analysts and practitioners, policymakers, the UN and civil society actors seeking to better understand and respond to violence and impunity.
Available in English and Spanish.
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