Research into sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has found strong links between SGBV and atrocity crimes. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court stipulates that acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing can potentially include cases of SGBV, where it is used as a tool in the removal or elimination of a vulnerable population. Therefore, combatting SGBV is critical for a State in upholding Pillar I of R2P and fulfilling its responsibility to protect its population from atrocity crimes.

Atrocity crimes take time to manifest. Planning and logistical considerations need to be accounted for before widespread violence and mass killings of a certain group occurs. Furthermore, and more importantly, an environment needs to be cultivated where low-intensity violence towards certain groups is normalised. This violence first manifests locally within homes and communities, before morphing into more widespread and systematic violence. Analysis of atrocity crimes and violent conflicts has found an increased rate of SGBV at a local level is indicative of impending atrocities, making cases of SGBV potential early indicators of further violence and atrocities.

While a direct causal link between SGBV and atrocity crimes does not exist, preventing and stopping SGBV with local resources plays an important part in strengthening a community against outbreaks of violence that could lead to atrocity crimes. Thus, while APPAP W.A.R.N is committed to curbing instances of SGBV, it does this to pursue the long-term goal of the reduction of atrocity crime risks in communities it monitors to promote sustainable, lasting peace.