Millions of Women and Girls Forced to Flee Face High Risk of Gender-Based Violence: UNHCR
November 29, 2024
Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today issued a stark warning that millions of women and girls displaced by conflict and persecution are at heightened risk of gender-based violence.
According to the UNHCR’s latest report, “Invisible Wounds: The Impact of Conflict and Displacement on Women and Girls,” an estimated 70% of all displaced women and girls have experienced some form of gender-based violence. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as well as harmful traditional practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
“Gender-based violence is a pervasive problem in conflict and displacement settings, but it is often overlooked or ignored,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “This violence has a devastating impact on women and girls, not only in terms of their physical and mental health but also their ability to rebuild their lives.”
The report notes that displaced women and girls are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence due to a number of factors, including:
- Increased poverty and lack of access to resources: Displacement often results in the loss of income and assets, leaving women and girls more dependent on others for their survival. This can make them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
- Lack of protection: Displaced women and girls often live in overcrowded and insecure camps or informal settlements, where they may not have access to adequate shelter, sanitation, or legal protection. This lack of security heightens their risk of violence.
- Cultural norms and attitudes: In many conflict and displacement settings, harmful cultural norms and attitudes perpetuate gender inequality and violence. This can make it difficult for women and girls to seek help or support.
The report also highlights the specific risks faced by different groups of women and girls. For example, adolescent girls are more likely to experience sexual violence, while elderly women and girls with disabilities are more likely to be neglected or abused.
The UNHCR is calling on governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to take urgent action to address the problem of gender-based violence against displaced women and girls. This includes:
- Strengthening protection measures: Providing safe and secure shelters, legal aid, and access to justice for displaced women and girls.
- Addressing the root causes of violence: Challenging harmful cultural norms and attitudes, promoting gender equality, and empowering women and girls.
- Providing comprehensive support services: Offering psychological counseling, medical care, and economic assistance to help displaced women and girls recover from the trauma of violence.
“We must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of displaced women and girls,” Grandi said. “They deserve our protection and support, and we must work together to create a world where they can live free from violence and abuse.”
Additional Information:
- The UNHCR estimates that there are currently over 26 million women and girls displaced by conflict and persecution worldwide.
- Gender-based violence is a violation of human rights and can have a profound impact on women’s and girls’ physical, mental, and sexual health.
- The UNHCR is committed to protecting and assisting all refugees and displaced persons, regardless of their gender.
Millions of women and girls forced to flee face high risk of gender-based violence: UNHCR
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