Millions of women and girls forced to flee face high risk of gender-based violence: UNHCR
UN data reveals that reports of sexual violence are linked to conflict increased surprisingly 50% last year Compared to 2023, women and girls account for 95% of identified cases.
However, these numbers “represent only a small portion of the reality” because many cases go unreported, the agency said. warning.
Justice is out of reach
“In many remote locations, humanitarian access is cut off or resources and support are scarce. Access to justice is limited and survivors fear retaliation and marginalization,” UNHCR Spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told journalists in Geneva.
She said colleagues working in conflict situations continue to hear from survivors who have faced brutal violence, torture, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and other horrors, including being considered a weapon of war.
For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the bodies of women and girls have become an extension of the “battlefield” amid cyclical violence and growing insecurity. serious, even at relocation sites. Furthermore, reports of gender-based violence have increased this year, with most of the violations being rape.
“In Chad, women have reported being raped while fleeing conflict in Sudan,” Ms. Mantoo said.
“In Afghanistan, increasing restrictions on women and girls, high rates of domestic violence at home and a worsening economic situation are contributing to the mental health crisis, with UNHCR partners reporting an increasing number of patients seeking help.”
Dangerous when moving
Refugee and migrant women traveling on routes to the Mediterranean continued to report facing violence and sexual exploitation, slavery and human trafficking. Humanitarians estimate that 90% are raped.
Meanwhile, survivors of sexual violence who have fled to neighboring countries are often in precarious circumstances, given the additional risks of gender-based violence they may encounter during their journey. relocation and delays in accessing services may be limited.
“In addition to conflict-related sexual violence, Forcibly displaced women and girls also face a high risk of intimate partner violence. In certain displacement settings, their risk is estimated to be 20% higher than for women and girls who are not displaced,” said Ms. Mantoo.
Furthermore, intersecting forms of discrimination also increase risks, including for women and girls with disabilities, those living in poverty, or those whose sexual orientation, gender identity, diverse gender expression and sexual characteristics.
Enhanced support
Ms Mantoo said early and effective GBV prevention and response measures for women and girls affected by forced displacement and conflict are life-saving and life-changing, but funding is lacking. cannot meet the need.
“For example, for six major regional refugee response plans – covering humanitarian needs for refugees from the DRC, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, South Sudan and Syria – the violence on gender base for the entire year for all participating organizations amounting to $236 million is currently only 28% funded,” she said.
UNHCR is highlighting this issue during the session 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, an annual global campaign running from November 25 to December 10.
The agency fears that without adequate funding, millions of displaced women and girls could lose access to vital services next year.
