Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2013

Violence Against Women and Girls in Emergencies

Caroline Green

November 2013

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

In every humanitarian crisis, humanitarian agencies, donors, and governments should seek to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls (VAWG) and gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies. This includes reducing risks across humanitarian programmes, increasing access to services for survivors, tackling the root causes of violence, and promoting women’s rights. Oxfam is committed to promoting gender equality and preventing GBV through the implementation of its Minimum Standards for Gender in Emergencies. In addition, and particularly in conflict and transition contexts, donors, governments, UN agencies, civil society, armed forces and peacekeepers should advance women’s rights, and undertake special measures to ensure their protection from GBV/VAWG.