PROBLEM ASSESSMENT: Gender-based violence continues to be a risk particularly faced by refugee women and girls, especially those without support from community networks or families. Commonly reported gender-based violence incidents include sexual violence, physical violence, domestic violence and psychological and emotional abuse. The general socioeconomic situation that pushed refugees into further poverty, compounded by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to trigger negative coping mechanisms for many with no resources or economic prospects, including survival sex.
Through awareness, community-based interventions and targeted cash assistance, UNHCR attempts to offer limited support to reduce such risks. Recent participatory consultations with refugee women and girls in urban areas (Aden/Basateen and Sana’a) and safety audits in camp settings (Kharaz) revealed several factors that may expose individuals to gender-based violence, which included living in sub-standard conditions with lack of privacy, especially due to the high cost of rents; the challenges of movement in poorly lit and insecure areas; the presence of armed individuals; and the risk of physical and sexual assault by members of local communities as a result of discriminatory attitudes.
In addition, marginalization and increased poverty exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequalities among families, particularly when gender roles changed as an effect of the context and conditions in the country of asylum and women are assuming new functions in the family, including those of breadwinners. Recent consultations conducted with women’s refugee group and partners highlighted that domestic violence was increasingly reported, particularly during movements restrictions implemented due to the pandemic.
Identifying and reporting gender-based violence cases remains a challenge, due to the prevailing sociocultural environment, an unfavourable and discriminatory criminal and civil legal framework, and lack of trust in law enforcement and judicial systems. As a result, under-reporting is believed to be high.
Awareness on gender-based violence and the protection of women and girls in general requires reinforcement, including through initiatives put in place by UNHCR and partners such as women committees to sensitize peers, identify cases and provide information on available services and solutions.
COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE: Through dedicated partners, UNHCR will continue to mitigate and address gender-based violence, including through referral of cases to specialized services for survivors, to be conducted in a safe and confidential environment (i.e. dedicated community centres and safe spaces) and through consent and participation of survivors. This will include referral to medical services, psychosocial support, material support (including cash assistance and engagement in micro income-generating initiatives) and legal counselling and assistance.
UNHCR will continue its efforts to strengthen community engagement in gender-based violence prevention, through communication with communities, sensitization and information on available services and when possible, on women’s rights. This will also include activities with men and boys. Dedicated community structure (for example, women committees) will remain instrumental for sensitization, identification and support. In Kharaz and certain urban areas, UNHCR will advocate mitigating measures such as lighting installations and additional safety audit action plans and other risk mitigation measures.
Engagement in coordination structures and participation in inter-agency initiatives will be maintained. Some 850 gender-based violence survivors will be assisted countrywide through multisectoral support.
PRIORITIZED RESPONSE: A total of 380 survivors will be provided with multisectoral support (medical assistance, psychosocial support, non-food items, cash assistance, legal counselling, and referral to life skills training), including as part of case management through partner community centres. Awareness and sensitization sessions will be organized through partner and community structures aimed at reaching some 1,200 refugees and asylum-seekers.