United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees

In Serbia, a report on “Domestic Violence - Protection and Prevention” was presented by UNHCR in March 2009, providing an analysis of the legislative framework and a recommendation for the adoption of a Law on Domestic Violence, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to instances of domestic violence. Hide

In Ethiopia and Djibouti, HIV/AIDS vulnerability assessments by UNHCR were conducted for high risk groups in refugee camps. The assessments substantiated that survival sex takes place in the refugee camps. The recommendations included immediate protection measures for children who have been sexually exploited and abused, as well as setting up peer led systems, HIV/AIDS and health education to targeted groups. Hide

UNHCR has conducted in-depth assessments on vulnerabilities and at risk groups in refugee camps in Kenya and Tanzania. Protection interventions have been developed to combat sexual exploitation of children. Hide

UNHCR supported the training of community and health services staff to improve their response to sexual violence and exploitation, to ensure safe access to services and to develop peer HIV prevention programmes for vulnerable groups. Hide

UNHCR has developed a Strategic Plan for Reproductive Health (2008-2012), including key sexual and gender-based violence strategies on the establishment of policies, guidelines and programmes to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence; clinical management and protocols for rape survivors; access to early diagnosis; and care and treatment for rape survivors. Hide

UNHCR marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence with activities at Headquarters, and a workshop on the involvement of men and boys in addressing sexual and gender-based violence; and the collection and display of handprints of UNHCR staff members as part of the “Hands United against Harm” project. Events in field operations included: roundtable discussions, traditional dances, songs, theatre plays, children’s drawing competitions, film screenings and training sessions to raise awareness on sexual and gender-based violence. Hide

UNHCR has included a section in the Health Information System (HIS) to collect data on injuries reported at health centers, disaggregated by age and sex. Hide

In October 2008, UNHCR finalized a three-year Strategic Plan to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. Hide

UNHCR continued to work on the development of an Information Management System to improve data collection and information sharing on sexual and gender-based violence (GBVIMS). UNHCR and UNFPA jointly conducted technical support missions to Uganda and Kenya. Hide

During 2008, all UNHCR offices were required to view and discuss the film “To Serve with Pride”, produced by the ECHA/ECPS UN/NGO Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. UNHCR has also taken the lead in developing guidance for field offices in setting up community-based complaints mechanisms for sexual exploitation and abuse. Hide