Measures

OHCHR continued to work closely with the Standing Committee on Women, Peace and Security on implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 and within UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict and, through this network and in cooperation with all relevant UN entities, has been closely involved in the development of guidance for the operationalization of SC resolutions on conflict-related sexual violence. Hide

OHCHR raised awareness amongst women human rights defenders In North Africa and the Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Syria and Yemen) on the UN framework on the protection of human rights defenders, including gender dimensions. OHCHR also organised a workshop in Beirut on the role of the UN in supporting the work of women human rights defenders in the Middle East and North Africa region. Hide

UNODC, in cooperation with UN Women, undertook a mission in Viet Nam to assess the situation women facing when dealing with the criminal justice system, including women subject to gender-based violence, with a view to identify recommendations and programming suggestions. Hide

WHO clinical and policy guidelines on “Responding to intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women” and the programming tool on “Addressing violence against women in the context of HIV” have been finalized in 2012 for publishing in 2013. Hide

In the area of sexual violence in emergencies, WHO published several documents including:1. Sexual violence in emergencies: Setting a research agenda (2012)2. Do’s and don’ts in community-based psychosocial programming in regard to sexual violence in conflict-affected settings (August 2012)3. Mental health and psychosocial support for conflict-related sexual violence: 10 myths (August 2012)4. Mental health and psychosocial support for conflict-related sexual violence: principles and interventions (August 2012) Hide

During the reporting period, UNRWA detected more than 600 survivors and over 400 formal referrals to services were made. Those survivors who did not want to be further referred benefited from counselling by trained staff. UNRWA is continually extending support services into less well-served areas. In Gaza, UNRWA is working through 21 one-stop shops located in UNRWA health centres, while in West Bank, Family and Child Protection Committees have been established in 17 refugee camps with links to 11 health centres. In Syria, survivors are supported through coordination with multiple stakeholders and UNRWA has ensured survivors’ access to adequate services. Hide

UNRWA supported efforts of awareness-raising in Lebanon and the West Bank, targeting also school children and local communities. Hide

UNHCR advocated for legal reforms related to gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence in 2012. For example, in Georgia a new law on domestic violence requires police to respond immediately to cases of domestic violence, and even if there is no apparent injury but violence has occurred, the police is required to issue a restrictive order. Hide

UNHCR launched a policy on Access to Justice for Survivors of SGBV, in 2012, aimed at strengthening provision of legal services for survivors. The policy included conducting advocacy and awareness-raising with high-level and local authorities, and capacity-building activities in both formal and informal justice fora. Hide

UNHCR continued its prevention work, in a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach, and with the participation of multiple stakeholders, including communities. For example, SGBV committees, consisting of both men and women persons of concern, take the lead in conducting awareness-raising campaigns, both en masse and door-to-door, as well as discussions and debates, theater pieces, and caravans related to SGBV prevention themes. In 2012, UNHCR also began a two-year Special Project on the prevention of female genital mutilation (FGM), in Ethiopia, Kenya and Yemen, focusing on awareness-raising relating to FGM and its consequences, and will culminate in the production of a documentary film and health responses. Hide