Measures

IOM conducts and supports research designed to guide and inform migration policy and practice, with a special focus on violence against women, not only in counter-trafficking studies, but also in labour migration and in emergency and post-conflict research. Hide

IOM implements a cross border project at Beitbridge, Zimbabwe and a project for internally displaced persons in Colombia to assist returnees and facilitate their protection, particularly women, by building capacities of local entities and liaising with existing health facilities to ensure access to needed health services. Hide

In 2005, IOM’s Working Group on Gender Issues at Headquarters supported the production of a series of TV public service announcements for anglo-phone Caribbean countries on HIV/AIDS prevention and a documentary for Senegalese television on trafficking of children. Many of IOM’s counter-trafficking projects include information campaigns that aim to change behaviour related to discrimination and violence against women.In collaboration with UNFPA, IOM organized, in May 2006, an expert group meeting entitled "Female migrants: bridging the gaps throughout the life cycle", which brought together a wide range of stakeholders from countries of origin, transit and destination Protection of migrant women against violence was part of the agenda. Hide

FAO supported the incorporation of gender perspectives in agricultural censuses and surveys in several FAO Member countries. Hide

UNRWA supports women’s programme centres in all refugee communities, where awareness-raising, support sessions on gender-based violence, and often legal advice, are provided to women. Women’s programme centres have kindergartens, where possible abuse of children and women occurring in the home can be detected and counselling and advice are provided in such cases. Violence against women and children is also addressed through theatre and role playing. Hide

In the context of armed conflict and the ongoing crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, UNRWA supports women with the provision of temporary employment, with psycho-social support to family members, provision of shelter and emergency food and cash support. This emergency support is critical considering the drastic economic and social decline being experienced by Palestinians in the occupied territory, which has contributed to increased levels of social violence, including gender-based violence. Hide

UNHCR operational activities include establishing and maintaining drop-in centres to facilitate access to health and psychosocial service providers, safe shelters, and legal justice for survivors. Hide

In 2008, technical consultations were conducted to support the roll-out of gender-based violence information management system (GBVIMS) in Kenya and Northern Uganda. GBVIMS is a joint effort of UNHCR, UNFPA and IRC. Hide

UNHCR collaborates with health partners, to ensure that survivors of violence have proper access to services, including access to post-exposure prophylaxis and emergency contraception. Such collaboration with UNFPA and other partners includes training on clinical management of rape survivors for health professionals. Hide

Specific attention is paid in UNHCR’s work to involving more male staff and refugees, including youth, in understanding, preventing and addressing sexual and gender-based violence. Hide