1. African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) Regional Training for North & East Africa Ombudspersons, on the role of the Ombudsman in promoting human rights and peace Djibouti, 8th March Vulnerability of women and girls as Refugees or IDPs Steve Onwuasoanya Commonwealth Secretariat
London, United Kingdom

2. Issues Statement
In 2016, nearly 66 million people were forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution.
When displaced persons cross international borders, they are called “refugees”. Conversely, when they remain in their countries, they are called “internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees are entitled to international protection while the States have primary responsibility for IDPs under the IDP Guiding Principles.
However, under international law, both refugees and IDPs are entitled to the protection of their human rights.

3. Situational Analysis of vulnerable women and girls
In many societies, women and girls face discrimination and violence everyday, simply because of their gender. An ordinary task like collecting water or going to the toilet can put them at risk of rape or abuse.
In times of displacement, this problem escalates. Women and girls make up around 50% of any refugee, IDP or stateless population, and those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled or elderly are especially vulnerable.
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most prevalent and persistent issues facing women globally.

4. Situational Analysis Contd.
The Committee on CEDAW defines GBV as “violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately”;
The UN General Assembly Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993) expanded the scope of GBV to encompass physical, sexual and psychological violence, including threats and coercion occurring within families, in the general community, or condoned by the State;
Worldwide, 50% of victims of sexual violence are 15 years old or younger;

5. Situational Analysis Contd.
Refugee and displaced girls are even more exposed to exploitation, abuse, and sexual violence;
According to international guidelines, male and female toilets in refugee and IDP camps are supposed to be separate and marked as such. The doors are also supposed to have locks to prevent sexual attacks. But these requirements are often not enforced;
Refugee and IDP camps are often poorly lit, putting girls and women at risk at night, even on their way to toilet;
At refugee camps, food items like rice, dried beans and grain are distributed. The food needs to be cooked before it can be eaten, but cooking fuel is generally not provided;

6. Situational Analysis Contd.
All things having to do with meals and cooking are considered women’s work, including wood to make fires for cooking;
When they go out to collect wood to make fires to cook their families’ meals, women and girls face gender-based violence on a regular basis – from militants, locals and sometimes even men and boys they know from the camp. Perpetrators usually go scot-free!

7. The impact of GBV among refugee and IDP populations
The impact GBV varies by region and context;
Increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – indicated by studies in DR Congo;
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder – documented throughout Sub-Saharan Africa;
Short and long-term health, economic and social disorder for individuals, families and communities.

8. Progressive Measures
Ensuring safe shelters that offer privacy, in refugee and IDP camps;
Fair food distribution systems;
Clean, separate sanitation facilities;
Skills acquisition for economic self reliance;
Transforming socio-cultural norms, with an emphasis on empowering women and girls;
Creating conditions to improve accountability systems;
Designing effective services and facilities;
Working with formal and non-formal legal systems and mechanisms;
Assessment, monitoring, and documentation of GBV.

9. How can the office of the Ombudsperson protect the rights of refugee and IDP women and girls?

10. Have you visited any IDP/Refugee camp?
What were your overall observations?

11. National human rights institution (NHRI)
Is there an NHRI in your country?
If yes, do you have a working relationship with the NHRI?
If not, is this something you could pursue as an outcome to this training?
NHRIs have a mandate to promote and protect human rights, so they would be an ideal partner for collaboration to address the vulnerabilities of women and girl IDPs/refugees

12. Parliament Do you have a working relationship with your parliament?
Do you have a working relationship with a parliamentary committee?
If not, is this something you could pursue as an outcome to this training?
Parliament has the dual mandate to hold the executive to account, as well as making laws. Under the Belgrade Principles NHRIs and parliaments are encouraged to forge cooperation with each other – there would be a seamless space to also include the Ombudsman in this cooperation arrangement as an ideal partnership for collaboration to address the vulnerabilities of women and girl IDPs/refugees

13. Traditional/Faith leaders
Do you have a working relationship with traditional leaders?
Do you have a working relationship with faith leaders?
If not, is this something you could pursue as an outcome to this training?
Traditional/faith leaders are most often the custodians of social norms, cultures and traditions within communities. A partnership would offer opportunities to work at grassroots level with communities to address the vulnerabilities of women and girl IDPs/refugees