UN: Gender inequalities and dangers for refugee women and girls on the rise due to pandemic

An alarming increase in reports of incidents of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, forced marriages, human trafficking, child labor and adolescent pregnancy among refugee girls, displaced and stateless, due to the pandemic of UN for them Refugees, in an announcement on the occasion of International Women’s Day, reports APE.

Many refugees are heavily dependent on humanitarian aid or wages. Many have now lost their volatile livelihoods and found themselves in extreme poverty with devastating and far-reaching consequences, according to the UNHCR.

This phenomenon is attributed to growing socio-economic pressures, intensified tensions in homes and societies, and the closure of schools, all as a result of pandemic-related poverty. Some survivors even resort to the drastic solution of withdrawing their complaints due to financial dependence on their abusive partners, the organization notes.

In addition, refugee women are burdened with the extra provision of home care while resorting to informal precarious jobs or ending up on the streets. Increased demands on households also reduce their opportunities for education while increasing their exposure to the virus.

“The international community must support humanitarian programs that fight gender inequality, as well as expand initiatives to promote education, vocational training and autonomy. “It is also imperative that these populations be included in the socio-economic assistance programs designed and implemented by governments.”

Although the coronavirus pandemic fuels gender inequality and increases the risk of violence against women and girls, prevention and response programs continue to have significant funding shortfalls.

“The active and effective participation of women and girls in decisions that affect their lives, their families and their communities is vital to the observance of their human rights, as well as to ensuring their effective protection and support for empowerment. “, concludes the announcement of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

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