At the close of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, Francisca Vigaud-Walsh writes that women’s bodies are often a battleground in conflict zones, and humanitarian aid areas must be a place for healing their wounds. Programs such as the U.S. initiative “Safe From the Start” are essential tools in the addressing the impacts of violence against woman and girls in conflicts.
A Welcome Recommitment to Peacekeeping, But Countries Must Deliver on Pledges
An important renewal of global commitment to peacekeeping took place recently at the United Nations Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial conference in Vancouver. Member countries and international organizations presented their commitments to improve and reinforce peacekeeping efforts. But at this time of funding cuts in many countries, the actual fulfillment of those pledges will be a challenge.
Rohingya Crisis: GBV Policy and Advocacy Task Team Inter-agency Briefing Paper
The Policy and Advocacy Task Team of the Gender-based Violence Area of Responsibility (GBV AoR) recognizes the continuing generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh in keeping their borders open to the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and violence in Myanmar.
Open Letter to Permanent Representatives to the UN: Recommendations on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
As we approach the 17th anniversary of the adoption of SCR 1325 (2000) and the annual Security Council open debate on women, peace and security (WPS), we take this opportunity to reiterate the fundamental principles enshrined in the WPS agenda and urge each Member State to more consistently promote and abide by them.
Making the Global Compact on Refugees Work for All Women and Girls
To meet the promise of the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants, the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and its Programme of Action must specifically address their rights and needs at every stage of displacement.
The UN Appoints its First Rights Advocate for Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Refugees International (RI) applauds U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ appointment of Jane Connors as the organization’s first-ever Victims’ Rights Advocate.
Lest we forget: Assisting ISIS survivors in Iraq
This month marks the three-year anniversary of the withdrawal of an 11,000-strong Peshmerga force from Sinjar in northern Iraq. The withdrawal left Sinjar’s Yazidi minority community besieged by Islamic State (ISIS) fighters. For one displaced Yazidi family with whom I recently met in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, there is both reason to grieve and to celebrate. The head of family told me that dozens of extended family members were kidnapped by ISIS during the siege. But this anniversary also marks the first that his now 15-year-old daughter, Vian, is home.
Coalition Statement on Opposing the Global Gag Rule
We join together as diverse voices from a variety of sectors to oppose the harmful global gag rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy.
Letter to President Trump on Prioritizing Women and Girls
Our organizations represent hundreds of thousands of Americans, thought leaders, program implementers, and business leaders currently advancing rights and opportunities for women and girls, global development, and humanitarian assistance for peace and security around the world. While our organizations bring differing perspectives, and employ different methods in our work, one thing that unites us is our commitment to advancing gender equality, and the empowerment and human rights of all women and girls.
A Battle Not Yet Over: Displacement and Women’s Needs in Post-Peace Agreement Colombia
After 50 years of brutal war, Colombia’s peace agreement is cause to celebrate.