GBV in Humanitarian Settings

Maha Muna Gender Advisor, UNFPA

March 2012

Gender-based Violence Gender-based Violence is an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated

against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. Acts of GBV violate a number of universal human rights protected by international instruments and conventions. Many — but not all — forms of GBV are illegal and criminal acts in national laws and policies. Around the world, GBV has a greater impact on women and girls than on men and boys. The term “gender-based violence” is often used interchangeably with the term “violence against women.” The term “gender-based violence” highlights the gender dimension of these types of acts; in other words, the relationship between females’ subordinate status in society and their increased vulnerability to violence. It is important to note, however, that men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. The nature and extent of specific types of GBV vary across cultures, countries, and regions. Examples include:

Sexual violence, including sexual exploitation/abuse and forced prostitution • Domestic violence

Trafficking Forced/early marriage Harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, honour killings, widow inheritance, and others

Physical and sexual violence is extremely common in women’s lives

3

Understanding the causal relationship between:

Vulnerability of women and girls (and men and boys)

Types of gender-based violence believed to be occurring – Rights (and Culture) Analysis

The nature and phase of the crisis (acute, protracted, transitional/recovery, etc.)

DESIGNING APPROPRIATE PREVENTION & RESPONSE PROGRAMS

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

Adhere to the 4 Guiding Principles1. Confidentiality2. Safety3. Respect4. Non-discrimination

Supporting a survivor-centered approachPromote recovery by ensuring survivor agency in

decision makingPrevent re-traumatizationEnable survivors to make truly informed choices that

consider community reintegration and consequences

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

We risk further harming those same individuals that we are trying to assist

The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Action

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

We risk further harming those same individuals that we are trying to assist

The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Action

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

DO NO HARM

HOW?

Health and

NutritionProtection

Early R

ecovery

Logistics

WA

SH

Emergency

Shelter

Education

Food SecuritySRH GBV

IASC Clustersand Sectors (PHT)

PROTECTION CLUSTERThe 5 Global “Areas of Responsibility” – Pacific

PHT

1.Child Protection (UNICEF)2.Gender-Based Violence (UNFPA)3.Housing, Land and Property Issues (UN-

Habitat)4.Mine Action (UNMAS)5.Rule of Law and Justice (UNDP/OHCHR) 

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

WHAT THE POLICY SAYS:1. Where there is a Protection Cluster:As the global GBV AoR co-leads, UNFPA and UNICEF must first determine if one or both agencies have adequate capacity to assume a leadership position in this regard, including funding, staff (e.g., allocating a full-time, preferably mid- to senior-level staff person to the role of GBV Coordinator) and technical expertise/understanding of GBV.a) UNFPA and UNICEF have the capacity to assume

leadership:One or both agencies – depending on which agency has the capacity to lead – are responsible for supporting and/or establishing an inter-agency GBV coordination body, preferably in partnership with a local entity/organization.

Global to Local: Coordination is Key

WHAT MAKES SENSE IN FIJI: • The UN Gender Group has revised the ToR and is managing a

Gender Surge Capacity.• UNICEF is already responsible for cluster management and Child

Protection AoR.• UNFPA and UN Women have strong links with NGOs and frontline

providers working on GBV prevention and response.

SURVIVOR/ COMMUNITY

HEALTHPSYCHO- SOCIAL*

LEGAL/ JUSTICE

SAFETY/ SECURITY

PROTECTION

GBV

ACRO

SS C

LUST

ERS:

Th

e M

ulti-

Sect

oral

Mod

elAddressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings – Survivor-Centered Approach

*Includes social reintegration and livelihood initiatives

RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

GBV Standard Operating Procedures

GBV Coordinator’s Handbook