A/HRC/23/44
1.
Detailed and disaggregated data collection
33.
Data disaggregated by sex, age, location and other key indicators are essential for
effective advocacy and the development of programmes to respond to the specific needs of
IDW at all stages of displacement, whether caused by conflicts, disasters or other factors. 31
Data is equally essential to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of such
programmes. Despite calls in the Beijing Platform for Action and subsequent reports, 32
recommendations33 and resolutions34 for the collection of detailed, disaggregated data, such
information is not available in the vast majority of displacement-affected States, which
often lack the necessary infrastructure and human and financial capacity to produce and
update such data.35 Additionally, where such data are collected, lack of formal endorsement
by Governments may represent a further hurdle to its dissemination and the implementation
of corrective measures in programmes, particularly those affecting IDW. Improving the
reporting and analysis of sex-disaggregated data has been a key area of focus of the IASC
Sub-Working Group on Gender and Humanitarian Action. Moving forward, greater
attention is needed for the collection not only of disaggregated quantitative, but also
qualitative data that capture the particular experiences and concerns of IDW and other
members of displacement-affected communities. For instance, data that is sexdisaggregated should further be age-disaggregated to take into account the specific needs of
adolescent girls, young women and older women and therefore allow more equitable
assistance to these different groups. Beyond collecting such data, national census offices
should also systematically apply a gender lens to analysis and dissemination efforts.
2.
Prevention and response to SGBV in the context of internal displacement
34.
Despite myriad training, guidelines and manuals, displaced women and girls
continue to be subject to egregious levels of sexual violence. In some situations, sexual
violence or other forms of gender-based violence is used as a deliberate tactic to instil
terror, and force displacement, or to discourage IDPs from demanding their rights. Beyond
being a significant cause of displacement and a grievous human rights violation in its own
right, SGBV or the perceived risk of it can also curtail women’s access to a range of rights
and services.36
35.
There is therefore a pressing need for a more preventative approach to these
challenges. In this regard, the Protocol on the Prevention and Suppression of Sexual
Violence against Women and Children (2006) of the Great Lakes region and the model law
annexed thereto, the 2011 Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating
violence against women and domestic violence and the Inter-American Convention on the
Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of
Belém do Pará) provide some important entry points and examples in terms of legal
frameworks. Fuel strategies and livelihood initiatives targeting displaced women and girls,
31
32
33
34
35
36
12
Buscher, “Refugee Women”, p. 15; Nina M. Birkeland, Edmund Jennings and Elizabeth J. Rushing
(eds.), Global Overview 2011: People internally displaced by conflict and violence (2012, IDMC and
Norwegian Refugee Council), p. 2.
Review and Appraisal of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, general recommendation No. 19
(1992) on violence against women.
Security Council resolution 1889 (2009).
Birkeland et al., Global Overview 2011, p. 27; Martin, “Refugee and displaced women”, p. 91;
UNDESA, Statistics Division, “Fact Sheet: Civil conflict and severe lack of development take a toll
on statistical capacities”, 18 January 2006.
Report of the Secretary-General on women’s participation in peacebuilding, A/65/354-S/2010/466,
para. 22.
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