A/HRC/32/42
girls is extremely important. Security organs are the first respondents in cases of violence,
and have a key role to play in prevention, the prosecution of perpetrators and the protection
of women survivors of violence. The goals attained and the challenges encountered in the
implementation of the Kigali Declaration could be used as good practices for the
formulation of a global code of conduct for police forces.
60.
The mandate holder intends to explore the possibility of formulating a global code of
conduct for security officers required to address cases of violence against women and girls,
which could possibly be extended to other service providers, such as social workers and
health providers.
D.
Protecting women and girls in the context of forced displacement and
refugee flows
61.
Women and girls fleeing conflicts and persecution face various forms of genderbased violence and cases of multiple discrimination, particularly when they travel alone.
These women and girls are vulnerable at all stages of their journey; in the countries of
origin, of transit and of destination.
62.
The challenges that women and girls migrants face include the risk of certain forms
of violence, including sexual violence, by smugglers, criminal groups and individuals in
countries of origin, transit and destination. Their journey could also turn into trafficking,
slavery and slavery-like practices. They may also face greater risks of sexual violence and
harassment while in transit in camps or shelters owing to, among others, shared
accommodation and common sanitation facilities, which make them vulnerable to violence
and abuse. They may lack access to gender-specific services, while frequently the
reluctance of victims to report cases of sexual violence results in underreporting. Besides
being a key reason behind many women’s decisions to migrate, gender-based violence is a
common feature throughout their journeys and in countries of destination.
63.
The Special Rapporteur notes that there is a lack of data on such human rights
violations, a fact that prevents authorities from taking the necessary measures to ensure the
safety of these women and girls. She intends to assist in the development of the necessary
guidance for States in this field.
64.
In its general recommendation No. 32, on the gender-related dimensions of refugee
status, asylum, nationality and statelessness of women, the Committee on the Elimination
of Discrimination against Women recognized that “displacement arising from armed
conflict, gender-related persecutions and other serious human rights violations that affect
women compounds existing challenges to the elimination of discrimination against
women”.
65.
In 2016, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
established an advisory group on gender, forced displacement and protection, of which the
Special Rapporteur is a member, which and explored, inter alia, good practices for fostering
meaningful community engagement.
66.
The large-scale phenomenon of female migration has yet to be adequately addressed
in migration policies with the full recognition of the gender-specific challenges and risks
that migrating and refugee women and girls face. The Special Rapporteur stands ready to
assist in the development of necessary guidance for States in this field.
17
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