Protecting Women from Sexual and Gender-based Violence in European Refugee Crisis Focusing on UNHCR Approach

Abstract

The current refugee and migration crisis in Europe has intensified different forms of vulnerability including different types of sexual and gender- based violence for female refugee as well as asylum seekers. These women, who are travelling to seek refuge in Europe, may be exposed to various kinds of violence on the route, transit or destination countries. The lack of adequate accommodation or reception facilities in European countries and taking irregular migration paths with smugglers, have amplified the vulnerability of refugee women. Considering the increasing number of refugee single women and unaccompanied children towards Europe since 2016, international organisations and European NGOs expanded working on recognition and providing legal and medical protection for vulnerable women. The UNHCR, according to its supervisory responsibility has emphasised on assisting European countries to fulfill their international obligations under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees as well as other European instruments relating to refugee law. This paper has assessed the status of victims of gender violence. Moreover, it has overviewed UNHCR's guidelines and actions to prevent and response to sexual and gender-based violence in crisis situation in Europe.

Keywords

• sexual and gender-based violence
• refugee law
• women refugees
• europe
• united nations high commissioner for refugees