Action Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: An updated strategy

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) threatens displaced women and girls, as well as men and boys, in all regions of the world. Creating safe environments and mitigating the risk of SGBV can only be achieved by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. While the scourge of SGBV is receiving much more attention internationally – as illustrated by Security Council Resolutions 1820, 1888 and 1960 – preventing SGBV is a complex challenge. To assist operations in addressing this core protection concern, UNHCR is presenting the Action Against Sexual- and Gender-Based Violence: An Updated Strategy.

This strategy provides a structure to assist UNHCR operations in dealing with SGBV on the basis of a multi-sectoral and interagency approach. Building on successful SGBV intervention models in various operations, this Action Against SGBV provides instructions for UNHCR operations to build their own multi-year, operation-specific SGBV strategies at country level. Developed on the basis of a suggested matrix, these strategies will reflect the needs of different at-risk populations and be adaptable to either stable or emergency contexts, camp or rural/urban settings. The Action against SGBV underscores that the responsibility and accountability for SGBV programme development and implementation rest at the highest levels of management.