Refugees International Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Crises

Please see the below statement from Refugees International Senior Advocate for Women and Girls Devon Cone: 

“Refugees International applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Safe from the Start Act into the U.S. Congress today, which shows that women and girls’ protection in humanitarian emergencies is non-negotiable. Despite countless calls for an end to gender-based violence (GBV) among refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and other forcibly displaced people, GBV is still pervasive and has only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unacceptable for women and girls to flee violence only to experience violence yet again.

This Act would improve the U.S. government’s efforts to prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV in crises around the world whether due to conflict, natural disasters, or even pandemics. There is still a long way to go, but the Safe from the Start Act, if passed, would be a huge step in the right direction. Given the dramatic rise in GBV just in the last year, Congress should pass this bill and pass it quickly.”     

 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Refugees International Director of Communications Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org.