During humanitarian situations, acts of violence such as rape, harassment and physical aggression often increase in prevalence and can have serious and lasting consequences that further endanger survivors' lives. Such acts can include permanent impairment, death or a whole range of physical, psychosocial and mental health problems that negatively affect survivors' self-respect and quality of life and expose them to the risk of further abuse whilst internally displaced or refugee status. These consequences can result in a vicious circle of violence and ill-treatment, as survivors may be rejected by their families, excluded and stigmatised by society, or even arrested, placed in detention and punished and sometimes even subjected to further violence because they sought protection, assistance or access to justice.
According to the World Bank and WHO, 15% of the worlds population has a disability and these individuals are frequently reported to be at increased risk of violence, especially during a humanitarian crisis. Adults and children with disabilities are at a higher risk of violence than non-disabled adults and children, and those with mental illnesses could be particularly vulnerable. Please refer to our Disability and violence key list that raises awareness about violence against people with disabilities, gender-based violence and violence against children disabilities.
It is important to support survivors through inclusive protection and response mechanisms during humanitarian situations to prevent further acts of violence and to advocate for safety and justice. This is supported by articles 11 and 16 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This key list highlights resources for protection against gender, disability and age based violence in humanitarian situations. We welcome your suggestions, please send comments or suggested additions to sourceassistant@hi-uk.org.
2010
November 2011
January 2011
et al
January 2004
July 2010
January 2005
February 2012
August 2006