On 19 and 20 September, 2 major summits on the global refugee and migration crisis are taking place as part of the United Nations General Assembly. Plan International has joined a wide range of civil society agencies in demanding that states make commitments to address the specific challenges faced by displaced women and girls.
The current global refugee crisis is the worst we have ever seen – globally, one in every 122 humans is now either a refugee, internally displaced or seeking asylum. Among this population, women and girls are one of the groups most at risk.
Girls face specific risks
Women and girls who flee conflict, crisis and natural disasters, as well as those who migrate for other reasons face specific threats. These include human trafficking, exploitation and sexual violence and a denial of their basic human rights. The risks they face can also be compounded by age, disability, race and other issues which mean some women and girls face increased discrimination, violence and barriers to assistance and protection.
States have to take action to protect the rights of displaced women and girls and the joint statement sets out how this should be done.
Download the joint statement below.