Improving the Security of Refugee and Displaced Women

The world's refugee population of today is estimated at 12 to 15 million persons and the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at about 25 million. In the absence of many adult men, women have to shoulder extended responsibility for the elderly, the disabled and the children. During all phases of the refugee or displaced cycle, women therefore represent a main resource for the survival and the well-being of the community, and their security should be seen as an inherent part of the security of the whole group. Refugees or displaced women and men share the same difficulties, but women face additional - gender specific - threats and problems. General measures are therefore not sufficient to meet women's special needs for protection.

In January 2002, The Norwegian Institute for International Affairs (NUPI), in co-operation with the International Peace Research Institute (PRIO) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), organised an international expert seminar in Oslo with the aim of defining practices to improve the security of refugee and displaced women. The seminar was initiated and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The list of over 40 participants included humanitarian practitioners, policy makers, researchers, and specifically invited refugee and displaced women.

Drawing on the observations, analyses and experiences presented by these participants, the present seminar report explores some of the relevant gender dynamics and suggests recommendations for practitioners on ways to improve the security of refugee and displaced women.