RASC News Agency: The United Nations Refugee Agency has issued an urgent warning that over 60 million forcibly displaced women and girls worldwide are at severe risk of gender-based violence. The agency further highlighted that the escalating restrictions and widespread domestic abuse in Afghanistan have significantly worsened the mental health crisis among Afghanistani women. In a statement released on Friday, the UNHCR underscored the mounting dangers of gender-based violence affecting women and girls residing in conflict zones or those displaced from their homes.
Shabia Mantoo, the agency’s spokesperson, revealed a troubling 50% increase in conflict-related sexual violence cases in 2023 compared to the previous year. Women and girls comprised 95% of all verified instances. She stated, “In Afghanistan, the tightening restrictions imposed on women and girls, combined with the alarming prevalence of domestic violence and the deteriorating economic situation, have exacerbated an already critical mental health crisis. Our teams are reporting a sharp rise in the number of patients seeking psychological support.” The report also shed light on the plight of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad. The UN observed that a significant number of gender-based violence cases in these regions remain unreported due to restricted access to services and the victims’ fear of retribution.
Mantoo emphasized that displaced women and girls across multiple regions are increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. The agency issued a stark reminder that without adequate funding, millions of displaced women and girls could lose access to vital services. It underscored the critical need for robust gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives, warning that existing resources are grossly insufficient to meet the growing demand for such lifesaving programs.
