The risk of gender-based violence has only been exacerbated by COVID-19, worsening key risk factors for violence against women around the world, such as unemployment, economic insecurity, and confinement measures that limit access to GBV services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it significant obstacles for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), whether it be adhering to stay-at-home orders in what can be an unsafe environment, or struggling to find support with many service providers shuttering or limiting their services. And for certain vulnerable communities, such as refugees, such issues are exacerbated by an existing lack of stability and socioeconomic agency.

Advancing gender equality is an integral part of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)’s commitment to the human development and protection of Palestine refugees. Since 2009, preventing gender-based violence has been key to UNRWA’s programming, which seeks to empower Palestine women. This is a core tenet to the Agency’s 2016-2021 gender equality strategy.

Since the strategy was established, UNRWA’s training manual for frontline staff on understanding GBV has been used to train 600 staff members in all fields of operation, along with an e-learning course that has drawn over 450 people to participate. As well, in 2017, UNRWA launched “In Their Own Words,” which is a compilation of inspiring stories from Palestinian women, showcasing their resilience and providing them a platform to express themselves.

The risk of gender-based violence has only been exacerbated by COVID-19, worsening key risk factors for violence against women around the world, such as unemployment, economic insecurity, and confinement measures that limit access to GBV services. UNRWA is working to overcome these challenges by reviewing referral pathways for GBV services, prioritizing cash assistance distribution to women and girls, providing healthcare kits with information and referrals for GBV, ensuring girls are participating in remote education, and by developing more messaging services and getting GBV prevention and treatment information to the most vulnerable.

The response to these measures in the region suggests that they are proving successful. In a GBV indicator report for the Agency from March to July of 2020, UNRWA’s measures to address COVID-19 while still working to prevent GBV were proven effective. In Syria, 449 GBV survivors were assisted via phone, UNRWA helplines, and WhatsApp, and when in-person assistance was provided, the Agency adhered to preventative measures such as physical distancing and PPE use. In Lebanon, 31 GBV survivors were assisted, and in Jordan, 89 survivors received support and information through helplines, social media platforms, text messages, and public TV channels. 764 GBV survivors were assisted in Gaza, and 91 survivors were assisted in the West Bank.

Ultimately, while COVID-19 has caused increases in reports of domestic violence in some areas, UNRWA services have been able to exceed the target number of survivors reached in each area due to the Agency’s proactive virtual outreach and expertise operating amid emergency. 

UNRWA has decades of experience providing life-saving services to millions of Palestine refugees in emergency situations. This includes promoting gender equality in the region, creating mini-series in Gaza to raise awareness on GBV and gender stereotypes, raising awareness on prevention of, as well as responding to instances of, gender-based violence, and supporting the economic and social independence of women and girls.

The Agency’s success, however, hinges upon funding from UN donor states committed to advancing the Agency’s mission supporting the lives of Palestine refugees. The Agency has been in severe financial crisis since the United States, historically UNRWA’s largest donor, suspended all contributions in 2018. Today more than ever before, it is critical that UN member-states step up financially to support this life-saving agency.

This blog series is part of the Wilson Center series exploring the many facets of gender-based violence around the world, in parallel with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that runs from November 25 – December 10, 2020.

Image Credit

Wilson Center