IPPF is supporting the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Emergencies, which aims to fundamentally transform the way GBV is addressed in humanitarian operations via the collective action of numerous partners, each bringing various strengths and capacities to the table. The commitments were presented during a High Level Panel at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul today.

On the Call to Action, Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General said: ” We cannot allow gender based violence to go ignored. We are seeing the impact when people reach our humanitarian services. We call for others to follow our lead and deliver a prioritised approach that ensures there is a tailored service for those who affected by gender-based violence. This will ensure that those in crisis will get the support and protection they need so no one is left behind”.

Women and girls are disproportionately influenced by humanitarian crises exposed to early marriage, trafficking, rape, forced pregnancies, unattended service delivery during complicated pregnancies and delivery. Women and girls are 14 times more likely to die in disaster settings than men.

IPPF tailors its programmes to focus on GBV and women and girls. The Call to Action will strengthen a global standard and prioritization for GBV in crisis settings.

IPPF has committed to a range of areas for GBV in crisis settings:

• IPPF Secretariat-wide standard to drive action and accountability on GBV and gender equality in humanitarian service delivery.

• Develop a tailored minimal sexuality education programme that is responsive to the needs of people living in crisis settings, recognizing the additional risks of early marriage, and sexual violence

• All IPPF local Member Associations implement GBV and/or gender equality interventions that are based on assessment and planning processes.

• IPPF targets to deploy its regional and local GBV experts within 72 hours of a major crisis