UNHCR handbook for the protection of women and girls

Today, women and girls everywhere still face greater obstacles claiming and enjoying their rights
than do men and boys. Displacement generally exacerbates these inequalities, as does a tendency
to focus on human rights abuses in public, rather than private, spheres. Gender inequality is at the
heart of sexual and gender-based violence.

This handbook describes some of the protection challenges faced by women and girls which are of concern to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It outlines various strategies that UNHCR should adopt with partners to tackle these challenges and sets out the legal standards, principles, roles and responsibilities of States and other actors. UNHCR’s own responsibilities in this respect are explained, both as part of its mandate to secure international protection and durable solutions and as a United Nations (UN) agency. Suggestions for actions by UNHCR and partners to support women’s and girls’ enjoyment of their rights are also included. Examples of innovative practices from the field illustrate how these principles can be applied.

The areas covered include:

• principles and practices for gender equality
• identification, prevention and response to risks faced by women and girls
• tools to protect women and girls
• exercising rights and ensuring protection
• personal liberty and security
• accessing and enjoying the highest attainable standard of health.