Violence against Migrant W omen

1. Violence against Migrant Women SYMPOSIUM “The Istanbul Convention as Prevention Tool of Violence against Women: With Focus on Child Brides and Violence against Migrant Women” VIENNA 25 November 2013

2. IFRC and the protection of Vulnerable Migrant Women • The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is committed to addressing the humanitarian concerns of migrant women in need throughout their journey: • providing assistance and protection, • upholding their rights and dignity, • empowering them in their search for opportunities and sustainable solutions, • promoting social inclusion and integration between migrants and host communities. •  The Movement responds to migrant women’s vulnerabilities without discrimination and irrespective of their legal status.

3. IFRC and Violence Prevention • Violence is predictable, hence preventable, it requires addressing the underlying root causes and social determinants, such as gender inequality, misuse of power, poverty, long term discrimination and stigma. • The promotion of social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace is one of three strategic aims in IFRC’s Strategy 2020 with the aim of creating stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

4. Violence against Migrant Women • Physical, moral and psychological abuses against migrants are a growing phenomenon which is exacerbated by the current dialogue on migration and immigration policies. • Migrant women, especially those in irregular situations,are particularly vulnerable to labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, forced begging, slavery and many others forms of exploitation.

5. IFRC and the protection of vulnerable Migrant Women • Guided by our fundamental principles of Humanity and Impartiality, IFRC works to change the dialogue on migration and raise awareness on the particular vulnerabilities and risks affecting migrants, especially focusing on the most vulnerable, such as migrant women and children, along migratory routes, in countries of origin, transit and destination. • The IFRC, with a network of 189 National Societies, is dedicated to preventing violence, victimisation and exploitation of migrant women and their families. We work alongside Governments to ensure that the protection and assistance needs of all migrants, irrespective of their legal status, are met.

6. RCRC Framework for Action to improving the Security of Migrant Women • Declaration “Together for Humanity” (2007) • IFRC Policy on Migration (2009) • IFRC Strategy on violence prevention, mitigation and response (2011) • IFRC Strategic Framework on Gender and Diversity Issues • 2011 Resolution “4-Year Action Plan for the Implementation of international humanitarian Law”

7. The RCRC’s response to improving the Security of Migrant Women and Girls • Approaches to the protection of vulnerable migrant women vary due to circumstances in different countries • The Red Cross Movement works along migratory trails to combat and prevent: • Risk of Human Trafficking and other forms of exploitation (Origin) • Xenophobia and other forms of Violence (GBV, etc..)(Transit) • Violence and labour exploitation (Destination)

8. ORIGIN :Counter-trafficking activities The Red Bell campaign • Project between the Red Cross societies of Serbia,Bosnia Croatia and Montenegro aiming to improve awareness among potential victims by promoting a number of peer-to-peer activities such as role-playing games, simulations, forum-theatre and active participation exercises.

9. ORIGIN: Violence prevention and pre departure information for domestic migrant women The Bangladesh and Philippines Red Cross Societies • Pre-departure orientation seminars and information leaflets prepared in coordination with governments and recruitment agencies. • Professional counselling is provided to migrant workers’ family members.

10. TRANSIT: responses to sexual and gender-based violence in camps and detention centres Kenyan Red Cross Society’s work with Somali refugee women in Dadaab Camp, Kenya • Challenges: sexual- and gender-based violence, including the high prevalence of female genital cutting, early/forced marriage and early pregnancy. • The Kenyan Red Cross Society response include: • creating opportunities for women and girls to engage in decision-making forums; • facilitating community-based networks of women and men to discuss and act to prevent and to respond to sexual and gender based violence; • facilitating town-hall discussions and referrals between community members and the camp authorities including legal authorities; • providing safe housesas temporary refuge for women and children who have experienced domestic violence; • creating safe space for women and children to speak and to meet.

11. DESTINATION: Support for Trafficked People • Support for Trafficked People Programme – Australian Red Cross Provides opportunities for victims to learn new skills and supports them to develop options to either remain in Australia or facilitate their reintegration upon returning to their country of origin. • Strengthen Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Victims of Human Trafficking: Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine Red Cross societies - increasing engagement of the National Red Cross Societies in victim identification, referral and assistance to ensure sustainable access to services (assistance and protection) for victims of traf­ficking.

12. DESTINATION: Programme for Migrant Women in violent domestic situations The HeemangPoongcha(“Windmill of hope”) initiative - Korean Red Cross • Integrated approach aimed at responding to the increasing numbers of vulnerable and isolated migrant women due to international marriages. Activities include: • Psychosocial support for migrant women; • Motherhood programme for woman immigrants by marriage - program to assist woman immigrants by marriage • Language programmes.

13. For more information on IFRC Migration work IFRC Website: www.ifrc.org/migration FedNet: https://fednet.ifrc.org/en/resources-and-services/migration Email: migration.unit@ifrc.org THANK YOU!