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Conference Resolution

Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis

Promoting Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity for Black African Refugee
Introduction

The Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis convened from May 7th to 8th, 2023, at the Sackville Banquet Hall in Toronto, Canada. The conference aimed to address the urgent challenges faced by refugees in accessing sexual reproductive health (SRH) services and achieving gender equity amidst refugee and humanitarian crises. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and roundtable sessions, the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and recommendations for improving SRHR outcomes for refugees.

Preamble

Acknowledging the urgent need to address the significant challenges faced by refugees and displaced populations, particularly women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals, in accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and achieving gender equity and equality.

Recognizing the critical importance of upholding the rights and dignity of refugees in accessing sexual and reproductive health information, resources, and services, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.

Affirming the principles outlined in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which recognize the human rights of individuals to have control over matters related to their sexuality and reproductive health, we recommend the following:

Service Providers
  1. Implement culturally sensitive training programs for healthcare providers to ensure respectful, non-discriminatory care for refugees.
  2. Establish mobile clinics and community-based healthcare programs to enhance access to SRHR services in refugee communities.
  3. Integrate SRHR education into existing support systems, with a focus on addressing cultural norms and language barriers.
  4. Foster partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach and service delivery to vulnerable refugee populations.
  5. Prioritize trauma-informed and gender-inclusive approaches in SRHR service provision to promote dignity and respect for refugees.
  6. Develop targeted interventions to address HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination within refugee communities, including culturally sensitive education and outreach programs.
  7. Implement comprehensive SGBV prevention strategies within SRHR service delivery, including trauma-informed care and survivor-centered approaches.
  8. Expand access to youth-friendly SRHR services through community-based initiatives and peer support networks.
  9. Strengthen partnerships with refugee-led and youth-led organizations to enhance the engagement and participation of refugee youth in SRHR programming.
  10. Provide training for healthcare providers on the intersectionality of SGBV and SRHR to improve service delivery for vulnerable populations.
Policy Makers (municipal, provincial, and federal)
  1. Allocate funding and resources to support community-based initiatives aimed at improving access to SRHR services for refugees.
  2. Develop and implement policy frameworks that address systemic barriers, including legal status and discrimination, hindering refugees’ access to SRHR services.
  3. Establish guidelines for culturally appropriate SRHR education and service provision within refugee and humanitarian settings.
  4. Strengthen collaboration between government, refugee serving organizations, and stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing SRHR needs.
  5. Advocate for inclusive policies that protect and promote the sexual reproductive rights of refugees, particularly women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
  6. Advocate for policies that prioritize equity in healthcare delivery for black and LGBTQ+ refugees living with HIV/AIDS, including increased funding for community-based HIV programming.
  7. Support initiatives that address systemic barriers to accessing SRHR services for refugee women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals, including legal reforms and anti-discrimination measures.
  8. Incorporate SGBV prevention efforts into refugee health policies and guidelines, with a focus on survivor support and community engagement.
  9. Promote youth-friendly policies and programs that empower refugee youth to access SRHR services and participate in decision-making processes.
  10. Invest in research and data collection to inform evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at improving SRHR outcomes for refugee populations.
Supporting Arguments
  1. Evidence shows that limited access to quality SRH services and gender-based violence disproportionately affect refugees and displaced populations, exacerbating health disparities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
  2. Comprehensive SRH education and services are fundamental human rights that contribute to the health, well-being, and empowerment of individuals and communities, regardless of their legal status or background.
  3. Effective policy reforms and resource allocation are essential to address systemic barriers and promote equitable access to SRH services for refugees, ensuring that no one is left behind in humanitarian responses.
Date and Location

Adopted at the Sackville Banquet Hall, 237 Sackville St, Toronto, ON M5A 3G1, Canada, during the Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis, held from May 7th to 8th, 2023.

Signatories

Endorsed by delegates of the Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis, on May 8th, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.