The Global Summit on Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Refugee and Humanitarian Crises

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Date: December 13 -14, 2024 

Venue: 163 Queen St E, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 1S1 

“Empowering Survivors, Building Resilient Communities”

Introduction

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a significant concern in refugee and humanitarian crises. It is estimated that one in three women worldwide will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime, with even higher numbers in refugee and humanitarian crises. SGBV is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. When people flee their homes, they are often at greater risk of physical, sexual, and psychological violence, including rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, and forced prostitution.

Background

Gender-based violence continues to disproportionately impact women and girls due to deep-rooted gender inequalities in our societies. These inequalities are amplified in crisis situations, creating fertile ground for exploitation and abuse. SGBV undermines the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, leading to physical and mental health problems, social isolation, economic insecurity, and reduced participation in public life. The global economy is also significantly impacted, with the World Bank estimating that GBV costs $1.5 trillion annually.

Purpose of the Summit

The Global Summit on Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Refugee and Humanitarian Crises is the first global gathering and groundbreaking initiative led by grassroots women and refugee-led organizations. It aims to bring together SGBV survivors, experts, advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders from Canada and around the world to address SGBV, one of the most pervasive and prevalent issue facing refugees, displaced persons, and asylum seekers today.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Summit seeks to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to ending SGBV and empowering survivors to build resilience and create a safer, more equitable future for all.

Theme

 “Empowering Survivors, Building Resilient Communities”

Purpose and Objectives

• To provide a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to combat and prevent SGBV within refugee and humanitarian crises.
• To understand the complexities of SGBV in refugee settings by exploring cultural, social, and systemic factors contributing to vulnerability.
• To discuss evidence-based prevention strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of SGBV among refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced populations.
• To examine best practices in providing comprehensive support services and rehabilitation for survivors, including medical, legal, psychosocial, and economic empowerment.
• To highlight the experiences of marginalized groups within refugee communities, including women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
• To address the role of policy frameworks, international law, and advocacy efforts in creating a safer environment for refugees and preventing SGBV.
• To amplify survivor voices and stories of strength, courage, and resilience, showcasing successful community-led initiatives that empower refugees to be agents of change in ending SGBV.

Key Highlights at the Summit 

• Expert Panels: Engage with leading experts on SGBV, refugee rights, and humanitarian response.
• Interactive Workshops: Participate in practical, hands-on sessions to develop skills and strategies.
• Survivor Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from SGBV survivors, highlighting their resilience and journey towards healing.
• Innovative Solutions: Explore cutting-edge technologies and methodologies being used to combat SGBV in crisis settings.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with global leaders, practitioners, and advocates to foster collaboration.
• Policy Discussions: Influence and understand the latest policy developments and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing SGBV.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Learn from successful community-driven projects that have made significant impacts.

What Participants Can Expect

• Insightful Discussions: Deep dives into the multifaceted nature of SGBV in refugee settings, considering cultural, social, and systemic factors.
• Practical Knowledge: Workshops and case studies presenting evidence-based prevention strategies and comprehensive support services for survivors.
• Holistic Approach: Examination of medical, legal, psychosocial, and economic empowerment practices to support survivors.
• Inclusivity Focus: Sessions highlighting the experiences and needs of marginalized groups, including women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
• Policy and Advocacy: Discussions on policy frameworks, international law, and grassroots-led advocacy efforts to create safer environments for refugees.
• Empowerment: Platforms for survivors to share their stories and for community leaders to present initiatives that empower refugees as agents of change.
• Resource Sharing: Access to a wealth of knowledge, tools, and resources to better understand and tackle SGBV in crises.
• Call to Action: Mobilizing participants to hold policymakers accountable and ensure refugees’ protection against SGBV.

Structure of the Summit

1.Expert Panel Discussions

• Discussing the multifaceted nature of SGBV in refugee settings.
• Exploring evidence-based prevention strategies.

2. Interactive Workshops

• Engaging participants in hands-on activities to develop practical solutions.
• Sharing case studies and best practices.

3. Case Studies

• Presenting real-life examples of successful SGBV interventions and programs.

4. Networking Opportunities

• Facilitating connections between participants to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Key Focus Areas of the Summit

• Intersectionality and Inclusivity: Highlighting the experiences of marginalized groups within refugee communities.
• Policy and Advocacy: Addressing the role of policy frameworks and advocacy efforts in preventing SGBV.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Amplifying survivor voices and showcasing community-led initiatives.
• Institutional Best Practices: Highlighting best practices in  SGBV programming and risk mitigation across all sectors.
• Male Survivors and SOGI: Amplifying the voices of male survivors of sexual violence and survivors with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, highlighting program strategies to respond to their needs.

Call to Action

The Summit will call upon and hold policymakers accountable to ensure the protection of refugees against GBV by reducing their risk of SGBV and ensuring all survivors have access to quality services that meet their needs. The event aims to foster collaboration among governments, communities, and partners to address GBV and implement quality programming for prevention, mitigation, and response services for refugees.

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