Sexual and reproductive health

Emergency situations

Fleeing refugees
UNHCR/P. Taggart

Sexual and reproductive health care should be available in emergency situations and be based on the needs and expressed demands of refugees, particularly women, with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of the refugees while also conforming with universally recognised international human rights.

Related links

  • The Reproductive Health Response in Conflict (RHRC) Consortium
    The Reproductive Health Response in Conflict (RHRC) Consortium is dedicated to the promotion of reproductive health among all persons affected by armed conflict.
  • Inter-agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises
    Formerly the Inter-agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations, the IAWG was formed in 1995 to promote access to quality reproductive health care for refugee women and others affected by armed conflict. It was originally comprised of over 30 groups, including UN agencies, universities, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and was led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations population Fund (UNFPA).
  • RAISE
    The Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies (RAISE) Initiative is catalysing change in how reproductive health is addressed by all sectors involved in emergency response, from field services to advocacy, from local aid providers to global relief movements.
  • Sub-Working Group on Gender and Humanitarian Action
    Inter-Agency Standing Committee
  • Sexual violence in conflict
    The sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated against women in conflict and humanitarian settings is increasingly being reported and documented.
  • Stop rape now
    UN action against sexual violence in conflict
  • Health Action in Crises
    WHO and Inter-agency news, guidelines, agreements and other key information on health action in crises.

Inter-agency field manual

Image of the field manual