For women, the dangers of armed conflict go far beyond the violence of combat. They risk human rights violations, suffering and death that can and should be prevented.

• Worldwide, over 40% of reported sexual assaults are perpetrated against girls aged 15 or younger.

The International Rescue Committee works comprehensively to save women’s lives and promote their rights in war-shattered countries, refugee camps and communities that are rebuilding.

Our health unit has extensive programmes supporting women’s reproductive health while we also have a unit dedicated to dealing with the effects of and preventing violence against women.

Life-Saving Care

Women are particularly vulnerable to death when they cannot receive proper care before, during or after pregnancy. The International Rescue Committee saves women’s lives by providing emergency obstetric care and treatment, as well as training local health workers and traditional birth attendants to make delivery safe. By providing women with access to family planning, we help prevent the multiple pregnancies that increase the risk for complications in childbirth.

Violence Against Women

The International Rescue Committee works around the world to ensure survivors of sexual and other violence against women and girls can access safety, healthcare, psychosocial support and justice systems. We also work to empower women and girls economically and to mobilise communities to address attitudes and practices that perpetuate violence.

We work to train the personnel and build the capacity of the United Nations and governmental and non-governmental organisations to enable them to better protect women and girls and respond to incidents of violence.

• In Syria, the IRC has seconded an adviser to the UN Refugee Agency to focus on issues of gender-based violence.