Refugee camps –

a safe space for girls?

What would a safe refugee camp look like for adolescent girls?

Plan International’s UK and US youth groups mapped out a hypothetical refugee camp that would provide safe and supportive environments for girls, by highlighting areas such as separate facilities for unaccompanied children and separated sleeping and washing areas, lighting, easily accessible education and health centres for females and security.

• Have female coordinator staff in the camp to specifically deal with the needs of unaccompanied girls

• Have a separate area in the camp for unaccompanied girls to live and stay together with appropriate staff

• Educate men and boys about the consequences of their actions including sexual abuse and adhere to strict penalties for misconduct in refugee camps

• Ensure 50% of authority figures in the camp are female

Plan International Canada’s Because I am a Girl Speakers Bureau suggested other ideas to help make refugee camps safer spaces for girls:

EDUCATION AND DISASTERS

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