WHO and Health Sector Boost GBV Response in Rohingya Camps.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Health Sector and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), organised a stakeholder symposium in Cox’s Bazar on December 5, 2024. This event was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 2024, aimed at raising awareness about the prevention and mitigation of sexual and gender-based violence in the Rohingya refugee camps.

The symposium brought together over 50 representatives from the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), UN agencies, INGOs/NGOs, women's rights organizations, and women-led groups. It assessed stakeholders’ involvement and commitment to addressing GBV within the health sector in the context of humanitarian response, while highlighting both progress and future plans.

GBV is a widespread global concern, with approximately 1 in 3 women (30%) worldwide having experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at some point in their lives^[1]. In Bangladesh, a 2021 UN Women report reveals that 93% of women have either experienced violence themselves or know another woman who has^[2]. 

"The government of Bangladesh envisions a nation free from gender-based violence. Achieving this goal requires educating perpetrators for better outcomes. GBV is not only a violation of basic human rights but also a critical public health issue. This symposium offers a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration to chart a common path forward," stated Dr Asif Ahmed Howlader, Civil Surgeon Cox’s Bazar.

In the Rohingya refugee camps, approximately one in four women and girls have reported experiencing gender-based violence^[3]. Such violence can have severe effects on women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may also increase the risk of HIV acquisition in certain contexts.

Discussions during the symposium focused on improving access to health services for survivors, strengthening mental health and psychosocial support, engaging communities in protection efforts, breaking the silence around GBV, ensuring access to justice, and adapting referral systems to better support GBV survivors. Key challenges highlighted included governance issues, limited resources, funding constraints, coordination difficulties, barriers to accessing justice, and the need for increased community engagement in protection efforts. "WHO is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors of GBV in the Rohingya camps. By strengthening our health sector response and fostering compassionate care, we aim to ensure that every survivor receives the dignity, respect, and comprehensive support they deserve. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a future where every woman and girl can thrive," said Dr Jorge Martinez, Head of Sub Office Cox's Bazar, WHO Bangladesh.

Participants put forward several recommendations, including continuous adherence to survivor-centred principles, collaboration with GBV focal points in health facilities to enhance services, community messaging to prevent GBV and child marriages, and dialogue with camp administrators. “This symposium aims to establish a unified approach to enhance collaboration, mitigate risks, and foster community relationships, which can help identify and prevent GBV/IPV, dismantle silos, and support the implementation of effective policies,” said Ms. Eunice Anek, WHO GBViE Consultant.

WHO plays a crucial role in addressing violence against women as a public health, gender equality, and human rights issue by building evidence, developing guidelines, encouraging political will, and strengthening health systems. Since 2019, WHO and health sector partners have expanded their response in the Rohingya Camps to include GBV services, training over 100 health workers to manage rape and intimate partner violence. They developed a framework for monitoring GBV services, improved medical supply procurement, and adapted clinical protocols to the camp context. GBV registers were distributed to support reporting, and 93% of primary healthcare centres now routinely monitor service quality. Enhanced partnerships and community engagement have increased the number of survivors accessing quality care.

The symposium highlighted the critical role of the health sector in addressing GBV in the Rohingya refugee camps. By fostering a supportive environment and ensuring access to comprehensive GBV services, WHO and its partners are making significant strides in mitigating the impact of GBV and promoting the well-being of survivors. Continued advocacy, resource allocation, and community engagement are vital for sustaining and building upon these efforts.

WHO is committed to ensuring that every survivor receives the care and support they need, breaking the cycle of violence and paving the way for a safer, more equitable future for all.

For more information about this publication, please contact Terence Ngwabe Che, External Communication Officer, Cox’s Bazar Sub Office, WHO Bangladesh at chet@who.int