A Gendered Approach to Security and Violence in Refugee Camps

The purpose of this research is to explore the connection between the lack of security and increase of gender based violence in refugee camps. There are several factors that contribute to insecurity in refugee camps including but not limited to overcrowding, inadequate supplies of food and fuel sources, inadequate, ineffective, and under staffing and the physical layouts of camps. Many of these factors are the causes of the others and vice versa as well as have other consequences for refugees. All of these factors contribute to violence against refugees directly and indirectly. Furthermore, my research will illustrate how these factors also impede other refugee rights and exacerbate the challenges refugees face daily. Current international policies and law often conflict with national policies and law that are put in place to protect refugees. Both are cited to ensure refugee rights and protection but often do the opposite and instead protect the interests of the state. Attempts to create solutions to many of the issues in refugee camps or address the impacts of them have been made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the international community, and NGOs, however they have been widely ineffective or not considered all aspects of the problem