UNHCR: Over 60M women, girls forced to flee face high risk of gender-based violence worldwide

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has raised alarms over the escalating risk of gender-based violence faced by over 60 million forcibly displaced women and girls globally, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

During a briefing in Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo highlighted a staggering 50% increase in reports of conflict-related sexual violence from the previous year, with women and girls constituting 95% of verified cases.

Mantoo emphasized that these figures likely underestimate the true extent of the issue, as many incidents remain unreported. Survivors have recounted experiences of torture, sexual exploitation, and violations of their fundamental rights. The UNHCR stressed that the need for effective prevention and response services far exceeds current funding levels. Without adequate support, millions of displaced women and girls may struggle to access essential services in the coming year.