According to official UN estimates as of January 2009, about 45 million people are considered to be refugees, internally displaced or stateless due to civil war, natural disasters, famine and religious or political persecution—80% of whom are women, children or young people.  There has been such an enormous influx of people to urban areas that cities are not equipped to cope with this rapid urbanization causing such problems as overcrowding, lack of access to clean water and healthcare services, inadequate sanitation, and non-durable housing.  As the pressure on resources in cities, such as land, water, sanitation, work opportunities, etc. increases with the further influx of migrants, so will the educational, socio-economic, and health challenges that these urban refugees and immigrants face, particularly women.  The health of refugee women who are forced to flee their countries due to conflict or natural disaster is further threatened by severe living conditions and, in many cases complete absence of basic health services.  Examples include the Iraqi refugee women and girls in Jordan, the Sudanese migrating to Uganda due to civil war, and the Cambodian refugees in Thailand.  During this plenary session we will discuss the challenges that displaced women and girls face all over the world including sexual violence, malnutrition, and socio-economic and educational disparities, as well as urban design and planning strategies for the future to enhance the health of displaced women and children in urban areas and advance the protection of their rights.  

Susan Purdin
Deputy Health Director
International Rescue Committee

Bio

Susan Martin
Donald G. Herzberg chair in
International Migration;
Director, Institute for the Study of International Migration
School of Foreign Service
Georgetown Univeristy
 

EMILY BUTERA
Program offiEmily Butera bio.doccer for the detention and Asylum program
Women's Refugee Commission