High Commissioner, honourable panellists, Excellencies, distinguished guests and delegates,

Thank you for allowing me to give a few opening remarks at this important event on how to address sexual violence against women and girls in conflict situations and the need to speak up against it. 

The increasing number of refugees and displaced people in the world today is one of the greatest global challenges of our time. Today, more than 50 million persons find themselves having been forced to leave their home as a result of conflict, generalised violence, persecution or human rights violations – a number not seen since the immediate aftermath of World War II.

Women and girls comprise a majority of those displaced. And it is of particular concern that children below 18 years of age represented half of the refugee population in 2013.

Conflicts and forced displacement are not gender neutral. They have a different impact on women and girls than they have on men and boys. Women and girls suffer from different vulnerabilities, face different risks and do not necessarily have access to the same resources and services as men and boys do.

Violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, is disturbingly present in all conflict situations. It is a clear violation of basic human rights and the consequences are devastating for the victims.

Over the last few years, as a patron of United Nations Population Fund, and of the Danish Refugee Council, I have had the opportunity to visit various camps for refugees and internally displaced people.

Different countries, different camps and different reasons for their existence – from Dadaab in Kenya, to Za’atari in Jordan to Say Tha Mar Gui in Myanmar. And here it is important that we acknowledge that neighbouring countries of conflict prone areas make a tremendous effort to accommodate the often high number of refugees which is a very difficult challenge.

These visits have left a strong impression with me – and while it is truly distressing to witness the often extremely difficult circumstances under which these refugees live, I am also enormously impressed by the courage, skills and ingenuity of the women and girls I have met.  

In the camps, I have met women facing several challenges. One great challenge is that their daily lives are disrupted and they become single providers not only for their own children but, also for the wider family.

Due to security conditions outside the camps they no longer have the opportunity to grow crops, to obtain medical treatment at public hospitals, or to send their children to school. They are trapped in what many people call an ‘open sky prison’ being 100 percent dependent on external assistance.

I am pleased that today’s meeting highlights the issue of sexual and gender based violence with specific reference to women and girls. I have met women who have become HIV positive as a consequence of such violence. Provision of medical care in the camps is crucial for their survival and future health because conflicts are not gender neutral.

Unlike bombs and explosions, sexual violence is often silent. Unlike the loss of a leg or a hand, sexual violence is often invisible. Worst of all, many incidents go unreported as those affected want to avoid also being victims of negative stigmatization. Therefore, protection of women is of utmost importance and much more needs to be done to address this issue.

Experience shows that in crisis situations women and girls are not only victims. They can also be leaders and they constitute an important resource to combat the challenges they face. Challenges such as; the lack of livelihood options, sexual and gender based violence, weakening of family and community protection structures, as well as disruption of law and order.

Traditional gender roles and relations often change during crisis situations when women and girls are obliged to take on unconventional responsibilities and activities. I have personally witnessed how women are capable of finding innovative ways to cope and often continue to play pivotal roles in contributing to their communities. We need to continue to support this.

So even though women and girls are vulnerable in conflicts and have particular protection needs, they are also a resource waiting to be utilized. Therefore, women must be included in how we address situations of displacement. A much higher priority must be given to the empowerment of women also in these difficult situations. This will help to pave the way for a better future for women and children across the globe.

It is very reassuring that is has been possible to organize today’s event, with such short notice. I am especially pleased that High Commissioner Guterres is present here today. UNHCR is instrumental in helping to raise awareness of women and girls in conflict situations; the challenges they face, and the particular considerations that need to be taken to alleviate their problems.

It is also very important that the international community and humanitarian organisations continue to focus on women and girls in conflict and continue to step forward in responding to the needs of these women. I highly commend the efforts of UNHCR, ICRC, other international organisations, NGO’s and countries on bilateral basis, in this regard.

I look forward to hearing the discussion of the High Commissioner and the other panellists, and I hope that this discussion will create even more awareness about the plight of the most marginalized women and girls and those who find themselves on the run as refugees or internally displaced.

Thank you.