Climate Change Exacerbates Violence Against Women and Girls

Jul 12, 2022
View Original

It is estimated that 80 per cent of people displaced by climate change are women, according to UN Environment.

When women are displaced, they are at greater risk of violence, including sexual violence, said Michele Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“While they sleep, wash, bathe or dress in emergence shelters, tents or camps, the risk of sexual violence is a tragic reality of their lives as migrants or refugees,” Bachelet said. “Compounding this is the increased danger of human trafficking, and child, early and forced marriage which women and girls on the move endure.”

Bachelet took part in a panel discussion that explored the relationship between climate change and violence against women and girls through a human rights lens during the 50th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences moderated the panel discussion.