A capacity building, awareness session titled "Gender based violence in emergencies” was conducted for FPA Sri Lanka staff (representatives from all Units of the Organisation) on the 10th of January. It was held under the purview of the IPPF Sprint Project and was facilitated by Ms Maria Holtsberg of the IPPF's, Humanitarian Hub.

According to the latest statistics, one quarter of people affected by crises are women and girls aged 15-49. There is also a heightened risk of early marriage, trafficking, rape and sexual violence, unsafe abortions and unattended births. Children under the age of 18 years often make up the majority of victims of sexual violence in conflict-affected countries.

IPPF pioneered the internationally recognized Minimum Integrated Service Package (MISP). This is a package of standards to be enforced in all humanitarian settings to prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence and to prevent neonatal and maternal mortality.

During emergencies, people are forced to live in overcrowded settlements. There can be a breakdown of law and order. A situation of such instability can cause insecurity and fear and the need to depend on others for assistance. It is at these times that people become more vulnerable to violence. Generally, women and children are even more at risk for abuse, assault and exploitation.

Funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Disaster Management Centre and the district MoHs, FPA Sri Lanka works in times of humanitarian crisis to strengthen the protection and promotion of rights of all children, women and marginalized communities at all levels when implementing response activities and also carry out awareness sessions on Gender-Based Violence for children, adolescents and women during the crisis and resettlement process.