NCJ Number
188219
Date Published
October 2000
Length
159 pages
Annotation
This book examines sexual and domestic violence in Tanzania's refugee camps.
Abstract
Women who flee their homes in search of sanctuary from violence too often find that there is no meaningful refuge; they have simply escaped violence in conflict to face a different type of violence in refugee camps. This book examines the sexual and domestic violence against Burundian women in Tanzanian refugee camps. The book is based on interviews with some of the victims, and discussions with relevant authorities to remind them of their responsibility to ensure that perpetrators of such abuses be held to account for their actions. It contains recommendations for action by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Tanzanian government, and international donors. The book further suggests that the UNHCR: (1) ensure an institutionalized response to address the protection needs of refugee women; (2) speedily and consistently implement guidelines on protecting refugee women and preventing sexual violence; (3) address the protection gaps for victims of domestic violence and introduce policy guidelines for its staff on how to prevent and respond to domestic violence; and (4) work closely with the host government to ensure that cases of sexual and domestic violence against refugee women are properly investigated and prosecuted. Figure, notes, appendix