Call to Preserving the Global Structure for Protection Against Gender-Based Violence

Tinta Violeta , a feminist has written an open letter to Tom Fletcher, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs. As collective voice of Women Led organisations calling for action. We are deeply concerned about the implementation of two recent structural changes that threaten to undermine these achievements: the proposed merger of the Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility (GBV AoR) within the Protection Cluster, and the absorption of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) group into any other group within the humanitarian architecture

"However, the gap between commitments and implementation remains wide. Less than 1% of global humanitarian funding reaches women-led organizations directly. And when platforms that position their priorities are eliminated, this exclusion deepens.

What is not named is not on the agenda.

What is not on the agenda is not funded.

And what is not funded does not happen.

We propose a clear and viable alternative, aligned with humanitarian principles"

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Concerns

• The humanitarian system is at a critical crossroads regarding GBV protections.
• Recent structural changes threaten the visibility and response to GBV in crises.
• The proposed merger of the GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR) with the Protection Cluster is alarming.
• The absorption of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) group into other entities poses risks.

Impact of Humanitarian Reset

• The humanitarian reset aims for efficiency amidst funding contraction but risks erasing women's specific needs.
• Gender-based violence is a growing reality in emergencies, with one in three women experiencing violence.
• The COVID-19 pandemic saw a fivefold increase in domestic violence helpline calls in some countries.
• In 2023, over 44 million displaced women and girls were at high risk without essential services.

Importance of GBV AoR and PSEA

• The GBV AoR has provided coordinated, evidence-based action against GBV, ensuring access to safe services.
• Millions of women and girls have benefited from trained providers and clear referral pathways.
• The PSEA group serves as a frontline safeguard against sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers.
• Eliminating these structures risks diluting protections and leaving survivors unprotected.

Call to Action

• The document proposes creating a dedicated cluster for GBV, Gender Equality, and PSEA with recognized leadership.
• This structure should integrate existing efforts without dilution and prioritize the protection of women and girls.
• Less than 1% of global humanitarian funding reaches women-led organizations directly, highlighting the need for change.
• The call emphasizes the importance of maintaining effective responses to protect life, dignity, and future possibilities.

 If your organization would like to sign on, please do so here:

https://www.surveylegend.com/s/5ztn

  You can read the full letter here: 

https://drive.proton.me/urls/B589CGC03R#KJZFMWRzYloL