The MINUSTAH report is due in the Security Council this month. Physical and sexual violence against women and girls in Haiti was already considered a significant problem before the tragic earthquake of 12th January, 2010. The specific concerns of women in Haiti include:

• Shelter: women and girls must have access to safe spaces and shelter while displaced. Experts in gender and gender-based violence must be consulted on how make-shift or planned camps are organized;
• Security is a major concern, particularly in the large overcrowded camps. MINUSTAH should provide security, particularly to women, consistently and systematically in the camps and to ensure delivery of humanitarian relief;
• Goods and services must reach women and girls. Ensure distributions of food and other essential goods go directly into the hands of women and girls. Women’s and girls’ reproductive health needs must be met (i.e. health services; sanitary kits);
• Aid programs aimed at women should focus on restoring income, protecting assets, ensuring livelihoods, rebuilding and supporting local market-systems and stabilizing prices.

The MINUSTAH report is due in the Security Council this month. Physical and sexual violence against women and girls in Haiti was already considered a significant problem before the tragic earthquake of 12th January, 2010. The specific concerns of women in Haiti include:

• Shelter: women and girls must have access to safe spaces and shelter while displaced. Experts in gender and gender-based violence must be consulted on how make-shift or planned camps are organized;
• Security is a major concern, particularly in the large overcrowded camps. MINUSTAH should provide security, particularly to women, consistently and systematically in the camps and to ensure delivery of humanitarian relief;
• Goods and services must reach women and girls. Ensure distributions of food and other essential goods go directly into the hands of women and girls. Women’s and girls’ reproductive health needs must be met (i.e. health services; sanitary kits);
• Aid programs aimed at women should focus on restoring income, protecting assets, ensuring livelihoods, rebuilding and supporting local market-systems and stabilizing prices.