Gender-based violence (GBV) stands as one of the most pervasive violations of human rights across the globe, profoundly affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. This deeply concerning issue transcends both conflict and non-conflict settings, but its impact intensifies during times of crisis. This exacerbation can be attributed to various factors, including heightened militarization, a lack of state protection, irregular migration, the scarcity of vital resources, evolving cultural and gender norms, and the unsettling separation of families. The manifestations of GBV are varied, encompassing sexual violence, psychological and emotional abuse, forced early marriages, and more.
Acknowledging that GBV creates significant threats for crisis-affected people who are at the center of IOM’s actions, and in line with IOM’s global commitments under the Call to Action on Protection for GBV in Emergencies and its Road Map 2021-2025, and its role as a core member of the Protection Cluster's GBV Area of Responsibility, the Organization launched in 2018, its Institutional Framework for Addressing GBV in Crises (GBViC Framework).
- GBVIC Framework
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Building on its broader protection approach, knowledge, and good practices, the GBViC Framework aims to ensure that the safety, dignity, well-being, and equitable access to services for all crisis-affected persons, especially women, and girls, are prioritized, integrated, and coordinated across all IOM crisis operations.
The GBViC Framework is a comprehensive tool, which articulates why and how IOM Tackles GBV in crises and defines IOM’s vision and scope through three institutional approaches:
- Mitigating risks: by taking action to address the risks of GBV in all crisis operations and doing no harm.
- Supporting survivors: by facilitating access to survivor-centered, multisectoral services; and
- Addressing the root causes: by contributing towards progressively transforming the conditions that perpetuate GBV such as unequal power dynamics, gender inequality, and a lack of respect for human rights.