In crises, girls’ rights are rarely realised – four ways displacement affects girls

The effects of the crisis in the Middle East are far-reaching and could be permanent if the humanitarian emergency is not addressed. In the midst of crises, the situation of girls is usually the most urgent.

Humanitarian crises affect the well-being of the younger generation in many ways. The violence in Gaza and Lebanon has had a particularly strong impact on children and the women who care for them.

More women and children have died in Gaza in the past year than in any other conflict in two decades, according to a recent analysis by aid agency Oxfam. According to UN Women, 70% of civilian casualties in Gaza are women and children.

In Lebanon, up to one million people are estimated by the authorities to have left their homes and fled to safer areas. As the crisis intensifies, more than 241,000 people have sought refuge across the border in Syria (UNHCR 8.10.2024). A significant proportion of those fleeing are children and women.

The rights of children and refugees are rarely respected. This is especially pronounced for girls. Here are four examples to explain why.

1. Conditions in refugee shelters are challenging

When people are forced to leave their homes in a crisis, girls, along with their families often seek shelter in refugee shelters such as those set up in schools, churches and hospitals. With thousands, tens of thousands and eventually hundreds of thousands of people on the move, the shelters quickly become overcrowded. The rights of girls and other refugees to privacy, clean drinking water, food and hygiene are rarely realised.

2. Health is at risk

In a humanitarian crisis, there is also a sudden shortage of health care.

The sick and wounded may not receive adequate care. In poor conditions, diseases spread and vaccination programmes are not available. Even if a child remains healthy, adult caregivers may become sick, injured or die.

Lack of health care, basic services and privacy affects everyone, but the situation for girls is particularly difficult. For example, menstrual hygiene is difficult without clean water and the risks of infection sharply increase.

Where clean drinking water is available, girls may limit their drinking to avoid frequent visits to dirty and unsafe toilets. Access to hygiene supplies and sanitation in crisis situations are essential for the well-being of girls and women in particular.
 

3. Increasing risk of violence and abuse

In insecure and protracted crisis situations, girls are more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Girls may be surrounded by fewer trustworthy adults, like as relatives and teachers, who would usually protect them and ensure their rights are respected.

The risk of child marriage also increases if the crisis is prolonged. In some cultures, there are misconceptions that early marriage in insecure situations protects the girl child. Risks increase if contraceptive and sexual counselling services cannot be provided because of the prevailing crisis.
 

4. Breaks from school affect future opportunities

In crisis situations, training is often disrupted or interrupted. Closing the learning gap is important for well-being, development and further education, as the loss of opportunities also robs children of their faith in the future. School also provides children with routines and psychosocial support in times of instability.

Only a small proportion of girls in Gaza have been able to participate in non-regular school-like activities during the year. The longer the interruption in education, the less likely they are to return to school.  In turn, interruptions in education can have a direct impact on future livelihoods.

This is why we must try to keep school interruptions as short as possible in times of crisis.

+1. FCA’s work to help girls in crises in the Middle East

It is clear that many girls living in crisis in the Middle East will carry the consequences of the conflict with them for the rest of their lives. The important thing now is that we do everything we can to help, so that the impact is minimised.

Finn Church Aid is working to help girls in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria who have been displaced by the war.

In Gaza, the work aims to get more children involved in school-related activities and to support them in dealing with their trauma. In Lebanon and Syria, we help displaced families meet their basic needs in refugee shelters.

Text: Merja Färm, Erik Nyström, Ulriikka Myöhänen
Photo: ACT network member, DSPR, meets the needs of Gazans by providing medical and psychosocial support 18.1.2024. Photo courtesy of DSPR