On May 7th and 8th, 2024, Toronto’s Sackville Banquet Hall will become the center stage for a crucial dialogue on sexual health, reproductive rights, and gender equity in the context of refugee and humanitarian crises. Orchestrated by Hope for Refugees International (HRI), the “Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crises” aims to address the pressing health issues that plague refugees and individuals in crisis situations.
Alice Hope Birungi, president of Adsion and a leading advocate for refugee rights and gender equality, will preside over the conference. The event is tailored exclusively for those based in Canada and is particularly focused on engaging Black refugees, asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and youths, providing them with a platform to discuss and devise practical solutions for the challenges they face.
Statistical Overview of Health Challenges in Refugee Settings: The health disparities in refugee and humanitarian settings are stark:
- Access to SRH Services: An alarming 60% of pregnant women in refugee contexts lack access to necessary obstetric services, which increases risks of maternal and infant mortality.
- Gender-Based Violence: Up to 70% of women in conflict-affected areas are subjected to gender-based violence, severely affecting their long-term health and wellbeing.
- Contraceptive Access: Only 15% of women in refugee settings have access to contraceptives, leading to unintended pregnancies and complicating their health outcomes.
- HIV and STD Rates: Refugees face significantly higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases compared to the general population, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and information.
The conference’s theme, “Rights, Dignity, and Access: Advancing Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights Amidst Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis,” reflects its goal to forge a collective path forward in improving health outcomes for these vulnerable populations. The sessions are designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and strategies between experts, activists, and the affected communities, covering everything from the provision of SRH services during crises to the implementation of legal frameworks that enhance gender equity.
Alice Hope Birungi’s leadership is expected to highlight the critical need for integrated approaches to effectively address these health challenges. This gathering is a vital step towards transforming discussions into concrete actions that restore dignity and improve access to essential services for all individuals affected by crises.
For further information on the conference and registration details, please visit the Hope for Refugees International event page.
About Hope for Refugees International: Hope for Refugees International is committed to offering support to those displaced by conflict, persecution, and hardship. Our initiatives focus on improving access to immigration services, healthcare, mental health, sexual reproductive health services, and HIV/AIDS services. We are driven by a commitment to gender equality, social justice, and tackling global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Our work is rooted in a belief in human rights, equity, inclusion, and diversity, striving to uphold the dignity and resilience of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
