(introduction...)

Recogniz[es] the need for concrete action to detect, deter and redress instances of sexual violence to effectively protect asylum-seekers and refugees,

Recogniz[es] further that the prevention of sexual violence can contribute to averting coerced displacement including refugee situations and to facilitating solutions,...

Executive Committee Conclusion No. 73 (XLIV) (1993), Preamble
Refugee Protection and Sexual Violence

“Prevention is better than cure”

States have primary responsibility for ensuring the physical protection of refugees within their territory. UNHCR’s role in providing international protection most often involves ensuring that Governments take the necessary action to protect the refugees within their territory.

All possible measures must be taken to prevent the occurrence of sexual violence. First, the nature of the risks with which the refugees may be confronted must be assessed (see 1.6 Causes of Sexual Violence above). UNHCR representatives, in collaboration with other relevant UN bodies and agencies, host Governments and NGOs, should make every effort to ensure that the following measures are implemented to prevent sexual violence from occurring.

Urges States, relevant United Nations organizations as well as nongovernmental organizations, as appropriate, to... integrate considerations specific to the protection of refugee women into assistance activities from their inception, including when planning refugee camps and settlements, in order to be able to deter, detect and redress instances of physical and sexual abuse as well as other protection concerns at the earliest possible moment.

Executive Committee Conclusion No. 64 (XLI) (1990), paragraph (a) (v)
Refugee Women and International Protection

Urges States to take all measures necessary to prevent or remove threats to the personal security of refugees and asylum-seekers in border areas and elsewhere, including by affording UNHCR and, as appropriate, other organizations approved by the Governments concerned prompt and unhindered access to them, by situating refugee camps and settlements in secure locations, by ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups, by facilitating the issuance of personal documentation, and by involving the refugee community, both women and men, in the organization and administration of their camps and settlements.

Executive Committee Conclusion No. 72 (XLIV) (1993), paragraph (b)
Personal Security of Refugees