icrc-annual-report-2013

Water and habitat..As part of its efforts to improve environmental healthconditions for detainees, the ICRC often carries outmaintenance, rehabilitation or construction projects in placesof detention. These projects always take into considerationthe needs of women and children, such as separateaccommodation for men and women, separate access to toiletsand showers and adequate facilities for women with babiesand/or young children.WOUNDED AND SICKAssistanceMedical care..The ICRC endeavours to ensure an integrated public healthapproach and multidisciplinary response to the wounded andsick. It supports a continuum of care approach that includesfirst aid, primary health care, mental health and psychological/social support, hospital care and physical rehabilitation (seealso Civilians)...Women and children have priority in operations to evacuatethe wounded and sick from areas affected by fighting...The specific needs of women and girls are included in trainingin first aid and medical evacuations and the support providedto ambulance services...ICRC support for hospital care employs a comprehensive careapproach that addresses hospital management, emergencysurgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, internalmedicine and inpatient care for infectious diseases as partof outbreak management for patients in general and womenand children in particular. This support may also includethe provision of equipment, medical supplies and training,including for female health professionals.Physical rehabilitation..ICRC support for people with disabilities aims to ensure theirinclusion in society. It includes the provision of high qualityservices that are accessible and sustainable...Women benefit from physical rehabilitation programmessupported by the ICRC. They may receive artificial limbs,walking aids, wheelchairs and physiotherapy. The ICRC paysparticular attention to ensuring that women and men haveequal access to physical rehabilitation programmes...Where there are no female staff in a rehabilitation centre, theICRC helps train women, and may pay the transportationcosts for women and their dependents to be treated in acentre with female staff. Many disabled women are alsooffered employment in ICRC-run or ICRC-supported physicalrehabilitation centres...Women also benefit from projects – education, vocationaltraining or micro-credit schemes – to help them reintegrateinto society.Water and habitat..The renovation or construction of health facilities such ashospitals, health centres and physical rehabilitation centresalways takes into account the specific needs of women andchildren. In most cases, women and children are given specialaccommodation in line with local customs and internationallyrecognized standards.ACTORS OF INFLUENCEPrevention..Preventive activities targeting actors of influence (e.g. politicalauthorities, armed forces, other bearers of weapons, civilsociety representatives, the media, schools, universities,NGOs, etc.) always emphasize the need to take measuresto respect the life and dignity of people affected by armedconflict or other situations of violence. The target groupsare systematically made aware that not only do women andchildren (those under 18 years) more often than not form themajority of that group, but their position in society may alsomake them particularly vulnerable and their specific needsmust be recognized and addressed. Moreover, target groupsare systematically reminded that sexual abuse is prohibited byIHL and other applicable international norms. Depending onthe target group, preventive activities comprise highlightingthe existing provisions of IHL that focus on women,examining legal and practical measures to protect womenfrom abuse and meet their specific needs, and case studies...The ICRC endeavours to raise awareness of the situation ofwomen affected by armed conflict and other situations ofviolence – and of the international law that accords themprotection – among governments, representatives of thediplomatic, political, military and academic communities,international organizations and NGOs. It is often invited tospeak about the issue at relevant conferences hosted by donorsand regional organizations. The ICRC also provides inputwhen new international resolutions and policies are draftedand encourages their enforcement...During its dialogue with all authorities and weapon bearers,the ICRC recalls how IHL stipulates that the parties to aconflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpededpassage of humanitarian relief, which is impartial in natureand conducted without adverse distinction, subject to theirright of control, for the benefit of civilians in need, includingwomen and girls...The ICRC makes a particular effort to engage with differentsectors of society and circles of influence, including women’sassociations or networks, to help sustain the organization’sactivities for victims of conflict.RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENTCooperationNational Societies..The ICRC provides support for the development of NationalSociety tracing, first-aid and emergency preparednesscapacities, the better to enable National Society staff andvolunteers to meet the specific needs of women in armedconflict and other situations of violence. It provides trainingin the Safer Access approach, including the analysis of riskand vulnerability factors affecting National Society staff andvolunteers, such as the participation of female workers incertain operations...Furthermore, the ICRC often works in partnership withNational Societies from other countries which are workinginternationally and which contribute to ICRC operationsin cash, in kind or by providing personnel and operationalmanagement...Through regular meetings and dialogue, and in line withthe Seville Agreement and its Supplementary Measures, alloperations to meet the different needs of women, men, girlsand boys affected by armed conflict and other situations of38 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2013