Actions taken:
Since 2019, the British Red Cross (BRC) has enhanced its work on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. This has included operational and policy efforts, actions at the international and domestic levels, and cooperation across the Movement. This report summarises concrete examples of the BRC’s work under each of the four strategic areas of the pledge.
Strategic area 1: Promote the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and tackle stigma that discriminates against survivors
Using technological innovation to tackle biases in Iraq: Our partnership programme with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society has received Elrha funding to develop innovative virtual reality tools to tackle negative gender-related beliefs of staff and volunteers and enhance empathy for SGBV survivors. The tool will be integrated into Training of Trainers and an e-learning module for SGBV prevention.
Supporting Mothers’ Clubs to influence change in Niger: The BRC supports the Niger Red Cross, through training and capacity building, to use the ‘Mothers’ Clubs’ approach for SGBV awareness-raising, outreach, and safe referral. Once trained, members of the Mothers’ Clubs use their community networks to influence change, tackle stigma, and act as local SGBV focal points.
Engaging men and boys on SGBV in Sierra Leone: Since 2021, the BRC has worked in partnership with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) on the Integrated Resilience Programme (IRP). This has included the development of SGBV training for SLRCS personnel and an innovative curriculum to facilitate engagement of men and boys in preventing SGBV and changing behaviour, in line with the National Strategy on engaging men and boys as agents of change within their communities.
Incorporating prevention into SBGV programmes in Sudan: Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) staff and volunteers received BRC training to support them in sensitising refugee communities on SGBV. In the final phase of the project, the BRC supported the SRCS to co-produce a youth group curriculum – engaging young people as ambassadors for behavioural change to reduce SGBV.
Challenge – cultural resistance: Cultural norms, practices and attitudes can act as barriers to effectively addressing and preventing SGBV, and working with National Societies (NS) in this area requires cultural sensitivity, tailored approaches, and a trustful relationship to influence change.
Strategic Area 2: Strengthen response to SGBV in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, listen to survivors and ensure their needs, capacities and well-being are placed at the centre of all prevention and response efforts
SGBV integration in BRC Strategies: In 2021, the BRC revised its International Strategy, committing to supporting NS on scaling up support to prevent and address SGBV as a cross-cutting theme. Specific SGBV priorities were also included in the British Red Cross Corporate Strategy.
Action for Migrants Route-based Assistance (AMiRA): From 2018 to 2021, the BRC supported AMiRA – a UK government-funded programme aiding migrants along routes in Egypt, Sudan, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. The BRC provided financial and technical support for host National Societies, including training from BRC advisers on trafficking, child protection, SGBV, the Do No Harm principle, and referrals to specialised services.
Strengthening institutional capacity in Syria: In 2022, the BRC supported the delivery of a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) pilot project on SGBV and CVA – including through strengthening case management and funding an SGBV case worker position. Following the pilot’s success, the BRC supported the SARC to integrate SGBV into their National Society Strategy and institutionalise the SGBV integrated approach.
SGBV and trafficking programmes in Sudan: The BRC has provided technical and financial support to the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRC) for protection programmes focused on survivors of SGBV and trafficking, supporting the SRC to deliver quality services and uphold the Do No Harm principle.
Capacity building through Movement activities in Nigeria: In 2020, the BRC supported the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) to integrate SGBV into Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and deliver tailored SGBV training and tools for staff and volunteers. A Movement workshop led by the NRCS, the BRC and the ICRC took place in 2022 to develop SGBV Action Plans and to strengthen capacity.
Strengthening response at the local level in Libya: In 2020, the BRC began working closely with the Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS) on SGBV capacity strengthening – including through establishing a protection unit and designated SGBV focal points at HQ and branch level to ensure a localised and culturally sensitive response. The BRC supported the LRCS through SGBV training, strategic tools, desk reviews and assessments, and a Mentoring and Coaching programme that has empowered the focal points to lead sustained SGBV prevention efforts in their communities.
Challenge – Funding in migration contexts: Women and girls experiencing migration and displacement are some of the most vulnerable to SGBV. However, donors are often reluctant to provide support and funding in migration contexts and often fail to consider intersectionality with migration when providing funding for conflict-related emergencies. This has resulted in a lack of funding for SGBV prevention and services in contexts of transit and refuge.
Strategic Area 3: Improve provision of, and access to, holistic care for all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
Engagement with the UK Government (HMG): The BRC supported HMG to develop a new National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS) –participating in consultations, providing feedback highlighting the link between SGBV and trafficking, migration and conflict-induced displacement, and participating in the launch of the NAP WPS in 2023.
SGBV integration into CVA standard operating procedures (SOPs) in Iraq: The BRC has prioritised support for Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) capacity on SGBV, facilitating awareness raising sessions and working with the IRCS to develop cash assistance SOPs specifically tailored for SGBV survivors and women and girls at risk.
Holistic services at safe centres in Sudan: The BRC, through the Danish Red Cross, supported the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) to implement a three-year programme helping survivors of SGBV and trafficking to rebuild their lives and dignity. Survivors were identified by UNHCR and referred to safe centres where SRCS staff and volunteers had been trained by BRC SGBV and anti-trafficking advisers to provide holistic support – including psychosocial support, case management, medical services, legal information, vocational training, and recreational activities.
Developing capacity and expertise in CAR: the BRC supported the Central African Republic Red Cross (CAR RC) to position itself as a key actor on SGBV and stigma, including by providing financial support for recruitment of a local SGBV specialist. The work supported by the BRC, including the Women Safe Space Centre, helped local communities to be aware of the risks and consequences of SGBV, the importance of seeking support, and the national legal framework. The programme facilitated development of effective referrals and provision of holistic care for SGBV survivors.
Challenge – Funding constraints: The overall low level of funding available for SGBV prevention and response hinders the BRC’s capacity to support Movement partners – the host NS may not have access to the resources needed to engage on SGBV and BRC support may be a key element for facilitating programmes, but it is often not considered a priority.
Strategic area 4: Strengthen the provision of safe, accessible, and survivor-centred reporting channels to tackle impunity
Referral pathway development in Chad: The BRC has worked with the Red Cross of Chad to provide SGBV training and develop a safe and dignified SGBV reporting and referral pathway. This pathway has been disseminated and is in use by staff, volunteers, and local SGBV focal points.
Data protection for referrals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The BRC provided financial and technical support for the ICRC-DRC Red Cross Social Safety Net programme, which has delivered holistic care for over 2983 survivors since 2019. Data protection measures were put in place throughout reporting, to reduce the risk of harm and ensure confidentiality in line with the survivor-centred approach.
Policy engagement: In 2020, the BRC, together with the ICRC, published ‘Forced to Report: Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflicts and other emergencies’, which analyses the harmful consequences of mandatory reporting (MR) requirements in humanitarian settings. The BRC provided support for events on ‘Forced to Report’ in 2020 and in 2024. In 2021, the BRC also participated with the ICRC and IFRC in the UK government sponsored Prevention of Sexual Violence Initiative, briefing officials on survivor-centred approaches and alternatives to MR.
Challenge – Mandatory Reporting (MR): Several BRC NS partners experienced challenges due to MR, including fear of retaliation, stigma, and targeting by armed groups, perpetrators, traffickers, and family members. Some actors in contexts impacted by MR prefer not to provide services to survivors, and others are facing ongoing internal difficulties and disagreements regarding legal requirements.
