WASHINGTON – Representatives Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) and Grace Meng (D, NY-6) reintroduced the bipartisan Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act to ensure women and girls in refugee camps are able to access bathrooms without fear of violence.
Refugees awaiting resettlement are fleeing conditions like war, violence, and persecution. While many hope to find safety in temporary refugee camps, violence and insecurity can also follow, especially for women and girls. According to one study, women are at a greater risk of experiencing sexual assault and violence if they do not have separate bathrooms.
The Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act would remedy this problem by ensuring recipients of U.S. aid provide safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a special emphasis on women and girls, and vulnerable populations.
“Oftentimes those most affected by conflict are the most vulnerable among us. Driven from their war-torn homes, it’s important women and children find safety and security in the camps they seek refuge,” said Congressman Zeldin. “This important legislation ensures that American foreign aid is targeted towards organizations that provide access to safe, clean facilities and basic hygiene needs. I applaud my colleague Congresswoman Meng for championing this important issue, and look forward to working with her on this commonsense legislation.”
“Last year, there were nearly 30 million refugees who left their homes in search of a better future. For women, girls, and other vulnerable populations, they deserve and need sanitation facilities that are safe and free from harm,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It is heartbreaking that today’s refugee camps do not provide separate restrooms and thus create conditions that allow sexual assault and violence to occur. This must end and it is why I am leading legislation with Congressman Zeldin to ensure women, girls, and other vulnerable populations have access to safe and secure restrooms. Last Congress, our bill passed the House of Representatives. I hope we will finally get it signed into law this year.”
The Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act is endorsed by: HIAS, Amnesty International USA, Human Rights First, Futures Without Violence, Refugees International, Jesuit Refugee Service, and Global Water 2020.
Original source can be found here.
