§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has had on the particular needs and dangers facing women refugees; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will seek to amend the 1951 United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees to define women as a social group facing persecution resulting from gender based discrimination, violence, sexual exploitation and traditional practices harmful to women.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt would not be a practical proposition to amend the 1951 convention on the status of refugees. But I am well aware of the particular needs and dangers facing women refugees. Women are often in the majority among refugees. They may be separated from their husbands and relatives, struggling to look after children in difficult conditions.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has become increasingly aware of women's particular problems and needs, such as protection from violence, equal representation on refugee committees, family planning services and child care facilities. The high commissioner has introduced appropriate operational guidelines and appointed a women's co-ordinator.