Krause, Ulrike (2020), ‚Violence Against Women in Camps? Exploring Links between Refugee Camp Conditions and the Prevalence of Violence‘, in Katharina Crepaz, Ulrich Becker, and Elisabeth Wacker (eds.), Health in Diversity – Diversity in Health: (Forced) Migration, Social Diversification, and Health in a Changing World (Wiesbaden: Springer), 187-208, Link.

Abstract: Although refugee camps are set up to provide protective environments for refugees in host countries, refugees can still be confronted with various risks in such situations of encampment. In this chapter, the forms and scope of gender-based violence against women in camps are explored and their relation to camp conditions are assessed. Based on empirical research, mainly conducted with Congolese refugees in a camp in Uganda, the chapter reveals that sexual violence, domestic violence, and structural discrimination constitute the main forms prevalent in the camp. These occur despite humanitarian projects implemented to protect and assist refugees and especially women and, at times, even precisely because of the particular circumstances that exist in these settings. The limitations imposed by the camp and experienced within it, the hierarchical procedures, and the humanitarian focus placed on women can lead to frustration among refugees and directly or indirectly contribute to violence.