The principle that reproductive health care should be available in all situations and be based on refugee, particularly women s, needs and expressed demands, with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of the refugees, in conformity with universally recognized international human rights, should underlie all reproductive health activities. The Group comprises 28 United Nations, NGO and donor institutions. A revised final version, based on field input, will be finalized by early 1998. A database has been established to keep track of reproductive health projects world-wide. Some 40 NGOs are implementing over 100 projects in 36 countries.
Safe motherhood remains the best covered component.
Sexual violence and reproductive health for young people, however, are the least covered areas. In order to improve timely provision of reproductive health materials and supplies in the early phases of an emergency, two initiatives are underway. The first is the inclusion of reproductive health materials and supplies in the revised New Emergency Health Kit. A research agenda has been established and principal among its topics will be operational and qualitative research on sexual and gender based violence. In conclusion, this paper stresses the need for continued technical support in the health area during refugee situations, from the early emergency phase through the care and maintenance phases to repatriation and reintegration.