Addressing the Reproductive Health Needs of Conflict-Affected Young People

Approximately 6.6 million adolescents worldwide are currently displaced by armed conflict many of them exposed to violence and acute poverty and separated from their families and communities. Like all young people refugee adolescents have special needs during their years of development. Moreover young people affected by conflict face additional barriers as they often lack sufficient education health care protection livelihood opportunities recreational activities friendship and family support. Refugee adolescents face additional difficulties that put their reproductive health (RH) at risk. Weakening of traditional socio-cultural constraints makes them more vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. They may be forced to trade sex to pay school fees or feed younger siblings. Young refugees may begin sexual relations at an earlier age and are more likely to take the risk of engaging in sex without using a condom. Their RH is affected by limited access to information unsafe sexual practices unwanted pregnancies unsafe abortions and increased exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. In situations of conflict the dearth of youth-friendly services and trained providers is also a significant barrier to ensuring young people’s right to a healthy and productive life. (excerpt)