CAUSES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN REFUGEE CAMP

IN KAKUMA; KENYA

KADU EREGAE WILLIAM

DCS/D/0518/2022

SUPERVISOR: DR. LUMUMBA LUSIRE

1.1 Background of the study

Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is a global public health and human rights concern and prevalent and generally endured
forms of human rights violations. It globally cuts across nations, class, race, ethnicity, and religion (Larsson, 2017). SGBV is defined
as any physical, sexual and psychological violence that occurs in the society.
The common forms of sexual and gender-based violence includes various abuses such as exploitation, sexual threats, assaults,
humiliation, molestation, incest, domestic violence, torture, involuntary prostitution, and attempted rape (United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA)
Many factors can amplify the risks of experiencing SGBV during humanitarian crises. Some of these factors may include lack of
community and state protections, militarization, scarcity of essential resources, displacement, disruption of community services,
disrupted relationships and weakened infrastructure and changes in cultural and gender norms. The crumple of social and family
support structures, financial unsteadiness and strained associations with the host communities have also been found to increase
vulnerability to SGBV.
In Kenya, the experience of SGBV varies with age and sex. The 2010 Kenya Demographic and Health (KDHS) Survey revealed that
roughly 25% of women between the age of 15 and 49 years old had gone through some form of physical violence while 7percent
experienced sexual violence (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2010).
The statistics from these two Kenya health demographic surveys point to a rising trajectory of both sexual and physical violence
particularly among the most populous regions in Kenya. This is notably seen in high rates of violence among teenagers before the
age of 18 years. Kakuma refugee camp was established in 1992 to address the issues of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” who had fled from
South Sudan to Ethiopia, during the second liberation war in South Sudan.
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

 Findings from this study provide baseline information on the burden of SGBV in Kakuma refugee camp. This information will help the Kenya
government and UNHCR with accurate statistics on the prevalence and correlates of SGBV in the camp, which will inform policy formulation and
direction on how to institute holistic and multifaceted programs on prevention and reduction of gender-based violence in refugee settings.
 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

General objective
 To determine the prevalence and correlates of sexual and gender-based violence among refugees in Kakuma
Refugee camp, Turkana County, Kenya.

Specific Objectives
 To identify the socio-demographic characteristics of victims and survivors of SGBV in
Kakuma Refugee camp.
 To find out the prevalence of SGBV in Kakuma refugee camp.
 To identify other factors associated with the occurrence of SGBV among refugees in Kakuma
refugee camp.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

 What are the socio-demographic characteristics of SGBV victims and survivors in Kakuma refugee camp?
 What is the prevalence of SGBV among refugees in Kakuma refugee camp?
 What are other factors associated with the occurrence of SGBV among refugees in Kakuma refugee camp?