Deadline: 20-Oct-2025
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is supporting a critical initiative across multiple regions of Malaysia—including Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pulau Pinang, Perlis, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah, and Selangor—aimed at strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation, and response.
This programme focuses on protecting refugees and other vulnerable groups, ensuring they can access comprehensive support services and recover from the impacts of GBV in a safe and empowering environment.
At the heart of this initiative is the delivery of comprehensive case management services for survivors and those at heightened risk of GBV. These services are designed to meet immediate needs while supporting long-term recovery. To make support more accessible, the programme includes mapping existing health care, psychosocial, legal, education, and shelter services to create clear referral pathways for refugee survivors of GBV. Strengthening community-based case management systems is another key element, involving the training of refugee community mobilisers who play a vital role in handling disclosures, providing follow-ups, and ensuring safe referrals.
The initiative also seeks to work closely with women-led organisations, refugee women-led groups, and other community-based organisations to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviour. It encourages women and girls’ participation while driving changes in social norms and attitudes around GBV. At a broader level, the programme supports evidence-based advocacy efforts, engaging with government agencies and civil society to promote inclusive policies and systemic change, while actively participating in national protection coordination forums.
UNHCR emphasizes the application of survivor-centered approaches and adherence to global GBV programming standards, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, ethical data handling, and the safety of both survivors and staff. The programme includes mechanisms for client feedback, strict data protection protocols, and ongoing training for staff on GBV guiding principles and minimum standards. It also prioritizes intersectional approaches, ensuring that programmes are shaped by the priorities of diverse women and girls while holding prevention efforts that engage men and boys accountable to women and girls.
Through this comprehensive approach, the initiative aims to significantly increase the proportion of people who know where to access GBV services, enhance satisfaction with GBV case management, and build safer, more supportive environments for refugee communities across Malaysia.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.