Statement by Sarah Costa, Executive Director

I just returned from Serbia and Slovenia, where we assessed the needs of refugee women and girls making the treacherous journey through Europe in search of safety.

It is more evident than ever that our advocacy is essential for women fleeing violent conflict.

One of the women I met was Hajir, a Yazidi refugee. She had virtually no resources, and her three small children were cold and sick. She wanted to sell her last valuable possession – her gold wedding ring – so she could continue the journey to safety.

Every day, around the world, refugee women like Hajir face constant risk of abuse and exploitation. They have limited access to health care and life-saving services.

As we begin a new year, we are committed to improving humanitarian assistance for the refugee women and children in Europe, and around the world.