In its last report under this agenda item to the 16th meeting of the Standing Committee1, UNHCR provided a summary of its ongoing activities to promote the right of women to equal protection and assistance, outlining how the organization, in partnership with governments and NGOs, was integrating gender analysis throughout the planning and delivery of its activities. While welcoming a gender equality approach, the Standing Committee emphasized that specific initiatives with and for refugee women must remain an integral part of the strategy. The Committee also requested that funding shortfalls should not adversely effect UNHCR activities for the advancement of refugee women and gender equality. This conference room paper offers a report on progress since 1999, with a particular focus on initiatives aimed at empowering refugee women. Since the 1999 report, a new Senior Co-ordinator for Refugee Women/ Gender Equality has been appointed, revitalizing UNHCR's commitment to advancing the rights of refugee women.

[No Keywords available]

United Nations refugee human rights gender disparity womens status