Formerly called the Inter-agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations, the IAWG was formed in 1995 to promote access to quality reproductive health care for refugee women and others affected by armed conflict. It was originally comprised of over 30 groups, including UN agencies, universities, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and was led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The IAWG developed the Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations: An Inter-agency Field Manual for people assisting refugees, outlined the minimum services that must be provided in all disaster settings, designed kits for rapid deployment to aid workers and recognized the need for continued advocacy, funding and technical assistance for reproductive health programmes in refugee situations.

In 2004 the IAWG conducted a ten-year global evaluation of reproductive health in conflict-affected settings to identify gaps and constraints so that UN agencies, governments and non-governmental agencies can better target resources and interventions. Findings showed that services were generally favorable for refugees in stable settings but were lacking for the internally displaced. Some areas, such as gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS services, were found to be weak and critical gaps remain within safe motherhood, family planning and sexually transmitted infections programs. In light of results of the evaluation, the IAWG is currently revising the field manual.

Since its formation, the IAWG has met annually (with the exception of 2005) to exchange information, identify challenges, gain from the experience of others, build partnerships and collectively work toward the institutionalization of reproductive health care for refugees and internally displaced persons. The IAWG is currently advocating for the institutionalization of reproductive health in crises by supporting regional IAWG networks in the Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa.

Membership in IAWG is open to representatives of UN, nongovernmental, research and donor agencies interested to actively contribute in the advancement of the RH of women, men and youth in emergency situations. For more information, including on how to join IAWG, please go to www.rhrc.org/iawg IPPF’s role as both a provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights is unique.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) – School of Public Health and Community Medicine

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, and one of Australia's foremost international universities, attracting outstanding scholars and students from around the world. UNSW has an extraordinarily strong regional and global engagement and commitment. Our more than 170,000-strong alumni are a testament to UNSW's leadership and excellence in teaching and research. Many UNSW graduates have become leaders in government, commerce, research, and industry, both in Australia and overseas, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The School of Public Health and Community Medicine is one of the leading Schools of Public Health in Australia. The School offers Masters programs in Public Health and Health Management and has an active research program with over 100 PhD and Masters Research students enrolled. Within the University there are a number of individuals, Schools and Centres with experience and expertise in global health issues (GlobalHealth@UNSW convened by Prof Anthony Zwi), including gender and reproductive health (GenderHealth@UNSW convened by A/Prof Anna Whelan). For further information: www.sphcm.med.unsw.edu.au/

The Australian Reproductive Health Alliance (ARHA)

Established in 1996 The Australian Reproductive Health Alliance’s mission is to: (1) promote public support for enhanced reproductive and sexual health in Australia and internationally; (2) promote the advancement of the status of women and girls; (3) promote and disseminate knowledge, education and research relating to the development of SRH services, paying particular attention to the needs of indigenous people, both within Australia and internationally; (4) Where appropriate, to identify and support specific development projects which promote reproductive health, and enhance the status of women and girls; and (5) promote, maintain and extend the interest of ARHA members in a broad range of issues concerning reproductive health and its role in development. For further information: www.arha.org.au

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

UNFPA moves quickly when emergency strikes, to protect the reproductive health of communities in crisis. It also provides assistance to stricken communities as they move beyond the acute crisis and enter the reconstruction phase. UNFPA is committed to assisting and protecting women, men and youth made vulnerable by natural disaster, armed conflict, and other causes. This includes refugees, internally displaced persons, and people made homeless or vulnerable by natural disaster. In the rush to provide humanitarian assistance, the particular strengths and vulnerabilities of women are often overlooked. Yet targeted support to women can be one of the best ways to ensure the health, security and well-being of families and entire communities. UNFPA works with partners to ensure that the specific needs of women are factored into the planning of all humanitarian assistance. UNFPA also address urgent reproductive health needs that are sometimes forgotten, through supporting the implementation of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) and the provision of essential RH supplies. For further information: www.unfpa.org/emergencies/index.htm