Since 2016, the UNFPA has been providing technical support to the Government of Kazakhstan in developing and introduction a multisectoral response to gender-based violence (MSR to GBV) within the framework of the Concept on Family and Gender Policy until 2030. One of the essential elements of MSR to GBV is the health system capable of responding and engaging other systems in order to provide protection and care to GBV survivors.
However, approaches and response mechanisms to sexual and reproductive health issues and gender-based violence in humanitarians’ emergencies are substantially different.
Since 1997, the global community has been recommending and using the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) as a coordinated set of prioritized essential SRH activities and services to be provided within 48 hours in any humanitarian emergency and used ideally for 3-6 months.
In 2021, based on the revised guidance and tool for the assessment of country preparedness to provide MISP in crises, the Regional Office of UNFPA in Eastern Europe and Central Asia initiated a third round of assessment in the countries of EECA region. The results of the MISP preparedness assessment in Kazakhstan demonstrated gaps in the regulatory framework and governance of civil defence which has a significant capacity to improve specific preparedness mechanisms to deploy the MISP.
Moreover, during the Round Table on Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Emergencies (April 2023) and 3-day ToT on preparedness and response to SRH and GBV in Emergencies (October 2023) organized by UNFPA under the CSSF project, the professional community noted the need of developing more detailed standards, algorithms and/or legislation on organizing and providing care in emergencies.
Given the above, within the CSSF-funded Project on "Strengthening Prevention and Response to Violence against Women and Girls in Central Asia", the UNFPA CO is planning to develop the Standard for preparedness and response to SRH and GBV in Emergencies.
Having that, UNFPA is in the need to establish a multidisciplinary Team of national and international experts to develop the Standard.