Sri Lanka, Dec. 8 -- Sri Lanka faced one of the worst disasters in its history over the past two weeks. A large number of people lost their lives, while many others remain missing. More than a million citizens sought refuge in Government-run safe centres. This context requires the imperative to examine the safety of women and children who remain in these shelters until they return to their own homes or are relocated to new ones.

Globally speaking, displaced women and children face significant risks inside temporary camps, including gender-based violence, inadequate healthcare, and exploitation. Addressing these issues requires community engagement, secure facilities with gender-segregated areas, and access to essential services such as h...