Afghanistan: Asia-Pacific Gender Based Violence in Emergencies Update – Q1 2026: Special release on the Middle East Escalation

Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka Sources: Gender Based Violence Area of Responsibility, United Nations Population Fund Please refer to the attached file. REGIONAL OVERVIEW The February 2026 airstrikes on Iran triggered a rapid escalation of risk across the Asia-Pacific region, heightening exposure to GBV while further straining already fragile protection systems and service delivery. A region already facing multiple acute humanitarian crises has seen conditions compound significantly within weeks, with impacts unfolding quickly beyond borders. Across seven directly and indirectly affected countries, fuel shortages, economic instability, cross-border displacement, and infrastructure disruption are converging to increase GBV risks for women and girls. Iran is at the centre of this dynamic, with cascading impacts reaching Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. GBV incidents remain significantly underreported, as stigma, fear of retaliation, and the current escalation continue to limit access to services. Systems to prevent and respond to GBV remain in place but are under pressure and not functioning at full capacity—just as needs rise. Funding constraints and evolving coordination structures are placing additional strain on service delivery and limiting the ability to scale up.

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