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CONGO REFUGEE CRISIS: Sarah Chynoweth, Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children

SPOKESPERSON AVAILABILITY

Sarah Chynoweth, program manager, reproductive health program at the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children is available for comment on the refugee crisis in Congo featured in The New York Times today.

Ms. Chynoweth asserts:

 

"With thousands of people fleeing fighting in Eastern Congo, approximately four out of five of the refugees will be women, children and youth, and 25 percent of the women of childbearing age will be pregnant. These women face particular risks, including death in childbirth or death of their newborn children. In addition to the dangers of pregnancy, women and girls are also at great risk of sexual violence and exposure to HIV infection. International organizations, including the UN, must do everything possible to protect women and girls, and do all they can to ensure the safety and well-being of women and children."

 

Ms. Chynoweth is also the co-founder of a non-governmental organization, Circle of Health International, which provides women's health services to conflict-affected women and girls. Her professional experiences include health and gender-related projects in Sudan, Tibet/China, Palestine/Israel, Nepal, Romania, Malta and Germany.

 

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