[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REFUGEE SANITATION FACILITY SAFETY ACT OF 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the reintroduction 
of the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2021. This bill will 
ensure women and girls in refugee camps are able to access bathrooms 
without fear of violence.
  Refugees awaiting resettlement are fleeing conditions like war, 
violence, and persecution. While many hope to find safety in temporary 
refugee camps, violence and insecurity can also follow, especially for 
women and girls. Women are at a greater risk of experiencing sexual 
assault and violence if they do not have separate bathrooms. During the 
COVID-19 pandemic, refugees are even more vulnerable and even more in 
need of secure access to sanitation.
  The measure would remedy this problem by ensuring recipients of U.S. 
aid provide safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a 
special emphasis on women and girls, and vulnerable populations.
  Women and girls deserve and need sanitation facilities that are safe 
and free from harm. It is disheartening that today's refugee camps 
create conditions that allow sexual assault and violence to occur. This 
is why I am leading this legislation with Congressman Zeldin to ensure 
women, girls, and other vulnerable populations have access to safe and 
secure restrooms. Last Congress, this bill unanimously passed the House 
of Representatives. I urge my colleagues to support this measure so 
that it can finally be signed into law.

                          ____________________