Refugee Women in the 21st Century Refugees face government unrest, political prosecutions, and natural disasters; however, women are further burdened by their status as women, their biological functions, and the lack of attention to women's needs in refugee camps. Refugee women suffer emotional and often physical scars as they try to escape oppressive situations. They are forced to leave, facing death or perhaps something worse. They may discover these horrors anyway, but they will risk this unknown for a chance at a different life. The first stop on this arduous journey is often a refugee camp. Here, if they are lucky, they are provided with basic needs such as food and shelter. During a presentation by the International Rescue Committee, a group that helps refugees, my fear was confirmed that women's needs were not being met. The IRC spokesperson said: "Women sometimes receive information about birth control, AIDS prevention and family planning, but this depends on the country." I find it hard to imagine that something as obvious as birth control is barely considered or ...