The daughters of Abdul Rahaman al-Sarhan, a blind Syrian refugee, play in their home in the city of Zarqa, Jordan. Photo: Muhammad Hamed/Reuters

For more than 20 years, July 11 has been an occasion to mark the significance of population trends and related issues. The theme of this year’s World Population Day is Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies.

A recent United Nations report warns that the number of forcibly displaced people has risen to a record – almost 60 million at the end of 2014. Among these, most women and adolescent girls face particular threats as a result of the absence of health and other essential services they need.

Even under normal conditions, reproductive health complications are a leading cause of death and illness among women of childbearing age. In humanitarian situations, an estimated one in five women and adolescent girls are likely to be pregnant. As skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care often become unavailable, pregnant women’s and girls’ vulnerability to death and injury is further exacerbated.

Women and adolescent girls face much greater risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, violence and forced marriage during conflicts and natural disasters. Many women who survive a crisis become heads of household, often having to overcome immense obstacles to provide health and care for children, the sick, the injured and the elderly, and bear the heaviest burden of relief and reconstruction.

As a result, they may neglect their own needs as they care for others.

Protecting a woman’s life is a priority, in any circumstance, and at all times

The complex emergencies we are responding to include protracted conflicts, the consequences of climate change and the engagement of extremist groups claiming territory, resources and power.

The theme of this day, Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies, highlights the special needs of women and adolescent girls during conflicts and humanitarian disasters.

One of the priorities of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is to empower and safeguard the well-being of women, adolescent girls and young people and address their specific needs and concerns.

On this World Population Day, the UNFPA is calling on the international community to redouble efforts to protect the health and rights of women and girls. We must enable women, adolescent girls and young people to play their full role in peace talks, peace building and recovery, and to ensure that governments comply with international law and bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.  By prioritising health, rights and the full participation of women, adolescent girls and young people in public life, the fund increases its prospects for a more just, stable and peaceful world.