Description
Groups of persons that experience a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and violence than the general population, including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, migrants, people with disabilities, isolated elderly people and children.
See also: vulnerable groups; intersectional discrimination; multiple discrimination
Additional notes and information
The vulnerability to discrimination and marginalisation is a consequence of social, cultural, economic and political conditions and not a quality inherent to certain groups of persons. Women and girls belonging to these groups are often subjected to multiple discrimination and gender-based violence. However, they have limited access to protection, support and redress when their rights are violated.
Recent scholarship on stereotypical gender roles and attitudes, and their discriminatory impact on women, emphasises that women are not vulnerable by nature, but suffer from imposed disadvantage.
Sources
(1) (2013, E/2013/27-E/CN.6/2013/11, CSW Agreed conclusions on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, para. 34, (aaa)) (2013, E/2013/27-E/CN.6/2013/11, CSW Agreed conclusions on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, para. 34, (aaa)) (2013, E/2013/27-E/CN.6/2013/11, CSW Agreed conclusions on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, para. 34, (aaa))United Nations (1995). Beijing Platform for Action; (2) EIGE Experts.