This guidance defines obstetric violence, highlights its relevance in humanitarian contexts and proposes actions for humanitarian actors and healthcare workers to promote respectful maternity care. It refers to violence, abuse, coercion, neglect and other harmful practices experienced during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Consistent with UNFPA’s work on reproductive violence, the term is understood as a form of gender-based violence (GBV), while recognizing that other organizations may use different terminology.

In humanitarian settings, disrupted health systems, shortages of staff and supplies, insecurity, and language and cultural barriers can increase these risks. The guidance presents respectful maternity care as a rights-based approach that protects dignity, privacy and confidentiality and supports informed choices.

Recommendations focus on stronger coordination between health, GBV, and mental health and psychosocial support actors; confidential reporting, referral and accountability mechanisms; attention to the conditions that affect quality of care; training on respectful care; and awareness-raising among women, communities and healthcare workers. The guidance includes the Respectful Maternity Care Charter.