  The scattering properties of randomly layered optical media with ${\cal
PT}$-symmetric index of refraction are studied using the transfer-matrix
method. We find that the transmitance decays exponentially as a function of the
system size, with an enhanced rate
$\xi_{\gamma}(W)^{-1}=\xi_0(W)^{-1}+\xi_{\gamma} (0)^{-1}$, where $\xi_0(W)$ is
the localization length of the equivalent passive random medium and
$\xi_{\gamma}(0)$ is the attenuation/amplification length of the corresponding
perfect system with a ${\cal PT}$-symmetric refraction index profile. While
transmitance processes are reciprocal to left and right incident waves, the
reflectance is enhanced from one side and is inversely suppressed from the
other, thus allowing such ${\cal PT}$-symmetric random media to act as
unidirectional coherent absorbers.
