A study based on information from interviews of a thousand migrant women revealed that about half of them experienced abuse and violence during their migration journey.
Many women migrants are fleeing violence, insecurity, and discrimination, but when they emigrate or flee, many continue to experience the same things during their journey. According to a new report using testimony from interviews of a thousand female refugees and migrants from Afghanistan, East Africa and West Africa, about half of female migrants experience abuse and violence during their journey.
The report, by the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), said half of these women are exposed to multiple incidents, including death, physical and sexual abuse, being asked for bribes, being kidnapped or held against their will, and robbery.
Human rights abuses during journeys
The study said 44% of respondents experienced protection concerns during their journey (465 women or girls). Of these, 52% were exposed to multiple incidents (240 respondents). In addition, 53% of women are not aware of the risk of migration.
"The report shows that women and girls often migrate due to abuse and insecurity, but that they often face more violence and abuse on their risky journey. Often, these women and girls have no choice but to keep going forward in their search for finding safety for themselves and their families," Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, Christian Friis Bach says.
In a statement, the organization said the study shows that the risk of abuse is closely linked to the mode of travel and certain hotspots. Libya represents one of the biggest hotspots for human rights abuses.
Several women and girls report about incidents of rape in detention centers or forced prostitution. Also, they are at risk of being trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation when looking for work to finance the rest of their journey.
The report also highlights that women are much more vulnerable than men, for instance when traveling by foot for long distances. The interviews also demonstrate that only few women report that they had access to bathroom and washing facilities, blankets and sleeping bags, and clothes and shoes during their migration journey, while access to legal and medical assistance and psychosocial support were almost negligible.
Appeal for greater protection
Bach is calling for governments, UN agencies and NGOs to work together to improve the protection of women and girls on the move. "The volume of abuses faced by women and girls on the move highlights the need for protection and access to services. Only a collaborative call for protection will lead to increased access to protection services. We must and should do better for these women," he said.