Migrant women and teens crossing the central Mediterranean face a high risk of sexual violence, warned UNICEF on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The risk is even higher in the case of unaccompanied minors, UNICEF said.
In Afghanistan, persecution of women forced into abusive marriages is a daily reality. A few manage to escape, and seek protection in Europe. One young woman was recently given refugee status in Belgium because her family had threatened to harm her. Her ‘crime’?: Falling in love.
Italian authorities have issued arrest warrants against 11 Nigerians. The suspects are accused of recruiting young women and minors in Nigeria and then coercing them into prostitution in Rome.
Having access to pornography is easier than it ever was before, with content available for every niche interest. One of the more recent trends in the adult movie world is the rise of so-called "refugee porn", in which migrants become the subject of sexual fantasies. This development, however, might have repercussions beyond the porn industry.
What is being done to protect women from violence in asylum shelters in Germany? Not enough, many activists say. So what can women do if they don’t feel safe there? Here’s what you need to know.
Mahbuba Jebin has been involved in politics since she was a student in Bangladesh. She was a member of the student wing of the current ruling party, the Awami League. For years she lived a life of privilege and power. However, her decision to marry a member of the opposition BNP party put her at odds with many in her own party. A campaign of intimidation started which led her to flee the country she loves and seek asylum in the UK. Despite all the difficulties, she continues to write every day.
The UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict has praised the African Union for their measures to prevent conflict-related sexual violence. The UN documented over 3,000 cases in which rape and abuse were used as a weapon of war in Africa last year.
A person claiming to be a Croatian policeman has sent an anonymous letter claiming that they receive orders to confiscate migrants' money and destroy their cell phones.
Traumatized refugees in need of psychological care have to wait over seven months in Germany before they are granted therapy. The long wait periods were reported in response to an official inquiry submitted by the Left Party (Die Linke).
A project titled "The Women's Caravan for Human Gender Rights" is underway in Imola, to prevent and stop social marginalization, discrimination, and male violence against Italian and migrant women in the area.
Many refugees and asylum seekers can face discrimination, even on arrival in Europe. For members of the LGBTQI+ community, the threat of violence and discrimination can be even more pronounced. That’s why a project in Greece has been working to create a safe place for LGBTQI+ people in the heart of Athens.
In an unprecedented serial killing case that has shocked the Mediterranean island, a Greek Cypriot army captain who murdered five migrant women and two girls was handed seven life sentences. Accusations of rampant racism and police negligence had led to the dismissal of the police chief and the resignation of the justice minister.