Main characteristics

Back to: Gender based violence in the context of forced migrations

With regard to the migrants entering Europe along the central Mediterranean route, the presence of men, women, girls and boys who are the survivors of traumas linked to events in their countries of origin and transit has been a constant. Women and children have accounted for a significant percentage – over 40% in 2016.

Libya is still the main country of departure for those arriving in Italy by sea. According to the UNHCR, a high number of people have experienced extremely traumatic events during their journey towards Europe, including SGBV (Sexual and Gender Based Violence).

The frequency of these cases reported by those who have arrived in Italy, by land and by sea, is extremely alarming. Most of the women and children who arrive by sea have survived sexual and gender based violence, including sexual violence and rape, also during the journey. These episodes mainly occur in Libya but sexual abuse also occurs during the sea crossing.

A particularly worrying phenomenon is the increase in the number of children who are victims of trafficking. An assessment on the protection of children carried out by UNHCR in September 2016 found that unaccompanied children of both sexes offer survival sex (sex offered in order to survive). An ever increasing number of men and boys who have survived sexual and gender based violence is being registered, although most cases go unreported.