Migration, one in three girls in North Africa suffers or witnesses abuse and violence while migrating to or through Libya, Tunisia and Morocco

Migration, one in three girls in North Africa suffers or witnesses abuse and violence while migrating to or through Libya, Tunisia and Morocco

ROME - One out of three migrant girls interviewed in North Africa suffers or witnesses sexual abuse or other forms of gender-based violence, while fleeing their country of origin to seek a better future elsewhere. Conflicts, violence, lack of job prospects, family strife and exposure to abuse, forced marriages are among the factors that push girls to migrate to or through North Africa. She claims it Save the Childrenthe international NGO that has been fighting for over 100 years to save boys and girls at risk, in a study, carried out in collaboration with the center Samuel Halltitled "Girls on the Move in North Africawhich is based on interviews carried out in 2022 with girls and young women aged between 9 and 24, mainly from sub-Saharan African countries, migrating to or through Libya, Tunisia and Morocco or arriving in Italy and Spain.

There are 281 million migrants worldwide. Disasters, conflicts and violence have led to record numbers of people leaving their home countries and around 281 million people worldwide are migrants. The Middle East and North Africa host the largest number of migrant children and the number of migrant girls is on the rise. The research, conducted by Save the Children and from Samuel Hallalso found that one in five girls surveyed cite domestic violence as a reason for migrating, while one in seven girls cited fleeing to escape forced or early marriage.

The story of a twenty-year-old who fled from her father. Rainatou, 20, lives in Spain, says she fled from her abusive father who beat her repeatedly and who tried to marry her off to an older man with three wives. “My sisters ran away from home and to this day we have no news of them-she said-When my father found out, he burned my feet so I couldn't escape. He said if you don't have feet you can't go out. She marked me with sword and fire so that I didn't run away like my sisters, but I ran away from my village, I didn't want her to find me and repeat the same wounds or force me to marry". In the end Rainatou managed to get away from her village.Alone and without money, she walked for five days before being picked up by a truck and taken to the nearest town.

Many do not know how many dangers they will face. Opportunities to plan travel are often limited and many girls are unaware of the full extent of the risks and dangers associated with migration before setting off. Some girls have used ploys to minimize danger, such as dressing as boys or traveling with peers or adults to protect themselves.

Marie, saved by her mother from a rape. Marie, 14, from Cameroon, who traveled with her mother, described multiple instances of being locked in homes in Morocco and Algeria. “We arrived in a small village – she said – They came to pick us up and took us to another place with women and children. We stayed a few days without moving, eating and drinking. In this place they raped people and even children. They were going to rape me too, but my mother managed to save me."

"They cover your face with plastic bags." Another common risk when migrating through North Africa is arrest or detention. Noella, 16, comes from the Ivory Coast and now lives in Italy. She was intercepted by the Libyan coast guard and sent to a detention centre. “They beat my head against the wall in Libya-she told her-They asked for money but I don't have a family, so they treated me badly. Other times they put a plastic bag over your face. They want to hurt you." In addition to threats and dangers, girls are likely to face barriers to accessing basic social services, including health care. One in six girls interviewed reported barriers in accessing services both in transit and at the final destination.

The absence of any form of assistance. Migrating girls need access to health care, including mental health care, but also maternal health services, birth registration, as well as education and housing. Language barriers, distrust of authorities, combined with lack of documentation and awareness of available services are further challenges.

Non-existent social services. “Migrating girls need targeted support that takes into account the gender risks and barriers they face. Starting in their home countries, there is a need for them and their families to have better access to information on migration before departure, so they can make informed decisions and take steps to make their journey as safe as possible if choose to relocate. In places of transit, urgent action is needed to improve access to social services, including medical care,” said Tory Clawson, director of the Migration and Displacement Initiative Of Save the Children.

The importance of this study. “This study addresses a critical information gap as it is the first of its kind to provide a holistic and gender-specific understanding of the experiences of girls migrating through and to North Africa. Existing policies and programs need to be adapted, working with stakeholders to develop targeted and gender-inclusive approaches, to make sure the support they receive actually meets their needs,” added Marion Guillaume, from the Samuel Hall.



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