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Andersson Nystedt T, Herder T, Agardh A, Asamoah BO. No evidence, no problem? A critical interpretive synthesis of the vulnerabilities to and experiences of sexual violence among young migrants in Europe. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2340114. [PMID: 38651216 PMCID: PMC11041515 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2340114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence indicates that young migrants are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, however most research has focused on instances of sexual violence occurring in conflict zones and during transit. Much less attention has been given to the vulnerabilities to and experiences of sexual violence among young migrants in Europe. OBJECTIVES To understand the scientific evidence regarding the experiences of and vulnerabilities to sexual violence among young migrants (aged 11-30 years) in Europe. METHODS A search of three databases resulted in 1279 peer reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2022. Of these, 11 were included in this review. A critical interpretive synthesis methodology was applied. RESULTS Few studies investigate sexual violence among young migrants in Europe. The existing studies focus on very specific sub-groups of migrants, and as such, experiences of persons outside these groups are largely absent from the academic discourse. How sexual violence is understood varies across studies, often conflated with other forms of violence, hampering comparisons. However, the results of this review indicate that young migrants in Europe, both male and female, experience sexual violence and there are multiple sources of vulnerabilities at all levels of the socioecological model. CONCLUSION The scarcity of research regarding sexual violence among young migrants in Europe could give rise to the perception that no evidence means no problem, resulting in a continued lack of attention to this issue. There is a critical need to address this gap to inform prevention interventions, to identify victims, and to facilitate access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Andersson Nystedt
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tobias Herder
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anette Agardh
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Benedict Oppong Asamoah
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Mattelin E, Paidar K, Söderlind N, Fröberg F, Korhonen L. A systematic review of studies on resilience and risk and protective factors for health among refugee children in Nordic countries. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:667-700. [PMID: 35445318 PMCID: PMC10894096 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Nordic welfare model is often used as an example for the promotion of health and wellbeing, even in vulnerable groups of children, such as refugees. Nonetheless, there are no published reviews on resilience and/or risk and protective factors for physical and mental health among refugee children living in Nordic countries. In this systematic review, we identified 5181 studies on the topic, screened titles, and abstracts, viewed 632, and finally included 26 studies. These studies described 18 samples with a total of 34,080 individuals ranging in ages 0-18 years. Overall, the studies were of good quality. Nearly all studies assessed adversity. Six studies reported physical health outcomes and all studies mental health outcomes, most often post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. None explicitly studied resilience. While we found that age and sex are the most frequently studied risk- and protective factors, findings are inconclusive, since the direction of the associations was different in the different studies. This systematic review indicates that there is still a need for well-designed and -powered studies using clear definitions of key study concepts to examine health outcomes and resilience among refugee children in Nordic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Mattelin
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kristina Paidar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Halland, Kungsbacka, Sweden
| | - Natalie Söderlind
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Frida Fröberg
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Mattelin E, Söderlind N, Korhonen L. "You cannot just stop life for just that": a qualitative study on children's experiences on refugee journey to Sweden. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02387-w. [PMID: 38360923 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02387-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Children with refugee backgrounds are often exposed to violence and other adverse experiences with well-known detrimental consequences on mental health. However, the current group of approximately 40 million child refugees is heterogeneous, stressing the importance of first-person perspectives in understanding children's unique experiences and needs related to the migration process. Identifying contextual factors promoting health and resilience is also essential. For instance, the roles children play as active agents in constructing their own lives and adapting to different environments are poorly described in contemporary research on child refugees and their mental health. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted qualitative interviews with a reflexive thematic analysis with eighteen children with refugee backgrounds in Sweden. This resulted in two main themes: Longing for a good life that cannot be taken for granted and Challenged agency and changing rights. The narratives indicate that children, although exposed to different challenges in different migration phases and based on gender and asylum status, have experiences of ordinary childhood with a desire for a good life with prospects. The results also show that children execute active and adaptable agency that is impacted by various factors. Reaching the full age appears to be a confusing and ambivalent transition due to changes in rights. The results pinpoint several possibilities to address factors that pose a risk to health and restrictions of rights among child refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Mattelin
- Barnafrid, Swedish National Center On Violence Against Children, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Save the Children, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie Söderlind
- Barnafrid, Swedish National Center On Violence Against Children, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid, Swedish National Center On Violence Against Children, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Mattelin E, Khanolkar AR, Korhonen L, Åhs JW, Fröberg F. Is refugee experience in childhood a risk for poorer health in adulthood?-A Swedish national survey study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002433. [PMID: 37939078 PMCID: PMC10631682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies on experiences of migration in childhood and subsequent health in adulthood report conflicting results. While there is limited research on the long-term health outcomes of refugee children as they transition into adulthood, it is often observed that refugee children experience adverse health conditions upon their arrival in the host country. We examined whether adults with a childhood refugee experience were more likely to have poorer mental health, general health, and risk-behaviours compared to non-refugee migrants and Swedish-born peers We included a nationally representative sample of 18-64-year-olds who answered the Swedish National Public Health survey in 2018 or 2020. Using official register data, we categorized individuals as: 1) refugees in childhood (
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Mattelin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Barnafrid, Swedish National Center on Violence Against Children, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Save the Children, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Amal R. Khanolkar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Studies, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Barnafrid, Swedish National Center on Violence Against Children, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jill. W. Åhs
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Frida Fröberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Barnafrid, Swedish National Center on Violence Against Children, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Ernberg E, Löfgren C, Koponen L, Magnusson M. Swedish Courts' Evaluations of Interpreter-Mediated Child Investigative Interviews. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:427-437. [PMID: 36882949 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231162072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Children can need the help of an interpreter if they are victims of a crime and need to be forensically interviewed in another language. Recent findings from practitioners raise concerns about the state of interpreter-mediated interviews with children. The current study aimed to explore how Swedish criminal courts reason when assessing interpreter-mediated and interpreter-absent (with children who are not fluent in Swedish) child investigative interviews. We conducted qualitative and descriptive analyses of written court verdicts involving 108 child victims who were evaluated to need an interpreter during their investigative interview. The courts frequently discussed issues regarding possible misinterpretations, language difficulties, and confusion. These perceived deficiencies in the interviews were often mentioned as a cause for assessing the child's testimony with caution and, in some cases, as lowering the evidential value of the child interview. Possible implications for children's legal rights are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Ernberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Linnea Koponen
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikaela Magnusson
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Barnafrid, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
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Derluyn I, Orsini G, Verhaeghe F, Elhaj R, Lietaert I, Pfeiffer E. The impact of trauma and daily hardships on the mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors detained in Libya. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e8. [PMID: 36601723 PMCID: PMC9885330 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high trauma load and prevalence of mental distress in unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) who resettle in Western (European) countries is well documented. However, the lack of studies investigating the potentially most vulnerable population, URMs who are currently on the move in transit countries such as Libya, is alarming. AIMS To document the mental health of URMs detained in Libya and the possible associations with trauma, flight and daily hardships. METHOD In total n = 99 (94.9% male; n = 93) URMs participated in this cross-sectional study conducted in four detention centres near the Libyan capital Tripoli. Data were collected via standardised questionnaires in an interview format and analysed using structured equation modelling. RESULTS Participants reported high rates of trauma, especially within Libya itself. Reports of daily hardships in detention ranged between 40 and 95% for basic needs and between 27 and 80% for social needs. Higher social needs were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.59; P = 0.028) and increased pre-migration (β = 0.10; P = 0.061) and peri-migration trauma (β = 0.16; P = 0.017) with symptoms of depression. Similarly, higher levels of pre-migration trauma were associated with higher post-traumatic stress disorder levels (β = 0.17; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS The rates of daily hardships and traumatic events are higher compared with those recorded for URMs living in asylum centres in Europe. The emotional, social and cognitive development of detained URMs is severely threatened in both the short and long term. This paper outlines some of the most detrimental effects of migration policies on URMs transiting through Libya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Derluyn
- Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Giacomo Orsini
- Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Floor Verhaeghe
- Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Ine Lietaert
- Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; and UNU-CRIS, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Elisa Pfeiffer
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Hodes M. Thinking about young refugees' mental health following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3-14. [PMID: 36071016 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221125639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 has prompted this article to summarise some of the salient mental health issues experienced by young asylum seekers and refugees focussing on resettlement countries, drawing on the substantial literature, for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioners. Firstly, the various UNHCR categories of persons affected by war and persecution and statistics are described. By July 2022, over 100 million people globally were of concern to UNHCR, a number increased by the many millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine to neighbouring countries. Selected findings on the psychiatric epidemiology of young refugees are summarised, and some principles of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service delivery and treatments are outlined. The research on Ukrainian refugees' mental health is limited and this is an area that requires further investigation alongside active attempts to meet their mental health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hodes
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK; Westminster Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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8
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Portilla-Saavedra D, Pinto-Cortez C, Guerra C, Cárdenas FP. Victimization by Caregivers: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Chilean Children and Adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:74. [PMID: 36071482 PMCID: PMC9454106 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the prevalence and risk factors associated to victimization by caregivers in a national large sample of Chilean children and adolescents. 19,687 children and adolescents aged 12-17, selected by random probability sampling of 699 public schools in Chile who were surveyed by trained interviewers. Victimization by Caregivers was evaluated through a module of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ). The prevalence (12 months) for physical abuse were (12.9%), for emotional abuse (27.9%), neglect (5.3%) and parental interference (3.5%). The results suggest as risk factors, sex, age, migration status, disability, geographical location, and type of school. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the issue of child maltreatment and victimization by caregivers in Chilean society and minimize its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristián Pinto-Cortez
- Escuela de Psicología Y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Juridicas, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avenida 18 de Septiembre 2222, Casilla 7-D, Arica, Chile.
| | - Cristóbal Guerra
- grid.441783.d0000 0004 0487 9411Centro Cielo, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Y Comunicaciones, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabiola Peña Cárdenas
- grid.441241.60000 0001 2187 037XUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Matamoros, México
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Pfeiffer E, Behrendt M, Adeyinka S, Devlieger I, Rota M, Uzureau O, Verhaeghe F, Lietaert I, Derluyn I. Traumatic events, daily stressors and posttraumatic stress in unaccompanied young refugees during their flight: a longitudinal cross-country study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:26. [PMID: 35361239 PMCID: PMC8974188 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unaccompanied young refugees constitute an especially vulnerable population, reporting high rates of trauma and mental health problems. There is a significant gap in the literature on trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in unaccompanied young refugees who are still on the move and live in precarious circumstances such as refugee camps. This study therefore aimed to contribute to this gap by investigating pre- and peri-migration (potentially) traumatic experiences of unaccompanied young refugees; longitudinal trajectories of trauma, daily stressors and PTSS; and the impact of gender, trauma, and daily stressors on PTSS over time. METHODS This longitudinal, mixed-method, and multi-country study was conducted in various settings (e.g. refugee camps, reception centers) across nine European countries. A heterogeneous sample of N = 187 unaccompanied young refugees (78.4% male) from 29 different countries was assessed via interviews at 3 time-points during a period of 27 months. Data was analyzed via growth curve modelling. RESULTS Prevalence rates of (potentially) traumatic experiences ranged from 29.5 to 91.9%. Peri-migration traumatization remained stable over time (b = - 0.02; p = 0.371), but the number of reported daily stressors (b = - 0.24; p = 0.001) and PTSS scores significantly decreased over time (b = - 0.98; p = 0.004). Females reported higher PTSS compared with males at baseline (p = 0.002), but gender did not influence the longitudinal trajectory of PTSS. The pre-migration trauma load and daily stressors at baseline did not have a significant effect on PTSS at baseline or on the longitudinal trajectory. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to document not only the high numbers of traumatic events for unaccompanied young refugees pre- and peri- migration, but also the continued traumatization during flight, as well as high rates of daily stressors and PTSS. Humanitarian and political assistance is urgently needed to curb the often life-threatening conditions unaccompanied young refugees face during migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pfeiffer
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstraße 1, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Malte Behrendt
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Adeyinka
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ines Devlieger
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marina Rota
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Océane Uzureau
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Floor Verhaeghe
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lietaert
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium ,grid.452077.30000 0004 5373 9896The United Nations University Institute On Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), Potterierei 72, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
| | - Ilse Derluyn
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Corona Maioli S, Bhabha J, Wickramage K, Wood LCN, Erragne L, Ortega García O, Burgess R, Digidiki V, Aldridge RW, Devakumar D. International migration of unaccompanied minors: trends, health risks, and legal protection. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2021; 5:882-895. [PMID: 34416189 PMCID: PMC7615140 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(21)00194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The global population of unaccompanied minors-children and adolescents younger than 18 years who migrate without their legal guardians-is increasing. However, as data are not systematically collected in any region, if collected at all, little is known about this diverse group of young people. Compared with adult migrants, unaccompanied minors are at greater risk of harm to their health and integrity because they do not have the protection provided by a family, which can affect their short-term and long-term health. This Review summarises evidence regarding the international migration and health of unaccompanied minors. Unaccompanied minors are entitled to protection that should follow their best interests as a primary consideration; however, detention, sometimes under the guise of protection, is a widespread practice. If these minors are provided with appropriate forms of protection, including health and psychosocial care, they can thrive and have good long-term outcomes. Instead, hostile immigration practices persist, which are not in the best interests of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline Bhabha
- Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kolitha Wickramage
- Migration Health Division, Global Migration Health Research and Epidemiology Unit, International Organization for Migration, Manila, Philippines
| | - Laura C N Wood
- Centre for Child & Family Justice Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | | | | | - Vasileia Digidiki
- Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Narratives of experiences of violence of Venezuelan migrant women sheltered at the northwestern Brazilian border. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260300. [PMID: 34797877 PMCID: PMC8604314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To know the experiences of Venezuelan migrant women living in shelters in Roraima state at the northwestern border between Venezuela and Brazil regarding situations of violence as part of the dynamics of everyday life. Materials and methods Data were collected in January 2020 through 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 5 to 14 Venezuelan migrant women aged 18–49 years old living transitorily in five shelters established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Brazilian government. We obtained individual and shared views on the experiences regarding violence that migrant women may experience in their everyday life. To organize the FGDs, variations in age and the time women were living at the shelters were considered. All FGDs were held in a place at the shelter that guaranteed privacy and secrecy so that women could express themselves freely. The initial question was broad and open ended and was followed by more specific questions about situations of domestic violence and other types of violence. Results The main themes identified were the following: i) women’s perceptions on domestic violence, ii) women’s perceptions on how humanitarian organizations were managing the episodes of domestic violence, and iii) situations considered violence in everyday life at the shelters. The FGDs showed that the reported violence inside the shelters was high, and several forms of violence emerged. Violence was identified as physical aggression and psychological threats, and violence in everyday life at the shelter included xenophobia when the migrants went outside the shelters that was perceived and described as violence. Conclusions According to the perspective of Venezuelan migrant women violence was part of everyday life among those living in the UNHCR shelters at the northwestern border of Brazil-Venezuela. These women are not comfortable with this situation, and it is difficult for them to understand and handle the episodes of violence.
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12
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Scharf RJ, Zheng C, Briscoe Abath C, Martin-Herz SP. Developmental Concerns in Children Coming to the United States as Refugees. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-030130. [PMID: 34011635 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Scharf
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Christie Zheng
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Christina Briscoe Abath
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Susanne P Martin-Herz
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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