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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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Belanteri RA, Hinderaker SG, Wilkinson E, Episkopou M, Timire C, Plecker ED, Mabhala M, Takarinda KC, Van den Bergh R. Correction: Sexual violence against migrants and asylum seekers. The experience of the MSF clinic on Lesvos Island, Greece. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300860. [PMID: 38483894 PMCID: PMC10939194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239187.].
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Cayreyre L, Korchia T, Loundou A, Jego M, Théry D, Berbis J, Gentile G, Auquier P, Khouani J. Lifetime sexual violence experienced by women asylum seekers and refugees hosted in high-income countries: Literature review and meta-analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 101:102622. [PMID: 38061112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102622] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Screening and care for victims of sexual violence (SV) among asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs) living in High-income host countries were prioritized by the WHO in 2020. The lack of stabilized prevalence findings on lifetime SV among ASRs in High-income countries hinders the development of adequate health management. The objective of this study was to determine the lifetime prevalence of SV experienced by ASRs living in High-income countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if the sample consisted exclusively of asylum seekers or refugees over the age of 16 living in High-income countries and if they reported a lifetime prevalence of experienced SV. The results of the meta-analysis were expressed with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) as estimates of lifetime SV prevalence using a random-effects model. The estimated lifetime prevalence of SV among women ASRs was 44 % (95 % CI, 0.24-0.67) and 27 % (95 % CI, 0.18-0.38) for both sexes. This meta-analysis revealed a high prevalence of SV among ASRs hosted in High-income countries and suggest the importance of developing specific screening and care programs in these host countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cayreyre
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Théo Korchia
- Department of Psychiatry, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Anderson Loundou
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France; APHM, Department of Public Health, Marseille, France
| | - Maeva Jego
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Théry
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Berbis
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France; APHM, Department of Public Health, Marseille, France
| | - Gaëtan Gentile
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, Institut des Neurosciences des Systèmes, INS UMR1106, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France; APHM, Department of Public Health, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy Khouani
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France.
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Hladik W, Nasirumbi Muniina P, Familiar I, Kaiser P, Ogwal M, Serwadda D, Sande E, Kiyingi H, Siya Bahinduka C, Dolan C. Sexual and nonsexual violence and mental health among male refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo residing in Kampala, Uganda: a population-based survey. Med Confl Surviv 2023; 39:389-411. [PMID: 37849278 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2023.2263730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a population-based survey in 2013 in Kampala, Uganda, to examine violence and mental health outcomes among self-settled male refugees from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Male DRC refugees aged 18+ years were sampled through respondent-driven sampling. Key interview domains included demographics, experiences of sexual and nonsexual violence, social support, PTSD, depression and suicide ideation. Data analysis was weighted to generate population-level estimates. We sampled 718 men (mean age: 33 years), most of whom had lived in North or South Kivu. Nonsexual violence, such as beatings (79.4%) and torture (63.8%), was frequent. A quarter (26.2%) had been raped; 49.9% of rape victims had been raped on multiple occasions, and 75.7% of rape victims had been gang raped. We estimated 52.8% had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); 44.4% reported suicidal ideation. Numerous traumas were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with PTSD such as rape (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82), war-related injuries (aOR = 2.90) or having been exposed to >15 traumas (compared to ≤10; aOR = 6.89). Traumata are frequent experiences in this self-settled male refugee population and are often accompanied by adverse mental health outcomes. Screening for trauma and adverse mental health outcomes and providing targeted services are paramount to improve these refugees' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Hladik
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Itziar Familiar
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Peter Kaiser
- Center for Victims of Torture and War, Swiss Red Cross, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Moses Ogwal
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Serwadda
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enos Sande
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Herbert Kiyingi
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Chris Dolan
- Global Sustainable Development Department, Warwick University, Coventry, UK
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Khouani J, Landrin M, Boulakia RC, Tahtah S, Gentile G, Desrues A, Vengeon M, Loundou A, Barbaroux A, Auquier P, Jego M. Incidence of sexual violence among recently arrived asylum-seeking women in France: a retrospective cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100731. [PMID: 37927433 PMCID: PMC10624985 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The prevention of sexual violence (SV) occurring shortly after arrival in host countries towards female asylum seekers requires knowledge about its incidence. We aimed to determine the incidence of SV and its associated factors during the past year of living in France among asylum-seeking females who had arrived more than one year earlier but less than two years. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a life-event survey of asylum-seeking females who had been registered in southern France by the Office for Immigration for more than one year but less than two. The primary outcome was the occurrence of SV during the past year, weighted by the deviation in age and geographical origin of our sample from all females registered. The nature of SV was noted, and associated factors were explored by a logistic regression model. Findings Between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, 273 females were included. Eighty-four females experienced SV during the past year of living in France (26.3% weighted [95% CI, 24-28.8]), 17 of whom were raped (4.8% weighted [95% CI, 3.7-6.1]). Being a victim of SV prior to arrival in France (202, 75.7%) was associated with the occurrence of SV after arrival (OR = 4.6 [95% CI, 1.8-11.3]). Lack of support for accommodation was associated with se.xual assault (OR = 2.6 [95% CI, 1.3-5.1]). Interpretation The months following arrival in a European host country among asylum-seeking females appear to be a period of high incidence of SV; even higher for those who previously experienced SV prior to arrival. Reception conditions without support for accommodation seem to increase exposure to sexual assault. Funding DGOS-GIRCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Khouani
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Landrin
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sarah Tahtah
- Université Cote d’Azur, Département d’Enseignement et de Recherche en Médecine Générale, RETINES, LAPCOS, HEALTHY, Nice, France
| | - Gaëtan Gentile
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, Institut des Neurosciences des Systèmes, INS UMR1106, France
| | - Anne Desrues
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
| | - Marine Vengeon
- Université Cote d’Azur, Département d’Enseignement et de Recherche en Médecine Générale, RETINES, LAPCOS, HEALTHY, Nice, France
| | - Anderson Loundou
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
- Department of Public Health, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Adriaan Barbaroux
- Université Cote d’Azur, Département d’Enseignement et de Recherche en Médecine Générale, RETINES, LAPCOS, HEALTHY, Nice, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
- Department of Public Health, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Maeva Jego
- Aix Marseille University, CEReSS, UR3279, Marseille, France
- Department of General Practice, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Xuereb S. Emotions, perceived threat, prejudice, and attitudes towards helping Ukrainian, Syrian, and Somali asylum seekers. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290335. [PMID: 37703255 PMCID: PMC10499223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Europe receives thousands of asylum seekers. This study examined whether European participants distinguish between European, Middle Eastern, and African asylum seekers in relation to positive and negative emotions, perceived threat, prejudice, and attitudes towards helping. The study also examined how these variables interrelate to influence each other. 287 participants were recruited from the UK and Malta. The study found that higher positive emotions and attitudes towards helping, and lower negative emotions, classical prejudice, and conditional prejudice were reported in relation to Ukrainian than Syrian or Somali asylum seekers. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine the interrelationship of these variables. Emotions and perceived threat had an indirect effect on attitudes towards helping, via prejudice. The effect of perceived threat was stronger than that of emotions. The study suggests that to improve people's openness towards helping asylum seekers, it is necessary to reduce the perception that asylum seekers are threatening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Xuereb
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Oxford C. The Gory Details: Asylum, Sexual Assault, and Traumatic Memory. SEXES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes4020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
For asylum seekers to be granted asylum, they must convince immigration officials that they have been persecuted or that they fear they will be persecuted if returned to their home country. This article discusses the reluctance of asylum seekers to be forthcoming about sexual assault as a form of persecution and the ways in which traumatic memory can affect narratives of persecution for rape survivors. Many asylum seekers, particularly those who have been sexually assaulted, show symptoms consistent with trauma survivors. Consequently, their narratives of persecution are often shaped by partial and incomplete memory recall. The result is that how asylum seekers who have been sexually assaulted tell their stories of persecution is the antithesis of the expectations of credibility. This article is based on qualitative research in Los Angeles, California, and New York City, New York, in the United States. It includes interviews with asylum seekers, immigration attorneys, immigrant service providers, asylum officers, and immigration judges; observations of immigration court hearings; and content analysis of asylum applications. I use these sources to argue that the harm of rape and its long-lasting effects evidenced by symptoms of traumatic memory impacts how asylum seekers articulate stories of persecution. How these stories are told can have devastating effects for asylum seekers that may jeopardize their ability to gain asylum if immigration officials do not view them as credible applicants.
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Adeyinka S, Lietaert I, Derluyn I. It Happened in the Desert, in Libya and in Italy: Physical and Sexual Violence Experienced by Female Nigerian Victims of Trafficking in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4309. [PMID: 36901324 PMCID: PMC10002192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nigerian girls and women constitute a large percentage of African victims of human trafficking in Italy. Extensive research has been conducted on the causes, push-and-pull factors, and the perpetrators in the phenomenon of trafficking Nigerian women and girls into Italy. However, limited data exist on the women and girls' narratives of their experiences during their migratory journey from Nigeria to Europe. Using data collected through a mixed method, longitudinal design, 31 female Nigerian victims of trafficking in Italy were interviewed for this study. This study gives voice to the experiences of sexual violence that these women and girls encounter during transit, leading to many of them arriving in Italy severely traumatized. It also discusses the health impact of these experiences and the different survival strategies that they are forced to employ. The study shows how sexual and physical violence is employed by smugglers, traffickers, and people in authority alike. It shows that the violence experienced along the way does not end after arrival in the destination country (in this case, Italy), but is, in some cases, exacerbated and similar to previous experiences of violence.
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Vasylyeva TI, Horyniak D, Bojorquez I, Pham MD. Left behind on the path to 90-90-90: understanding and responding to HIV among displaced people. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26031. [PMID: 36352546 PMCID: PMC9646984 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2021, the number of people affected by displacement worldwide reached the highest on record, with an estimated 30.5 million refugees and 4.6 million asylum seekers seeking safety across international borders and further 53.2 million people displaced within their countries of origin. Most forcibly displaced persons come from or relocate to lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and many of those countries have large HIV epidemics. In this commentary, we describe some of the challenges at the intersection of HIV and displacement vulnerabilities that cannot be easily addressed in resource-limited environments. DISCUSSION HIV transmission and prevention and treatment efforts in the context of displacement are affected by myriad behavioural, social and structural factors across different stages of the displacement journey. For example, structural barriers faced by people experiencing displacement in relation to HIV prevention and care include funding constraints and legal framework deficiencies. Such barriers prevent all forced migrants, and particularly those whose sexual identities or practices are stigmatized against, access to prevention and care equal to local residents. Xenophobia, racism and other social factors, as well as individual risky behaviours facilitated by experiences of forced migration, also affect the progress towards 90-90-90 targets in displaced populations. Current evidence suggests increased HIV vulnerability in the period before displacement due to the effect of displacement drivers on medical supplies and infrastructure. During and after displacement, substantial barriers to HIV testing exist, though following resettlement in stable displacement context, HIV incidence and viral suppression are reported to be similar to those of local populations. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of often-marginalized displaced populations are diverse and depend on the context of displacement, countries of origin and resettlement, and the nature of the crises that forced these populations to move. To address current gaps in responses to HIV in displacement contexts, research in LMIC, particularly in less stable resettlement settings, needs to be scaled up. Furthermore, displaced populations need to be specifically addressed in national AIDS strategies and HIV surveillance systems. Finally, innovative technologies, such as point-of-care viral load and CD4 testing, need to be developed and introduced in settings facing displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana I. Vasylyeva
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Danielle's Horyniak
- Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ietza Bojorquez
- Department of Population StudiesEl Colegio de la Frontera NorteTijuanaMexico
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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De Schrijver L, Nobels A, Harb J, Nisen L, Roelens K, Vander Beken T, Vandeviver C, Keygnaert I. Victimization of Applicants for International Protection Residing in Belgium: Sexual Violence and Help-Seeking Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12889. [PMID: 36232187 PMCID: PMC9566446 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence (SV) literature on applicants for international protection (AIPs) shows that they are at high risk of victimization. The study objectives are to provide an exploratory overview of the occurrence of SV in AIPs in Belgium and their help-seeking behavior (HSB). This overview is crucial to develop prevention strategies and care paths focusing on providing adequate care to AIP SV victims in Belgium. METHODS Quantitative data from structured interviews with AIPs (n = 62) triangulated with qualitative data from in-depth interviews with AIP SV victims (n = 11) served to explore the nature and impact of SV in AIPs in Belgium and their HSB. RESULTS A total of 83.9% of respondents have experienced SV. A total of 61.3% were victimized within the past year. Victimization seems more gender-balanced than in the general population. AIPs link SV to their legal status and their associated vulnerable situation. HSB upon SV was very limited in this sample. Help-seeking barriers interfering with the decision-making process to consult (in)formal resources were identified. CONCLUSIONS AIPs in Belgium are at high risk of SV. Despite the impact of SV on AIPs' lives, HSB upon SV is rare. The provision of age-appropriate sexual education and development of policies that will reduce help-seeking barriers is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte De Schrijver
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Nobels
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Harb
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurent Nisen
- CARE-ESPRIst, Études et Évaluations, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Vander Beken
- Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandeviver
- Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Glatz Brubakk K, Gjengedal ELF, Enger Ø, Sripada K. Ammunition Waste Pollution and Preliminary Assessment of Risks to Child Health from Toxic Metals at the Greek Refugee Camp Mavrovouni. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10086. [PMID: 36011717 PMCID: PMC9408271 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Mavrovouni refugee camp near the former Moria camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece, housed approximately 3000 asylum-seekers including children as of October 2021. The camp was built on the site of a military shooting range. This study aimed to characterize the soil contaminants and assess the risk of toxic environmental exposures for children living in Mavrovouni. Methods: Samples of surface soil (0−2 cm depth; particle size < 2 mm) from eight locations inside the camp were compared with two reference samples. Soil samples were microwave digested using a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acids and analyzed for lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), and other metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These values were compared with action limits established by the Norwegian Environment Agency for kindergartens, playgrounds, and schools. Findings: Five of eight soil samples from inside the camp exceeded Pb levels of 100 mg/kg, which is currently the maximum acceptable value of Pb in soil for playgrounds in Norway. Two sites had extreme soil Pb levels of approximately 8000 mg/kg and 6000 mg/kg. The concen-tration of Sb and Bi in the surface soil of the firing range area strongly indicated environmental contamination, most likely from previous military activity and ammunition residue that has re-mained on the surface soil. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in surface soil were lower than action limits. Discussion: Extremely high levels of Pb, together with high levels of Sb and Bi, were identified in soil where children live and play in the Mavrovouni refugee camp. This is the first independent study of environmental contamination at this camp and adds to the limited evidence base documenting Pb exposures prior to migrant and refugee reset-tlement. On top of the multiple existing public health crises and traumas that these asylum-seeking families face, exposure to toxic ammunition residues may have profound impacts on children’s development and health for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Glatz Brubakk
- Department of Psychology, Out-Patient Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Elin Lovise Folven Gjengedal
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Øyvind Enger
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Kam Sripada
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Evans
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - B Munslow
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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13
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Evans MS, Munslow B. Climate change, health, and conflict in Africa's arc of instability. Perspect Public Health 2021. [PMID: 34787038 DOI: 10.1177/17579139211058299)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M S Evans
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - B Munslow
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010661. [PMID: 34682407 PMCID: PMC8536130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Asylum seekers in Israel from East Africa frequently experienced traumatic events along their journey, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where they were subjected to trafficking and torture. Exposure to trauma has implications for rights that are contingent on refugee status. This retrospective chart review aimed to characterize the types of traumas experienced by 219 asylum seekers (149 men) from Eritrea and Sudan who sought treatment at a specialized mental health clinic in Israel, and to compare the mental health of trauma victims (n = 168) with that of non-trauma victims (n = 53). About 76.7% of the asylum seekers had experienced at least one traumatic event, of whom 56.5% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most reported traumas were experienced en route in the Sinai, rather than in the country of origin or Israel. Few clinical differences were observed between trauma victims and non-trauma victims, or between trauma victims with and without a PTSD diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of accessibility to mental and other health services for asylum seekers. Governmental policies and international conventions on the definition of human trafficking may need to be revised, as well as asylum seekers’ rights and access to health services related to visa status.
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Migrants’ Sexual Violence in the Mediterranean Region: A Regional Analysis. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration in the Mediterranean region has increased greatly during the last years. Reports and studies reveal that violence and injuries among refugees and migrants is a common occurrence in the WHO Europe Region. Available literature indicates that sexual violence incidents take place: (a) during the migratory journey to the host country, (b) while in detention centers, (c) once migrants have reached their destination, and (d) during the period in which a woman is subject of trafficking. This manuscript explores how sexual violence against refugee/immigrant women is presented in the international literature; a narrative review of the literature was conducted on the phenomenon of migration in the Mediterranean area, and specifically on sexual violence of migrant women. In order to face the challenges faced by migrant women victims of sexual violence, the following policies are suggested by international literature: (a) offer emergency medical and health care to sexual violence survivors, which is usually relatively limited, (b) offer mental health care and psychological support for sexual violence when planning services to provide clinical care, and (c) work towards the aim of transforming norms and values in order to promote gender equality and support non-violent behaviours.
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