Migration is a gendered process in which women and girls are at disproportionately higher risk of violence and sexual violence. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women seeking asylum experience sexual gender-based violence (SGBV), while in some settings, the number of women who survived this type of violence can increase to 70%.

Given the importance of these serious violations of fundamental human rights affecting mainly women and girls in a migratory context, this report aims first to define and assess SGBV in a migratory context. Second, as the report focuses on the situation in Greece, and more specifically on Lesvos, it analyses the Greek authorities' response to this particular area of concern and identifies its shortcomings with a view to improving support for survivors.

It should be noted that SGBV is an umbrella term which includes different acts of violence against someone due to or in consequence of their gender. It can include acts such as gender-related killings, trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, domestic abuse and forced marriage. In the migration context, such violence can occur at any stage of the journey to a safe country, from the departure from the country of origin until the arrival in the host country.

On Lesvos, the significant increase in the registered applicants in 2023 has been leading to a further deterioration of the reception condition in the CCAC of Lesvos to all applicants. Nonetheless, these worrying shortcomings in the Greek authorities further deteriorate the response to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, which remains reduced. The lack or reduce appropriate care for survivors of SGBV has a harmful impact on the survivors' well-being and prevents them from receiving adequate support.

Finally, it is recalled that in accordance with the UNHCR and EUAA guidelines, a gender-sensitive interpretation must be given to the 1951 Geneva Convention, which should recognise the possibility for a person who has suffered from SGBV to be granted international protection by being recognised as a refugee. Yet, despite the provisions of international law and guidelines, and of the Greek law, incidents of SGBV are not recognised or considered relevant for the examination of the asylum application. 

On this International Women's Day, Fenix publishes its report to raise awareness of the scope of these violations of the human rights of women and girls in a migratory context and to stress the need for efforts to be made to address this issue and provide appropriate care for survivors of SGBV. These efforts include identifying and recognising the vulnerabilities of victims, taking account of their specific needs and providing special training to the asylum services’ staff.

Therefore, Fenix calls on the Greek Government and Greek authorities to respect the rights and safeguards afforded to vulnerable asylum applicants, including those of survivors of SGBV.

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