“ I feel like I am less than other people ”: Health-related vulnerabilities of male migrants travelling alone on their journey to Europe

Abstract

During 2015 and 2016, an unprecedented flow of approximately 800,000 migrants coming from Turkey towards Western Europe crossed the Balkans. Male migrants are perceived as being less vulnerable compared to other migrants and they are not given priority in service and support provision. This qualitative study examines the self-perceived vulnerabilities of male migrants travelling alone along the Balkan route to Europe. Twenty-four individual in-depth interviews, two group interviews and participant observation were conducted with male migrants in Belgrade, Serbia in 2017. Data was coded manually, and analysed thematically. Male migrants traveling alone face the cumulative vulnerability of various traumatic events and migration-related contextual circumstances. Three main themes emerged: the ongoing desperate journey, the better treatment of 'traditionally' well recognised vulnerable sub-groups and the impact of the continuous stress on mental health. Deterrence measures imposed for border control purposes in the form of push-backs, expulsions, detention and degrading, inhumane treatment amplify the psychological distress of male migrants. Feelings of hopelessness, desperation, lack of self-value and self-esteem were reported. 'Traditionally vulnerable' populations were said to have had better treatment throughout the journey from smugglers, border state authorities, governmental officials, civil society and international organizations. The devastating experiences of male migrants, as well as the better treatment offered to other groups of migrants like women and children, results in a perceived neglect of the needs of men in humanitarian response, rendering them vulnerable and exposing them to further health and protection risks. In a context where needs are unmet and people's dignity and health are at risk, specific strategies should be developed to include men in the assistance and protection offered, particularly in relation to exposure to violence.

“With every passing day I feel like a candle, melting little by little.” experiences of long-term displacement amongst Syrian refugees in Shatila, Lebanon

“…Several participants expressed the wish to end their life so as to escape their current situation, and imagined death as the only alternative to living in Shatila. Similar expressions of suicidal thoughts and self-harm have been reported elsewhere in Lebanon [23] and amongst other refugee populations [1, 9].…”

Male and LGBT survivors of sexual violence in conflict situations: a realist review of health interventions in low-and middle-income countries

“…The almost exclusive focus of the limited existing research and policy on women's risk of sexual violence obscures the experience of men, boys and LGBT survivors of CRSV [24,143]. A lack of understanding on how to effectively address the needs of male and LGBT persons may expose these groups to further health and protection risks [158]. It is therefore critical for all health professionals to recognise that the needs of male and LGBT survivors are real and require attention, despite the fact that they are members of a dominant group [28].…”

An increasing scabies incidence in Croatia: A call for coordinated action among dermatologists, physicians and epidemiologists

“… Scabies incidence by county and migration flows, Croatia, 2017. Migration flows data available from Arsenijević et al 2017 ( 20 ) and Arsenijević et al 2018 ( 21 ). …”