The systematic human rights violations experienced by Sub-Saharan African female asylum seekers in transit to Europe

Abstract

Sub-Saharan female asylum seekers are subjected to the repeated violation of their fundamental human rights. There are many factors which re-enforce this situation. They have limited opportunities to redress the sexual and gender based violence experienced both in their country of origin as well as in the transit countries during their journey towards Europe in search of a better life. The shame and helplessness which victims of rape and SGBV feel often discourages them from reporting these crimes. This results in a 'Conspiracy of Silence', further empowering the perpetrators of these acts of violence and oppression on women to maintain the status quo. Due to the lack of information about the rampant abuse suffered by these women, little is done to address this state of perpetual injustice. The aim of this research is thus to evaluate the human rights violation of Sub-Saharan African women asylum seekers, thereby shedding light on the shadows hiding the cruel and shameful disregard for the wellbeing of the victims. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, a qualitative approach will be adopted as this was considered to be the best way towards an in-depth analysis. Secondary research will be the first tool used to identify the primary causes of the various forms of oppression experienced by the Sub-Saharan women within their country as well as during the migration process. This will be followed by a number of semi-structured interviews with people who are directly involved with female asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa. The resulting data will be instrumental to identifying what action needs to be implemented to protect these women.