Social Science and Medicine
Volume 209, 2018, Pages 86-94

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

Arsenijević J.* , Burtscher D. , Ponthieu A. , Severy N. , Contenta A. , Moissaing S. , Argenziano S. , Zamatto F. , Zachariah R. , Ali E. , Venables E.
  • a Médecins Sans Frontières, Mission in Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, Splitska 15, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
  • b Médecins Sans Frontières, Vienna Evaluation Unit, Austria
  • c Médecins Sans Frontières, Analysis and Advocacy, Operational Center Brussels, Belgium
  • d Médecins Sans Frontières, Medical Department, Operational Center Brussels, Belgium
  • e Médecins Sans Frontières, Mission in Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
  • f Médecins Sans Frontières, Mission in Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
  • g Médecins Sans Frontières, Operations Departement, Operational Center Brussels, Belgium
  • h Médecins Sans Frontières, Operations Departement, Operational Center Brussels, Belgium
  • i Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
  • j Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
  • k Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

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. © 2018 The Authors

Author Keywords

Traumatic events Migration Serbia Vulnerability Balkan route

Index Keywords

Vulnerable Populations vulnerable population human dignity Europe mental health human social isolation Relief Work travel detention statistics and numerical data health service mental stress health status organization migrants experience self esteem ethnology qualitative research Health Services Needs and Demand interview Young Adult Humans migrant psychology Adolescent male female qualitative analysis vulnerability Article adult migration Serbia Turkmenistan Balkan Psychological Trauma Belgrade psychotrauma Transients and Migrants exposure to violence neglect hopelessness Child immigrant population
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85047495148&doi=10.1016%2fj.socscimed.2018.05.038&partnerID=40&md5=eb1165c0d42167721317bb8c371b90a9
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.05.038
ISSN: 02779536
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English