Women and LGBTQIA+ migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Europe are faced with complex and unique challenges due to a lack of intersectionality in migration policies. This leads to restricted access to essential care and support within their communities and EU systems and, at worst, situations of violence in which they are helpless.

As put by Equinox, "Intersectionality examines how three l important global systems of domination: colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy intersect to harm and exploit certain people over others." There is no real freedom for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers if we do not respond to the needs of women and LGBTQIA+ people. Intersectionality must be at the center of Europe’s migration policy. It is crucial that the EU and all of its member states ensure a just treatment for these vulnerable groups and address their specific needs. We can achieve that together through the implementation of gender-inclusive policies, specialised training for asylum officers, and the creation of stronger mechanisms to address all kinds of violence faced by these individuals.

Today on the International Day of Migrants, we call on the European Union and all of its member states, with your support, to:

• Recognise specific grounds for the international protection and asylum of women and LGBTQIA+ people.

• Incorporate gender equality into migration and asylum policies and provide more support to services directed at women and LGBTQIA+ individuals within refugee settings.

• Provide specialised training for asylum officers to address the unique needs of women and LGBTQIA+ refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers.

• Establish mechanisms to report and monitor violence directed at women and LGBTQIA+ people within and towards refugee communities.

Women and LGBTQIA+ migrants and refugees need our support. Sign here to stand with us on the sides of the most vulnerable.