Escaping violence was one of the most cited motivations for migrating. Girls spoke of exposure to multiple forms of violence in their countries of origin. Female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, and intimate-partner violence were some of the most frequently mentioned. Key informants have also noted an increase in the migration of children with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) to escape repressive and discriminatory practices, violence, and abuse in their countries of origin. One NGO stakeholder in Spain observed: “From the north of Africa, we have seen an increase in the applications for international protection from person with different orientation people, who run away for that reason, and it’s what pushes them to migrate to Spain. They have really increased in recent years.”
from: “Girls on the move in North Africa” (SAVE THE CHILDREN)
