Publication date: 11 October 2012
This paper: "Women and and Girls fleeing conflict: Gender and the interpretation and application of the 1951 refugee convention" was commissioned in te context of a project on Developing Guidelines for the protection of people fleeing violence and conflict accross borders.
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Main theme: International Protection, Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: conflict, gender
Publication date: 07 September 2012
2011 stands out not only for the migration dynamics that have flowed into, out of and within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but also for the unprecedented social movements that have transformed the political culture. IOM addresses challenges and oppportunites experienced in 2011.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Migration
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: MENA region, migration management, assistance, AVRR, crisis
Publication date: 08 August 2012
This publication from the King Baudouin Foundation, reviews 22 projects building bridges between elderly migrants and existing services. Based on such experiences, tracks are identified to further involve elderly migrants in the society.
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Main theme: Migration, Integration, Vulnerable groups
Keywords: assistance, health care, senior migrant
Publication date: 27 July 2012
Asylum Aid published a study on "Gender Related Asylum Claims in Europe". The study is a Comparative Analysis of Law, Policies and Practice Focusing on Women in Nine EU Member States.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Asylum
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: gender related asylum claim, gender related persecution, gender equality
Publication date: 25 July 2012
16 Member States have responded to an ad hoc query on unaccompanied minors, providing an overview of statistical data and procedures regarding unaccompanied minors.
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Publication date: 18 June 2012
The UNHCR 2011 Global Trends report has been published today. The report analyses the statistical trends and changes in the global populations of concern to UNHCR, i.e. refugees, returnees, stateless persons and certain groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Data & Statistics, Asylum
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: UNHCR, Statistics, global trends
Publication date: 03 May 2012
The European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality requested this study.
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Publication date: 15 March 2012
Peter H. van der Laan, Monika Smit, Inge Busschers and Pauline Aarten have published their study for the Campbell Collaboration. It focuses on cross-border trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and prostitution.
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Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Study
Keywords: cross-border crime, victims of human trafficking
Publication date: 15 February 2012
The study generates a checklist which aims to assist Member States in developing their processes for considering the return of children informed by national good practices.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Return & Readmission
Keywords: Directive retour
Publication date: 08 September 2011
Climate change is a new driver of human migration and is expected by many to dwarf all others in its impact. This study was done by the Migration Policy Institute in coperation with the European University Institute.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection, Migration
Keywords: climate change, migration
Publication date: 24 August 2011
In July, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)issued a policy paper entitled "Policy paper: the recast of the EU asylum Procedure and Reception Directives", containing its concerns & recommendations on the 2 directives.
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Main theme: Reception, International Protection, Vulnerable groups
Publication date: 01 June 2011
Publication of the UNHCR: Legal and Protection Policy Research Series
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Asylum, International Protection, Irregular Migration
Publication Type: Study
Keywords: alternatives to detention, detention
Publication date: 21 April 2011
Study on unaccompanied minors, carried out by the Risk Analysis Unit of FRONTEX. Amongst others, EMN and the Belgian organisation "Payoke" contributed to this study
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Publication date: 01 April 2011
Ad Hoc Query, requested by the Swedish NCP on 1 February 2010 on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)- related asylum claims in the EU - 18 responses
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Femal Genital Mutilation, gender related asylum claim
Publication date: 31 March 2011
Ad Hoc Query, requested by the Belgian NCP on 3 March 2010 concerning the issuing of residence permits for medical reasons - 18 responses
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: humanitarian reasons, medical regularisation
Publication date: 30 June 2009
Who are the unaccompanied minors (UMAs) in Belgium? What motivates them to enter and stay in the country? What are the policies on reception, return and integration developed for UMAs in Belgium? This study addresses such questions and contains statistical information on the subject.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: age assessment, guardianship, unaccompanied minors
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Myria has released its first comprehensive mapping of quantitative data on minor victims of human trafficking and aggravated forms of smuggling in Belgium. The report aims to provide a clearer statistical basis for understanding the situation of minors at risk, while also highlighting structural gaps in current data collection and sharing practices.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Data & Statistics, Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: victim of trafficking, victim of smuggling, minor, data collection, figures
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The medical office run by Médecins du Monde within the Humanitarian Hub in Brussels will cease its activities on 31 March 2026. The closure follows the recent shutdown of the Athena Medical Centre. According to the organisation, this will further reduce access to primary healthcare for vulnerable groups in the capital. Médecins du Monde has warned of likely consequences for emergency services and for people with limited access to care.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: Humanitarian Hub, Brussels, access to healthcare, vulnerable persons
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On 20 November 2025, EMN Belgium attended the launch of the annual report "Rechten op de drempel" by the Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner, on the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day. The report highlights persistent challenges affecting foreign children and young people in reception centres, including disparities in living conditions, safety, hygiene, and access to basic needs.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Keywords: child, applicant for international protection, reception centre, minimum standards
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On 4 November 2025, two EMN Belgium colleagues met with the General Delegates for Children’s Rights, Caroline Vrijens (Flanders) and Souleymane Laqdim (French Community), accompanied by two of Ms Vrijens’ team members. The meeting was highly cordial and provided an opportunity for open discussion and in-depth dialogue on shared concerns and potential avenues for cooperation. Key topics included the challenges faced by migrant children in Belgium.
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EMN Portugal’s 2025 Conference will focus on the specific challenges arising from international protection and the integration of beneficiaries. The event will bring together researchers, government agencies, social partners and private sector representatives to exchange knowledge and explore innovative policies and practices. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss national experiences and share successful approaches adaptable to various contexts.
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Main theme: Integration, Vulnerable groups
Keywords: beneficiary of international protection, integration challenge, vulnerability
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The Fedasil Info Point in Brussels has been supporting asylum seekers and other migrants for two years, providing accessible and centralised information in one location. Since reopening on 27 September 2023 at the former Bordet Hospital site, it has welcomed over 22.000 visitors, mostly single men with ongoing asylum procedures. Visitors most frequently ask about accommodation, medical care, legal support, and other practical matters. Partners such as Caritas International and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) assist in providing guidance and support.
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The Belgian Minister for Equal Opportunities, Rob Beenders, has launched a campaign aimed at employers, HR professionals and relevant actors to promote gender equality in the workplace. It particularly highlights the challenges faced by women of foreign origin and draws on a recent report showing that they encounter structural difficulties, such as precarious work and under-employment. A podcast complements the campaign by giving a voice to migrant women and illustrating their resilience in the face of these obstacles.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Keywords: migrant women, labour market, gender equality, inclusion
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On 4 September, the non-profit organisation Mentor Jeunes held an online information session for families willing to foster unaccompanied foreign minors. The initiative highlighted foster care as an alternative to collective centres, offering children a safe and structured home environment. It also explained the individualised support available to both families and young people, aiming to encourage more households to consider joining the programme.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Keywords: unaccompanied foreign minor, foster family
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The European Commission has formally established the Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. This expert group will bring together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to tackle abuse both online and offline. Prevention efforts aim to protect children and address potential offending behaviour. The initiative forms part of the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse.