Surge in female migrants sees rapist smugglers demand new payment | Politics | News
Experts have observed an increase in the number of women traveling across Europe and smugglers demanding sex as part of the payment. A 2024 report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Italy noted a 250% annual increase in the number of single adult women arriving in the country via the Balkans. The number of families increased by 52 percent. With 3,419 migrant deaths or disappearances reported in Europe last year, women face the additional threat of sexual violence and exploitation.
Hermine Gbedo, from anti-trafficking network Stella Polare, supports female migrants in Trieste, north-east Italy. The port city is an important entry point to the EU for those transiting from the Balkans. From here individuals and groups continue their journeys to countries such as Germany, France and England. “All migrants must pay money to the smuggler,” Ms. Gbedo said. “But women are often expected to offer sex as part of the payment.”
“We are seeing an increase in the number of women traveling alone on both the Mediterranean and Balkan routes,” says Irini Contogiannis of the IRC. he said. BBC.
“Their experiences are different and often riskier,” said Ugochi Daniels of the International Organization for Migration.
“Even women traveling in groups often lack consistent protection, leaving them exposed to exploitation by smugglers, traffickers or other migrants.”
Many women reportedly take condoms with them or have birth control devices worn in case they are raped during their transition.
This comes after France adopted tactics to intercept small boats in the English Channel in November, according to reports.
Le Monde said the policy change followed a letter from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to French President Emmanuel Macron, calling on “it is crucial that we introduce tactics this month” and that “we do not have an effective deterrent force in the channel.”
Asylum claims in England have reached a new record high, according to the latest data, showing a decline in the backlog of cases awaiting decision.
A total of 110,051 people have applied for asylum by September 2025; This is the highest figure in any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
This was up from the last 12-month peak of 109,142 through June of the year.
Home Office data showed the latest figure was 13% higher than the same point last year, 97,091.
