OFPRA’s Role in Protecting Women from Violence: An Overview

EU

Introduction

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) has highlighted its ongoing efforts to safeguard women and minors who are victims of violence. This report was published on their official website on November 25, 2022.

Main Findings

Women and minors constitute between one-third and 40% of asylum seekers in France. OFPRA’s 2021 activity report indicates that this percentage had declined in 2018 but has been rising again, reaching 36.7% as of June 30, 2022.

Most women and minor victims of gender-based violence express fears of persecution or severe harm from their close relatives. They generally fear being subjected to sexual mutilation, early or forced marriage, or domestic and intrafamily violence.

Details on Specific Cases

Minors fearing female genital mutilation (FGM) primarily originate from Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, with a smaller number from other West African countries (Mali, Gambia, Senegal), East African countries, and a few rare cases from the Middle East (Iraq, Egypt) and Asia (Malaysia).

In 2021, there was a noted increase in protection needs due to domestic and intrafamily violence, affecting all social backgrounds and nationalities, predominantly women from Afghanistan, Algeria, Sudan, Albania, Georgia, Russia, Iraq, and Syria.

Sexual violence, inflicted on women as a war weapon or for political or ethnic reasons, is significant in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Iraq, and Central African Republic. Outside conflict zones, sexual violence is often attributed to the country’s authorities or third-party persecutors such as armed groups or gangs.

Moreover, narratives of sexual violence in transit countries like Libya, Morocco, and Turkey are frequent. Sexual exploitation, primarily among women from Africa (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast), the Balkans, and Asia (Mongolia, Bangladesh, Pakistan), is also a common claim.

Protection for Women Victims of Violence

By the end of 2021, 40% of people protected by OFPRA were women and minors, representing 36% of the total population under the Office’s protection. Among these, over 14,000 children and young girls were safeguarded against FGM (over 16,000 as of the first half of 2022).

In the first half of 2022, women and minors made up 45% of those granted international protection by OFPRA, predominantly originating from Afghanistan, Syria, and Africa. The highest protection rates are among women from China, Afghanistan, Syria, Central African Republic, and the Horn of Africa.

Special Measures in Place

OFPRA has created reference groups dedicated to women victims of violence and human trafficking victims, who are predominantly women. These experts sensitize Office agents and interpreters to specific protection needs.

The July 29, 2015 asylum reform law has strengthened OFPRA’s consideration of vulnerabilities linked to asylum claims, specifically those related to violence against women.

Finally, OFPRA actively participates in the Vulnerability Plan launched by the Directorate-General for Foreigners in France (DGEF) in May 2021, aimed at enhancing the management of asylum seekers’ vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

This report underscores OFPRA’s commitment to protecting women and minors from violence, particularly in the context of asylum applications. The Office’s ongoing efforts play a significant role in safeguarding this vulnerable population, providing a crucial support system that extends beyond the borders of France. It is essential for individuals seeking asylum to be aware of the protections and support available to them, particularly those who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence.

Source: OFPRA

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