"We are Dying Silent" - Report on Destitute Forced Migrants

Over the last few years the number of forced migrants within Europe who are unable to obtain refugee status and who have not returned to their countries of origin has grown significantly.

To JRS national offices who work closely with these forced migrants, the precarious nature of the situation facing these individuals is becoming increasingly clear. Often left to live on the street with limited or no right to social support, they find themselves socially excluded in a situation of destitution. These destitute migrants have difficulties even meeting the most basic needs such as housing and food.

JRS Europe, highly concerned about the fate of these destitute migrants staying within the European borders, responded by mapping the social and legal situation of destitute migrants within a number of European countries. JRS Europe received a grant from the Network of European Foundations through the EPIM programme to undertake this research.

This report found below describes the social and legal situation of migrants living in destitution in the following European countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania and the United Kingdom. The report shows the links between the laws and policies adopted by the State and the destitute situation of the migrants whose cases were studied.

To download copies of the documents follow the links below: