HELPING TO MAKE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
A REALITY FOR EVERYONE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Current migration situation in
the EU: Torture, trauma and its
possible impact on drug use
February 2017
The prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
is a cornerstone of the international and European human rights protection
regimes. Nevertheless, a significant number of migrants and asylum applicants
experience or witness physical and psychological violence, inhuman or degrading
treatment, or are victims of other violent crimes. Most of these cases involve
their countries of origin, but incidents do also occur both in transit countries and
in the European Union (EU). These experiences can trigger or intensify trauma
and undermine mental health. This report looks at the prevalence of torture
and trauma among arrivals, as well as its impact in terms of drug use. It also
discusses the support available to victims.
Contents
Thematic focus: Torture, trauma and its possible impact on drug use..................................2
Main findings.........................................................................................................................................2
Data on victims of torture..................................................................................................................3
Data on traumatised persons........................................................................................................... 4
Recording suicide attempts...............................................................................................................5
Identification..........................................................................................................................................5
Violence and excessive use of force in the EU.............................................................................7
Preventive measures......................................................................................................................... 8
Support to victims of torture and traumatised persons............................................................ 12
Coping with trauma and torture – drug dependence.................................................................14
Further information ...........................................................................................................................24
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