The European Parliament wants to ensure protection of women seeking asylum

A growing number of women and children are travelling to Europe fleeing war and persecution. According to UNHCR, as of January 2016, the majority of those arriving in the EU are women and children. To mark International Women's Day 2016, the European Parliament in Strasbourg is calling for measures to ensure that the basic needs and human rights of women seeking asylum are addressed, including their protection from violence. Labour Euro MP Mary Honeyball led a progressive majority to protect all women including the most vulnerable while conservative MEPs opposed basic human rights such as ending the detention of children and family reunification. The resolution adopted yesterday in the European Parliament sets out new comprehensive EU-wide gender guidelines as part of wider reforms to migration and asylum policy, and urgent action to improve safety and security.