Over the past two decades, GAATW has consistently explored issues related to access to justice for migrant and trafficked women who have struggled with judicial processes due to discriminatory practices that prevent them from claiming their rights. This new report highlights the stereotypes and prejudices of decision-makers that continue to affect the ability of migrant women to access justice.

Drawing on insights from a range of previous work including consultations with women migrant workers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this report explores the subjectivity of decision-makers — from officials to non-traditional spokespersons. The key findings highlight that stereotypes related to migrant women’s backgrounds, work, and personal choices directly impact their access to justice.

The report identifies common rights violations faced by migrant women during their migration journeys, and how individual prejudices held by decision-makers exacerbate these injustices. It uncovers harmful perceptions regarding migrant women’s sexual behaviour, parenting, endurance of poor working conditions, and trustworthiness, as well as ethnic and racial biases.

The research calls on decision-makers, policy advocates, and rights-based organisations to stand up against prejudices which work to exclude migrant women from being able to fully access justice.

Read the report: "Do you have a boyfriend here?”: Exploring decision-makers’ treatment of migrant womenExploring decision-makers’ treatment of migrant women