The journey of Ahmed, a 14-year-old Afghan refugee, highlights the struggles faced by young asylum seekers in Europe today. As societal attitudes shift toward a more exclusionary narrative, single male migrants like Ahmed often bear the brunt of stigma and discrimination, despite their vulnerability. His experience sheds light on a pressing issue: the urgent need for empathy and support for all asylum seekers, particularly those marginalized by systemic biases.
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Ahmed*, a 14-year-old from Afghanistan, embarked on a treacherous journey to Germany in 2019, fleeing the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Armed only with the clothes on his back and a mobile phone, he traveled through Turkiye and Greece in search of a safer and more stable life, believing Germany could offer him hope amidst Greece’s economic challenges.
Ahmed is one of approximately 1.2 million individuals who sought asylum in Greece between 2015 and 2020, emblematic of the broader refugee crisis that swept across Europe. Initially, many nations welcomed those escaping war, especially refugees from Syria. However, as hard-right movements gained momentum across Europe, a shift in public perception ensued. Increasingly, lone male migrants, often viewed with suspicion and portrayed negatively in the media, face discrimination and are labeled as societal threats.
A recent report from the International Organization for Migration indicates that 63% of new arrivals to Europe are single men traveling alone—a reflection of the dangers inherent in their journey, as families opt to send youth first in hopes of ensuring their safety and acceptance in Europe. According to 2024 EU figures, around 35,000 asylum seekers were unaccompanied minors, with families believing young males have better chances of navigating the asylum process successfully, according to a UNHCR report.
Despite his aspirations of attending university, Ahmed frequently encounters societal stigma. He recounts how his name and status as a young refugee man have led to discrimination in housing applications, echoing sentiments felt by many migrants who are unjustly perceived as job competitors. Seeking a new life where safety prevails, he voices the pain of being misconstrued as a threat—a stigma he feels is exacerbated by media narratives. Ahmed explains that comments implying refugees should return to their homelands only add to the discrimination he endures, as he strives to prove himself worthy of acceptance.
Analysis by experts shows that such harmful narratives of male migrants being dangerous are often politicized by far-right figures to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. For instance, statements made by the British figure Tommy Robinson at rallies in 2025 have lent credence to unfounded public fears, further stigmatizing young males like Ahmed.
While Ahmed perceives asylum-seeking families as being treated with more leniency, he emphasizes the unique difficulties faced by young men like himself along the migration route. Many are exploited by smugglers and confront myriad dangers, amplifying their need for support.
In response to this growing gap in assistance, organizations such as Mazi, founded in 2020 in Athens, are stepping up to provide essential support to single male asylum seekers. Mazi’s co-director, Cosmo Murray, remarks on how the system transitions young men from vulnerable children to perceivable threats at a mere age of 18, leaving them without necessary resources or support services.
Young men like Junior*, a 30-year-old asylum seeker from Cameroon, emphasize the challenges they face in accessing support. Junior, who had to flee due to his sexual identity, described how single men often feel overlooked in favor of women and couples within refugee assistance frameworks.
Similarly, Venant*, a Cameroonian man, highlights the institutional biases that treat men as self-sufficient, denying them vital support. He notes the systemic challenges of securing stable housing as a single male, which can leave them vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
Researchers have noted that the prevailing belief in humanitarian contexts that men do not require support neglects their emotional and physical vulnerabilities during the asylum process. While public narratives often misrepresent male asylum seekers as inherently threatening, the truth is that they, like their female counterparts, face severe challenges and need compassion and assistance.
In 2024, Belgium became a focal point for these discussions as rising asylum applications prompted a government response driven by hardline rhetoric on migration. NGOs have voiced concerns about the accommodation crisis faced by single male refugees, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive support for all asylum seekers, regardless of gender.
The ongoing challenges highlight the pressing need for a more inclusive approach to asylum policies in Europe, one that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of all migrants and counters the damaging narratives surrounding them. It is a call to action to ensure that society embraces empathy, understanding, and support for those navigating the arduous journey of seeking refuge.
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