THEMATIC REPORT 2017 TORTURE AND MIGRATION CONCLUSION It is crucial for States to begin collecting data on the population size, background and needs of victims of torture among their migrant population so that they can begin to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law. States have clear obligations toward migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people and other people on the move under international law. Collecting data on their needs and on their experiences, is a crucial way to ensuring those human rights obligations are met. Recognising the importance of data collection, the UN Committee against Torture has recommended that states collect data on the nationality, country of origin, ethnicity, gender, age, employment sector and on the provision of redress of torture victims. Collecting data on these points would allow the State to get an overview of the size and scale of the challenges they face, and would allow them to allocate an appropriate budget and seek help from civil society in accordance with the scale of those problems. In most countries, however, this does not take place. The data from this very small sample size supports the growing body of literature that highlights the complex realities that victims of torture who have left their homes are living in. Torture trauma coupled with potential other trauma suffered en route, as well as the continued instability coming from living in or near poverty means that holistic interventions are necessary to help victims overcome these challenges. The data shows that many of the clients experience some form of mental and physical anguish and that they live in or near economic deprivation. Even in cases where the clients are able to work, they often do not have access to the labour market. It is crucial for States to begin collecting data on the population size, background and needs of victims of torture among their migrant population so that they can begin to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and to begin to address the many challenges facing this population group. This must include immediately assuring that victims of torture and ill-treatment have access to holistic rehabilitation services, so that they can begin rebuilding their lives after torture. It is also essential to ensure that immigration officials are aware of the impact of trauma so that procedures can be adapted according to their needs and to ensure that they are referred to appropriate rehabilitation services. Furthermore, the data also highlights that decent livelihoods are essential to ensuring a dignified life. People who cannot afford to eat, will not be able to address their trauma, even where they do have access to holistic rehabilitation services. Only when people have access to these holistic interventions will they be able to begin re-integrating into society and building a life after torture. page 41