10 facts on refugee and migrant health
These 10 facts summarize key issues on refugee and migrant health in the WHO European Region.
-
The right to health
The right to health is laid out in the Constitution of WHO (1946), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966).
-
Refugees and migrants
Refugees and migrants are distinct groups governed by separate legal frameworks. Refugees and migrants are entitled to the same universal human rights and fundamental freedoms as all people, which must always be respected, protected and fulfilled.
-
How many?
Approximately 1 in 10 people in the WHO European Region is a migrant (including refugees). The number of migrants in the Region is often overestimated to be 3 to 4 times greater than it actually is.
-
Access to health care
Refugees and migrants can face challenges in accessing health care, such as legal status, language barriers and lack of resources.
-
Health status
Refugees and migrants are likely to be healthy in general. However, they can be at risk of ill health in transit or in destination countries due to, for example, poor living conditions and changes in lifestyle.
-
Health risk
There is low risk of communicable diseases being transmitted from the refugee and migrant population to the host population in the WHO European Region.
-
Noncommunicable diseases
Limited access to health care, interrupted health services during the migratory process and delayed diagnoses all present significant risks to refugees and migrants.
-
Mental health
Risk factors for mental health problems may be experienced during all phases of the migratory process and during settlement in the host country.
-
What is needed?
Ensuring universal health coverage, access to quality health care and health literacy is the best way to protect the health of all residents
-
The contribution
Refugees and migrants actively contribute to social and economic development.
