Migration & Health

The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) and the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA)

"The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shows that the health of migrants is being considered as a marginal matter. All international and European legal instruments recognise the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, and all EU Member States should act to allow access to these basic human rights for everyone, including migrants and refugees.”

​Professor Alfred Spira, Member, French Academy of Medicine

​STATEMENT

Statement on Migration and Health

​May 2020
​
A joint statement by FEAM and ALLEA calls upon EU and national authorities to support migrant health--an issue that has taken on even greater urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement includes the following recommendations:

  1. Accurate and simple communication guidelines are needed to inform the public about migration.

  2. Migration policies should be better interlinked with health policies to address complex challenges and benefit migrants and EU citizens; the health sector should be actively involved in these policy discussions and actions.

  3. Better communication of research findings is needed to clarify that migration does not pose a threat to the health of EU citizens, and to convey the potential benefits of migration for EU citizens.

  4. Wider and easier access to healthcare services as well as more information about available services should be provided to forced migrants. At least basic and emergency healthcare should be provided to irregular or undocumented migrants.

  5. More scientifically validated data and frequent updates on migrant health should be produced and reflected in evidence-based policies.

  6. National health systems should allow for personal health information to be easily transportable and accessible while ensuring the protection of personal data.

  7. The provision of healthcare services to address non-communicable disease, including mental health for migrants at risk should be reinforced.

  8. A multi-sectoral and holistic approach should be used to address global challenges such as climate change, conflict resolution and migration and health.

  9. Multi-stakeholder and inclusive collaboration are needed to address migration and health challenges.

Additional Resources

​
VARIOUS MEDIA

UNHCR Coronavirus updates and other useful information

​Through data, news and stories, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides up-to-date information and analysis concerning the COVID-19 global pandemic and the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by refugees and other displaced individuals.

​
RECOMMENDATIONS

COVID-19 and the Human Rights of Migrants: Guidance 

April 2020

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has published recommendations concerning specific measures States should take in order to support migrants during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The recommendations concern access to health facilities, goods and services; migrants living in camps or unsafe conditions; the right to decent work and social protection; the right to education; immigration detention; border management; and xenophobia.