Dangerous jobs, prolonged detentions, inadequate housing, increased vulnerability to exploitation: the conditions of migrants and refugees in their host countries or during their crossing often have a negative impact on their health, notes the first report of the Organization World Health Organization on the issue.
Posted at 9:00 a.m.
“Refugees and migrants often experience far worse health outcomes than host populations, compounded by their vulnerable situation and poor determinants of health,” write WHO Deputy Director-General Zsuzsanna Jakab and Director of health and migration program Santino Severoni in the preface to the document, published on Wednesday.
The organization has compiled analyzes of more than 17 million participants in 16 countries to try to paint a global picture of the situation, however deploring incomplete data to fully understand the specific problems affecting migrants and refugees – and possible solutions. .
Of course, not all situations are created equal: inadequate sanitation facilities in a camp pose more health risks to refugees than easy access to clean water in an apartment. But the challenges are not limited to less affluent countries.
Denounced detentions
The WHO denounces in particular the “growing global phenomenon” of detention of foreign nationals for reasons related to immigration or asylum. “Much has been written about the deleterious effects of detention in countries that do not limit the length of detention, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States,” reads the report. It also highlights the “failure” of detention centers to provide adequate health care, noting the “numerous reports detailing deaths, suicides and other cases of self-harm”.
The problems experienced by local populations – whether difficulties in accessing health care, costs, discrimination, precarious jobs or unsuitable housing – are often exacerbated for migrants and refugees. Their socioeconomic status and language and cultural barriers add a layer of challenge.
Trends
Migration trends also point to challenges for receiving countries in addressing the health of newcomers.
While long journeys require a certain physical fitness to face the dangers of the crossing, the number of people over the age of 50 displaced by humanitarian crises is increasing rapidly. However, “the impact and needs of older people forcibly displaced by catastrophic events are little known, but evidence shows that older people are particularly exposed to such crises through a variety of determinants”, we read.
Host countries will also have to adapt to migration linked to climate change and natural disasters, which are also likely to increase. According to the report, in 2020, 76% of internally displaced persons, or 30.7 million people, had to flee due to weather-related disasters. However, these cataclysms can have a direct effect on the physical and mental health of those who experience them.
Mental Health
The report also discusses psychological state and notes that, depending on lived experiences, the prevalence of depression and anxiety “may be” higher among refugee and migrant women than in the host country population. .
A study among Syrian refugees shows that rates of psychological distress due to the COVID-19 quarantine were higher among them than among the rest of the population.
COVID-19 has also highlighted the health risks that arise from the precarious situation of many migrants and refugees, in particular overly densely populated dwellings or jobs that expose them to greater exposure.
Violence is also part of the experience of many displaced people. Along the way to reach their destination or in their host country, many women and girls may be victims of sexual assault. Men and boys are also exposed to beatings, and cases of sexual assault are likely to be underreported due to cultural and social stigma.