WUNRN
Direct Link to Full 2013 64-Page
Report:
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, HEALTH
& HUMAN RIGHTS - GENDER
Description: In this publication, the
World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) explore
the multifaceted health and human rights challenges that migrants face and
report on recent developments in this area. The aim of this publication is to
provide all stakeholders with a reference on key health and human rights issues
in the context of international migration. It is meant to provide inspiration
to policymakers to devise migration policies and programmes that are guided by
public health considerations and human rights imperatives, with a view to
protecting the human rights and improving the health of both migrants and the
communities in which they live.
Given the complex interlinkages among the domains of human rights, health and
international migration and the widely differing national and regional
circumstances, this publication does not try to make broad recommendations.
Instead it reflects on the developments that have occurred over recent years
and attempts to stimulate debate and bring attention to migration related
health matters by using a human rights-based approach. It argues that the
realization of the rights of migrants is a sound public health practice that
benefits all and provides new information, accomplishments and challenges with
regard to international migration, health and human rights. It examines the
effects of the migration process on migrant health, as well as the protection
offered to migrants through human rights instruments. The publication does not
focus in any way on the migration of health workers, but instead covers
migrants in general, regardless of occupation, skill level and legal status
during migration.
The first section of this publication provides an overview of contemporary
migration patterns, scope and trends. The second section discusses the human
right to health and other relevant human rights in the context of health and
migration. Section Three considers the various ways in which the health of
migrants is affected throughout the course of the migration process, from the
initial decision to move, during the journey itself, to reception in the new
community and until the potential return. Examples illustrate the challenges
faced by migrants, policymakers, health planners, international organizations
and other stakeholders and demonstrate efforts and developments that can
stimulate future approaches to improving the health of migrants. Annexes provide
a glossary, as well as a list of international instruments relevant to the
discussion on health, human rights and migration.
Table of Contents