Doc. 8105

4 May 1998

Health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Lord Ponsonby and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The expansion of population movements all over the world, including Europe, raises significant health questions in both sending and receiving countries. In particular, the health situation of clandestine migrants is of increasing concern.

2.       The Assembly considers that the right to health is universal and should apply to all migrants, refugees and displaced persons, who may be particularly vulnerable to health problems.

3.       Diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B and AIDS have been often mentioned in connection with migration. Travel and tourism are substantial sources of infection and should not be underestimated in this respect.

4.       Moreover, due to their vulnerable situation, migrants and refugees appear to be more exposed than the rest of the population to other types of health problems, such as reproductive, occupational and mental health problems.

5.       The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

      - study the question of the physical and mental health situation of migrants, refugees and displaced persons in the framework of the intergovernmental work programme ;

      - invite member states to pay particular attention to improving the provision of health care to migrants, refugees and displaced persons as part of their integration policies, including more sensitive health screening.

Signed¹:

Ponsonby, United Kingdom, SOC

Aguiar, Portugal, EPP/CD

Brasseur, Luxembourg, LDR

Connor, Ireland, EPP/CD

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Diaz de Mera, Spain, EPP/CD

Fyfe, United Kingdom, SOC

Judd, United Kingdom, SOC

McNamara, United Kingdom, SOC

Taylor D., United Kingdom, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      PPE/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      GDE: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group