Background
Human mobility is a major and growing global phenomenon, with substantial implications for health systems and population health. Evidence consistently shows that, across the migration continuum, migrants and displaced populations can face elevated health risks linked to precarious legal status, discrimination, language and cultural barriers, and restricted access to services and entitlements. These factors—shaped by broader social, economic, environmental and political determinants—are associated with gaps in service coverage, continuity of care and, in some contexts, poorer health outcomes compared with host populations.
At the same time, evidence indicates that migrants provide important contributions to health systems, labour markets and wider societal functioning, including as a significant part of the health and care workforce in many countries. Policies that ensure equitable access to health services and address barriers to care are associated with improved public health outcomes, greater system efficiency and progress towards universal health coverage. Ensuring inclusive and responsive health systems is therefore both a rights-based obligation and a pragmatic approach to strengthening health system performance and resilience.
About the event
On the margins of the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), the United Nations’ primary platform for reviewing progress on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), WHO and IOM are co‑hosting a side event to take stock of progress, challenges and partnerships in advancing migrant health and access to basic services, in line with GCM Objective 15.
Expected outcomes
The event will bring together Member States, UN Agencies and stakeholders to share promising national and subnational practices, highlight effective multisectoral and multistakeholder partnerships, including youth engagement, and underscore the role of data and research in evidence-informed policy-making. Discussions will build on global and national evidence and experience, including the second WHO World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants, and aim to identify transferable practices, strengthen collaboration, and inform migrant‑inclusive and measurable commitments in upcoming UN high‑level processes.
Agenda
A detailed agenda will be available shortly.
Participation details
The event will be held in person at UN Headquarters, Conference Room B, New York, and is open to in‑person IMRF participants and those with UN grounds pass only.