Work

397 A mixed-methods systematic review on decolonising the right to health of migrants and refugees

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: OP 25: Exclusion and Discrimination 3, B207 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45 - 15:45 Aims The so-called “migration crisis” in the European Union intensifies (de)colonial tensions, underscoring the need to recognise diverse cultural perspectives, lived experiences, and practices of resistance that migrants and refugees mobilise to confront colonial differences inherited from colonialism/coloniality. This review aims to identify the underlying factors that weaken the right to health of migrants and refugees. Methods In line with the JBI Manual, we conducted a mixed-methods systematic review to examine key decolonial tensions shaping the right to health of migrants and refugees. We searched Scopus, PubMed, DOAJ, OpenAIRE, SciELO, LILACS, Latindex, J-Stage, AJOL, Trove, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were empirical, peer-reviewed, published up to December 2024, adopted a decolonial approach, considered any subgroup of migrants and refugees, and addressed health-related issues. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Forty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria, 22 of which were published in the past two years, reflecting growing scholarly concern. These studies encompass diverse migratory and socio-demographic profiles, enabling a comprehensive analysis of colonialism/decoloniality as a determinant of health. Findings highlight how each migratory phase reveals both colonial risk factors and decolonial protective factors, illustrating the de/colonial tensions that shape the right to health of migrants and refugees. Conclusion The review identifies root causes of inequalities in the right to health of migrants and refugees, including ethnic and gender discrimination, exploitation and violence rooted in power asymmetries, and historical trauma perpetuated through (colonial) policies and practices. It also advances decolonial perspectives for addressing the determinants of health of migrants and refugees, proposing a decolonial-ecological framework that conceptualises colonialism/coloniality as a determinant of health in the context of human migrations.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf180.169

Authors: Miguel Correia, Cláudia de Freitas, Sofia Pais, Isabel Menezes

Institutions: Universidade do Porto, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181