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Access of migrants and refugees to healthcare

Other author
Parliamentary Assembly
Session
2026 - Third part-session

Summary

The Parliamentary Assembly stresses the urgent need for migrants and refugees to have effective access to healthcare, including mental health services, recognising this as a fundamental human right and vital for public health. The resolution highlights the legal obligations of member States under European and international laws, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter, to safeguard the health rights of migrants and refugees. It outlines several barriers impeding access to healthcare for these groups, including legal, administrative, and personal challenges like language and stigma. Special emphasis is placed on the vulnerabilities of women, girls, and children in migration, advocating for gender-responsive and culturally sensitive healthcare services. The Assembly calls for States to enhance their legal frameworks and healthcare systems, ensuring universal healthcare coverage and cooperation with international health organisations to support migrants' health needs. It encourages health authorities to offer free access to essential health services from the moment of arrival and to prevent the reporting of irregular migrants by healthcare providers, while also taking steps to boost the capacity and cultural competence of healthcare staff. Additionally, the Assembly urges member States to harness opportunities provided by the Council of Europe Development Bank to improve healthcare infrastructure, and invites its own members to advocate for the alignment of national policies with these recommendations.

Voting results

80 in favor 45 against 2 abstentions