Forced migrants and other displaced populations

This chapter provides an overview of the global health dimensions of forced migration and the associated public health challenges. The chapter identifies different categories of forced migrants and examines the main causes of displacement in a global context in which globalization is simultaneously a force for greater integration as well as a contributor to forced migration. Global statistics and legal frameworks relating to forced migrants are examined and formal protections to which refugees and other groups of forced migrants are entitled are identified. The public health situations of forced migrants are varied and often poor, the health situation of different types of forced migrant are outlined and public health responses described. The role of public health professionals in developing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of forced migration in order to advocate for forced migrant health, and enable forced migrants to speak and be heard, aiding them in transforming their own health outcome are discussed.