383 Time to act - addressing discriminatory, racist and xenophobic health system policies and practice against forcibly displaced children in Europe

Sep 30, 2026

“383 Time to act” addresses the research gap on how racism, xenophobia, and discrimination within European health systems shape child migrant health inequities. It uses a literature review to summarize the scale of forcibly displaced children in Europe, their elevated health needs before, during, and after displacement, and how restrictive immigration policies and healthcare barriers undermine access to care, entitlements, quality, and mental health. Findings highlight discriminatory fees, inadequate interpretation, cultural bias, and provider discrimination, and argue for integrated, evidence-based, inclusive action.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

Methods

Results

Displacement scale and health needs

Healthcare barriers and impacts

Conclusion

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi95 interventions can improve health equity and public health outcomes. Robust data collection and reporting on the health of child migrants are crucial for developing evidence-based inclusive healthcare policies. The content of this presentation will draw on the authors’ paper: Stevens, [AJ. et](AJ. et) al. (2024). Discriminatory, racist and xenophobic policies and practice against child refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in European health systems. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 41,100834 . Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.260 383 Time to act: addressing discriminatory, racist and xenophobic health system policies and practice against forcibly displaced children in Europe Amy Stevens1, Yamina Boukari2, Sonora English3, Ayesha Kadir4, Bernadette Kumar5, Delan Devakumar3 1Yorkshire and Humber School of Public Health, Leeds, United Kingdom 2Jesus College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom 3Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom 4Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark 5Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway PTH 5: Exclusion and Discrimination, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 15:15-16:09 Aims: To draw attention to the research gap on the impact of racism, xenophobia and discrimination in European health systems on child migrant health inequities, and inspire cross-sector action to prevent and mitigate against potentially harmful policies and practices. Methods: A literature review was undertaken. Results: There are an estimated 9 million children in Europe who have been forcibly displaced because of conflict, persecution, violence, natural or environmental disasters, climate change, and trafficking. They often have increased health needs due to their experiences pre, during, and post displacement. Despite host countries’ duty to address these needs, many European states are implementing restrictive and hostile immigration policies that further marginalise this population. Racism, xenophobia, and systemic discrimination within healthcare systems contribute to inequalities in access, entitlements, and quality of care. Healthcare barriers include: discriminatory user-fees; inadequate interpretation services; cultural biases; and discrimination by healthcare professionals. These obstacles limit access to essential medical care and health promotion services, and negatively impact the mental health of child migrants by reinforcing social exclusion and systemic inequities. Studies suggest that providing inclusive healthcare services to displaced populations could be a cost-effective public health approach, yet many countries fail to implement such policies. Conclusion: To combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in healthcare and address the inequities experienced by forcibly displaced children an integrated approach is necessary. Prioritising research on health system discrimination and sharing successful

FAQs

What research gap does this presentation address?

It focuses on the gap regarding the impact of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in European health systems on child migrant health inequities.

How was the study conducted?

A literature review was undertaken to synthesize evidence on policies and health system practices.

What healthcare barriers affect forcibly displaced children in Europe?

Barriers include discriminatory user-fees, inadequate interpretation services, cultural biases, and discrimination by healthcare professionals.

What approach does the presentation recommend to address inequities?

An integrated approach is necessary to combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in healthcare and address inequities experienced by forcibly displaced children.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan