World Health Organization's Fifth Global School on Health and Migration

Innovative immigration policies in Colombia and Switzerland have changed the quality of life and health of displaced populations. But how can this be measured?

In December 2024, Prof. Mauricio Avendano and Prof. Patrick Bodenmann from Unisanté had the honour of participating in the 5th School on Refugee and Migrant Health organised by the World Health Organization in Bogota.

This international gathering provided a unique platform for exploring the challenges associated with the health of migrants and refugees, while comparing innovative approaches adopted by different countries, including Colombia and Switzerland. Here is a brief summary of the discussions and issues raised at the event.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, by 2023 more than 117 million people will have been displaced, the majority of them living in low- and middle-income countries.

Colombia has become a migration destination because of the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Introduced in 2021, the Temporary Protection Permit has given Venezuelan migrants legal access to essential services such as health, housing and education.

In Switzerland, the S permit was introduced in 2022 to allow the large influx of Ukrainians to settle in the country with a stable legal status, thus avoiding the lengthy asylum process to access the labour market, housing or independent access to the healthcare system.

These initiatives, albeit in different economic and social contexts, illustrate the importance of regularisation in improving the well-being of migrants.

Does the granting of legal status lead to better mental health and increased well-being? To answer this question, we need rigorous, longitudinal studies. This is essential if we are to build inclusive, evidence-based solutions.