UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health

Migration is a global reality, with approximately one billion people on the move or having moved in 2018. The number of international migrants has risen to 258 million, and we are witnessing the highest numbers of refugees and people displaced by conflict, natural disasters and climate change, at 22 million and 40 million respectively. Contrary to negative political narratives, migration is not overwhelming high-income countries; it is predominantly between low- and middle-income countries, and most people migrate in search of work. Overall, migration is a diverse and positive experience. However, it has also become a contentious political issue.

To address this policy debate and advocate for cooperation and action, the UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health presents evidence that migration and health are intimately linked and critical to sustainable development. The Commission establishes a framework that views migration as a dynamic process, highlighting various factors that can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on individuals and systems throughout the migration journey – whether at origin, during transit, at destination or upon return.

It highlights the devastating impact of forced migration, particularly on girls and women. But it also highlights the general health benefits that migration can bring to individuals and populations. The Commission outlines a research agenda aimed at improving the health of migrants, emphasizes that migration policies can be both ethical and feasible, and calls on governments, international agencies and professionals to prioritize health in the context of global mobility.