World Immigration News

Health in immigration detention: evidence brief for policy and practice

Release Date: 2026-01-22
Media: WHO
Summary: Immigration detention is increasing worldwide despite clear evidence that it harms health and well-being. Detainees—including migrants and asylum seekers—often face damaging social and environmental conditions that lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Although international human rights standards and the Global Compact for Migration say detention should be used only as a last resort and never for children, these principles are not consistently followed. The brief reviews global evidence on the health impacts of detention, highlights key challenges and gaps, and calls for stronger safeguards, better living conditions, timely health screening and care, and evidence-based policies that protect the right to health for all.
Tags: World Wide

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