In recent years the treatment of those seeking asylum in industrialized countries has been a matter of increasing international concern. Human rights organizations have documented instances of ill treatment and the summary expulsion of those trying to cross borders in the hope of a more secure existence. This article focuses on the treatment of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants at Europe's borders, presenting examples from Europe's southern border, Belgium and the UK. The idea of a moral economy of care is invoked which provides an overarching context in which legitimate and illegitimate asylum seekers and refugees are identified. The implications of a moral economy of care are explored in relation to the provision of mental health and social care services to refugees. © 2007, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Europe Asylum seekers moral economy of care Refugees Borders

politics morality socioeconomics social support refugee mental health service social welfare social care Social Responsibility Europe Article mental health care human rights health care need Humans Refugees health economics