Public Health
Volume 158, 2018, Pages 66-70

Migration: a core public health ethics issue (Article)

Wild V.* , Dawson A.
  • a Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lessingstr. 2, Munich, D-80336, Germany
  • b Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Objectives: In this article, we outline the link between migration, public health and ethics. Study design: Discussing relevant arguments about migration from the perspective of public health and public health ethics. Methods: Critical review of theories and frameworks, case-based analysis and systematic identification and discussion of challenges. Results: Migration is a core issue of public health ethics and must take a case-based approach: seeking to identify the specific ethical dimensions and vulnerabilities in each particular context. Public health as a practice, built upon the core value of justice, requires the protection and promotion of migrants' well-being (even if this produces tension with immigration services). Ethical analysis should take all phases of migration into account: before, during and after transit. We argue that migration policies, at least as they relate to migrants' well-being, should be founded upon a shared humanity, respect for human rights and on the idea that effective public health cannot and should not be confined within the borders and to the citizens of any host country. Conclusions: We make the case for migration to be seen as a core issue of public health ethics. © 2018 The Royal Society for Public Health

Author Keywords

Migration Public health ethics migrant globalisation Vulnerability Refugee justice

Index Keywords

social justice immigrant refugee globalization human wellbeing ethics tension immigration human rights Humans study design immigration policy vulnerability Article migration case study justice Transients and Migrants public policy public health

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044514481&doi=10.1016%2fj.puhe.2018.02.023&partnerID=40&md5=73597ef7908b0aee7433385819f9ccb6

DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.02.023
ISSN: 00333506
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English