Public Hearing in the European Parliament

Preventing Undocumented Women and Children from Accessing Health Care: Fostering Health Inequalities in Europe December 8th, 16:00-18:00, room ASP 3G2
European Parliament, Brussels

Read the press release: EN FR ES

For program and further information, click here.

This hearing, hosted by Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Greens, GUE/NGL political groups and carried out in partnership with Medécins du Monde, Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), the European Women's Lobby (EWL) and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), will bring together experts from EU institutions and civil society to discuss the main barriers faced by undocumented migrants to accessing health care in Europe, with a special focus on undocumented women and children. This hearing aims to feed into the debate about health inequalities the situation faced by particularly vulnerable groups, and to explore the potential of EU policies in the fields of public health, social inclusion and children’s rights to tackle the situation faced by undocumented migrants.

Due to their irregular migration status, undocumented migrants in Europe suffer disproportionate levels of poverty, exploitation, poor health and gender-related violence. As a means of fighting irregular migration, many member states have resorted to placing severe restrictions on the fundamental rights - namely the right to health - of their most vulnerable group of migrants. The legislative and practical barriers facing undocumented migrants in accessing these rights drive them into a situation of destitution : not only are these policies grossly ineffective in their aim to curb irregular migration, but they also pose a significant threat to public health strategies and to a cost-effective use of the public resources. Access to health care for undocumented migrants and in particular for children and pregnant women, is a vital concern in terms of fundamental rights but also in terms of public health.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Spanish. 

Participation is subject to prior registration: If you need an access badge to enter the European Parliament, please provide full name, date of birth and place of residence to benoit.blondel@medecinsdumonde.be. The deadline for registration is 25th November 2010.