Forced Migrants: Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

• Published in: Social Injustice and Public Health
• Main Author: Toole, Michael J.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 01.08.2013
• ISBN: 0199939225; 9780199939220
• DOI: 10.1093/med/9780199939220.003.0011

This chapter addresses the social injustice experienced by refugees and internally displaced persons. There are approximately 10.5 million refugees and approximately 27.5 million internally displaced persons globally. This chapter describes morbidity and mortality in these populations and increased risk factors that refugees and internally displaced persons face. It provides many specific examples of the effects of social injustice in these populations. The chapter describes international responses to the needs of these populations. It includes a discussion of what needs to be done. The author concludes that the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons can be addressed only if the international community is serious about addressing the root causes of poverty, poor governments, exploitation, and inequities between rich and poor countries.