“The best way to improve the mental health of refugees is to find lasting solutions to the crises they flee from,” UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, welcomed initiatives in addressing mental health problems among refugees and displaced persons, stressing that much remains to be done to help people fleeing wars and persecutions. .
In a statement, UNHCR said it was concerned that the deteriorating socio-economic conditions associated with growing food insecurity problems in various refugee-receiving countries could increase current pressures on refugees, particularly when it comes to problems. mental health.
Sajjad Malik, UNHCR Director for Resilience and Solutions, said in a press release: “The best way to improve the mental health of refugees is to find lasting solutions to the crises they are fleeing from. We know the experience of displacement. it has a significant impact on emotional and social well-being, and every refugee has the right to access adequate care and support.
Depression is highest among the displaced
UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, said in a report that while “significant progress is being made to improve access to psychosocial support,” refugees are nonetheless under pressure at every stage of their displacement.
Highlighting a recent UNHCR and World Bank survey in Uganda that found depression rates among displaced people are significantly higher than those living in host communities, the agency added that the stressors affecting such mental health include “separation from families, hatred of foreigners, lack of livelihood opportunities, dangerous travel, exposure to conflict and persecution”.
In a series of tweets, UNHCR has meanwhile highlighted the work and lives of people working at the forefront of mental health and psychological care for refugees.
“There is no health without mental health”
Dr. Al-Shuraimi is a psychiatrist in Libya
Help refugees and asylum seekers cope with mental health challenges
Which has increased due to the epidemic and recent security campaigns. “
Routine recognition of refugee pain
The UNHCR Executive Committee stressed that in this context, refugees continue to demonstrate great resilience in the face of life-changing circumstances; The UN adopted a conclusion recognizing the mental stability of forcibly displaced persons, while urging an increase in the availability of “mental health services and psychosocial support for refugees, other displaced persons and stateless persons”.
Malik said he was “encouraged” by governments’ commitment to prioritize mental health and psychosocial support in response to displacement.
