Health council issues warning over asylum seeker mental welfare
Asylum seekers are at significantly higher risk of mental health problems than the general population, the Superior Health Council reports, due to various vulnerability factors before, during and after their migration journey.
“The authorities in Belgium should recognise these vulnerabilities and take measures to improve mental healthcare during the asylum procedure,” the council said on Tuesday, presenting a new opinion to better protect asylum seekers’ mental health.
People seeking asylum are exposed to war, hunger, persecution, exploitation and violence during and before their migration journey. In their host country, racism, discrimination and social isolation can perpetuate and exacerbate those vulnerabilities.
The Supreme Health Council, the scientific advisory body to the FPS Public Health, addresses all levels of government in its opinion.
"People live in uncertainty for months, sometimes years. That has a great effect on their mental health"
At federal level, it argues for humane housing for each asylum applicant, better psychosocial support in collective reception centres, more attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, LGBTQIA+ people and those with a disability or psychiatric condition, and clearer information about the legal situation.
“What is very important in this is that the competent authorities respect the legal decision deadlines,” says psychologist Emmanuel Declercq. “People live in uncertainty for months, sometimes years. That has a great effect on their mental health.”
The Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons has a maximum of 21 months to decide on a person’s asylum application.
In addition, the researchers ask that a lawyer and trusted person be allowed to be present during the first stage in the asylum procedure, the registration and submission of the application to the Immigration Office. Trained interpreters with a basic knowledge of psychological health can be an important link in the communication process.
The council also says there is room for improvement at European level and in health and education.
The Toc Toc Nicole building in Brussels, which was occupied for several months by a group of asylum seekers, October 2023 © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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