This publication constitutes a comprehensive report drawing attention to important human rights issues that migration poses for health policy-makers. These issues include the magnitude of, and reasons for, migration; migrating health professionals and "the brain drain"; forced migration and its health implications; detaining and screening at the borders; health and human rights issues of migrants once in the host country; the most vulnerable categories of migrants.

"International Migration, Health and Human Rights" also examines important topical developments, including emerging infectious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and international trade agreements, including WTO’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It recognizes the global economic benefits of liberalizing migration and urges that migration policies and programmes promote the health and human rights of migrants.

This publication will serve as a guide to emphasize important human rights principles by which governments, policymakers and other actors can design and implement health policies and programmes in the context of migration.