Refugee health inclusion: legal, geopolitical, and economic barriers

Abstract

This commentary examines how structural constraints shape health access in refugee camps. It stems from a recent workshop on refugee health and reflects an interdisciplinary, policy-focused dialogue. We argue that humanitarian aid alone is insufficient. Instead, long-term, rights-based approaches are needed. Donor dependency, legal exclusion and geopolitical dynamics undermine access to care. These challenges create artificial divides between camp and non-camp settings. Our analysis complements a companion piece on health system design (see Tarnas et al. this issue). Together, the two pieces call for ethical, inclusive models that recognise refugee health as a global responsibility not a temporary emergency.