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2025 NARHC in Canada: A Solutions-Oriented Approach to Advancing the Americas Agenda

  • Writer: Eduardo Vides
    Eduardo Vides
  • Feb 14
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 27



Introduction

The health of refugees and immigrants in the Americas is profoundly impacted by

climate-induced displacement, social disparities, violence, armed conflicts, dictatorial

regimes, and the absence of fundamental human rights. These challenges not only

compromise the physical and mental well-being of individuals and families but also

place significant pressure on healthcare systems.


Climate change is increasingly linked to forced migration, with growing numbers of

people fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights violations due to humanitarian

disasters. Furthermore, systemic violence—including institutional and police

brutality—has lasting effects on the health of refugees. Healthcare systems must

develop comprehensive, solution-driven strategies that address both immediate health

needs and the underlying social determinants of health, ensuring equitable access to

care for displaced populations.


Canada’s Legacy as a Humanitarian Leader

As a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees, Canada has long been

recognized as a global leader in refugee protection and resettlement. Historically,

Canada has received refugees in large waves following major global conflicts, including:

  • Holocaust survivors and displaced persons after World War II

  • Hungarian refugees fleeing Soviet repression in 1956

  • Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian people in the 1970s

  • Nicaragua, Salvador in the 1980s

  • Refugees from conflicts in Bosnia, Rwanda, and Kosovo in the 1990s

  • Recent waves from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela


This tradition of welcoming displaced populations underscores Canada’s role as a safe

haven for those fleeing war, persecution, and human rights violations. The 2025 North

American Refugee Health Conference (NARHC) builds on this history by convening

experts to develop policy solutions and best practices that further strengthen Canada’s

leadership in refugee health.


Why This Conference?

The North American Refugee and Immigrant Health Conference (NARHC) –

Canada is not just about identifying challenges—it is about implementing scalable,

evidence-based solutions that improve refugee and immigrant health outcomes.


Canada as the Natural Global Health Partner in North America

With the United States’ withdrawal from WHO, Canada has become the key North

American partner for WHO and PAHO on migration health issues. Given the growing

diaspora from the Global South into North America, Canada is uniquely positioned to:

  • Collaborate with WHO and PAHO to develop global migration health strategies.

  • Strengthen regional health frameworks for refugee and migrant populations.

  • Lead global health equity efforts, ensuring that displaced populations receive

equitable healthcare access.


A Shift from Problem Identification to Solution Implementation

This conference moves beyond advocacy and focuses on implementing real-world

strategies. By bringing together policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and

international experts, NARHC Canada will:

  • Develop scalable health solutions that address refugee integration challenges.

  • Foster cross-sector collaborations between governments, settlement agencies,

and the private sector.

  • Showcase best practices in culturally safe, trauma-informed care.

  • Establish policy recommendations that inform national and global refugee health

frameworks.


Key Differentiators from U.S. Refugee Health Conferences


1. Integrated Healthcare vs. Fragmented Systems

Unlike the U.S., where healthcare access is often tied to employment or private

insurance, Canada's publicly funded system offers a more predictable and

equitable approach. NARHC provides insights into navigating IFHP, provincial health

transitions, and primary care accessibility.


2. Embedding Cultural Safety & Indigenous Health Approaches

Canada’s cultural humility and Indigenous reconciliation inform a unique intersection

between refugee and Indigenous health. This conference explores Indigenous-led

healing practices and anti-racism strategies in refugee healthcare.


3. Interdisciplinary, Policy-Driven Solutions

Unlike U.S. conferences that focus primarily on clinical interventions, NARHC

integrates policy, law, mental health, and settlement strategies to create

a comprehensive, cross-sector action plan.


4. Refugee Resettlement as a Model for Global Humanitarian Efforts

Canada’s private sponsorship and government-assisted refugee programs are widely

regarded as gold-standard models. This conference examines how these models can

be adapted globally.


5. Addressing Climate Migration & Emerging Health Risks

Canada is taking proactive leadership in addressing climate-induced displacement. This

conference explores climate resilience in health planning for migrants and refugees.


6. Strengthening Global and Pan-American Collaborations

Canada’s leadership in multilateral refugee health efforts attracts the Pan- American

Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR), and other international stakeholders, fostering cross-border collaboration.


7. Inclusive Focus: Multi-Ethnic Refugees with Diverse Sexual Orientation.

Canada’s policies ensure inclusive healthcare for all diverse refugee population groups.

This conference will present tailored, community-led solutions for diverse migrant

groups.


Why Should You Attend the Canadian NARHC?

1. What Will We Learn?

Attendees will gain:

  • Evidence-based strategies for improving refugee and immigrant health

outcomes.

  • Insights into policy frameworks supporting migration health equity.

  • Best practices in trauma-informed and culturally competent care.

  • Access to leading global experts in migration health, law, and settlement.

  • A deeper understanding of climate migration’s impact on health policies.


2. How Can We Contribute to the Solutions?

Attending NARHC Canada allows participants to:

  • Influence policy recommendations for migrant health programs.

  • Network with decision-makers shaping global migration health strategies.

  • Collaborate on research and policy initiatives affecting refugee health.

  • Develop and share community-based models for healthcare integration.


3. Why Is Canada the Best Place to Host this Conference?

Canada’s approach to migration health offers a unique learning experience, built on:

  • A universal healthcare system ensuring equitable access for all newcomers.

  • Innovative resettlement programs that serve as a global model.

  • A commitment to multiculturalism and equity-driven health policies.

  • Strong global partnerships, including WHO/PAHO, and UNHCR collaborations.


Final Thoughts: Moving Beyond Advocacy to Action

The 2025 North American Refugee Health Conference (NARHC) – Canada is not just

about identifying challenges—it is about implementing real, sustainable solutions for

migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.


Join us from September 11–13, 2025, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and be part of the

movement shaping the future of migration health.


Eduardo Vides*, MSEG Director and NARHC Board Member

* The content of this article reflects the author's insight and does not necessarily represent the position of the 2025 NARHC Board


References

  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (n.d.). Climate change and

displacement. UNHCR. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/us/what-we-do/how-we-

work/climate-change-and-displacement

 
 
 

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