Author
No differences between the situation of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection for what concerns access to health care were reported. See the section on Reception Conditions: Health Care.
In May 2022, CEAR and the Fundación Sanitas signed an agreement to provide comprehensive health assistance to refugees. Concretely, more than 75 refugees will be provided with mental healthcare, dental assistance and support for their emotional well-being.[1] The project continued to be implemented during 2024 and was renewed for 2025. Since the project launch in 2022, 270 refugees received support.[2]
In May 2024, the Government adopted the law establishing the universality of the National Health System, which reintroduced the access to the health system to any person residing in Spain, independently of their residence status.[3] The universality of the Spanish National Health System existed until 2012, when it was limited by law.
In October, the Autonomous Community of Castilla La Mancha published a guide on the intercultural health mediation in the assistance to migrants, addressed to health professionals.[4]
In January 2025, the Autonomous Community of Andalucía launched the Red Isir, a network of health professionals aiming at improving their knowledge and tools in the assistance to migrants.[5]
Refugee participation
UNHCR further developed initiatives aimed at enhancing community empowerment and promoting the meaningful participation of forcibly displaced populations at various levels. Two-way communication was strengthened through regular encounters with the Redfugiadas network, facilitating the identification of synergies and common goals among 70 refugee-led organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
UNHCR also organized a community-based protection dialogue, co-hosted by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migrations, which underscored the crucial role of forcibly displaced individuals in creating protection solutions, building social support networks, and facilitating integration.
Three grant agreements with refugee-led organizations amplified refugee leadership in key areas such as gender-based violence, LGBTIQ+ rights, and mental health and psychosocial support. These agreements strengthened community-led responses in collaboration with UNHCR, providing training and technical support.
Despite UNHCR’s efforts to strengthen community-based protection, there is a recognized need for further enhanced structural channels with the authorities to ensure more effective community participation. This would involve regular and systematic consultation and engagement with communities through advisory reference groups, building trusting relationships with refugee-led organizations and other refugee representatives as genuine partners, securing a seat for them at the decision-making table, and enabling them to influence the Spanish system.[6]
[1] Seguros News, ‘Fundación Sanitas y Ayuda al Refugiado acuerdan cuidar de la salud de los refugiados’, 23 May 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3QviaaC.
[2] Sanitas, ‘Fundación CEAR’, 3 February 2025, available here.
[3] Diario de León, ‘El Consejo de Ministros aprueba el proyecto de Ley de Universalidad del Sistema Nacional de Salud’, 14 May 2024, available here; Diario la Ley, ‘Universalidad del Sistema Nacional de Salud’, 28 May 2024, available here.
[4] Diario de Castilla La Mancha, ‘La ‘Guía de Atención a personas migrantes. Mediación Sanitaria Intercultural’ ya está disponible en la web sanidad.castillalamancha.es’, 12 October 2024, available here.
[5] Junta de Andalucía, ‘Salud impulsa la mejora de la atención sanitaria a la población migrante a través de su Red Isir’, 3 January 2025, available here.
[6] Information provided by UNHCR in March 2025.