The Role of Institutions to Reduce the Degradation of Mental health

Migrants and refugees represent one of the most vulnerable populations, often experiencing mental health degradation due to both their traumatic pre-migration experiences and the challenges they face in recipient countries. This paper examines the contributing factors to mental health degradation among participants in the Horizon Academic Program, consisting of migrants & refugees at the University of Geneva. It also evaluates whether the program positively impacts their mental health as part of a larger institutional effort. As a result the study identifies four key factors contributing to mental health decline in participants' post-migration journey: discrimination, prolonged waiting times for asylum status, language barriers & racism. The research further explores specific mental health issues encountered, assesses the program's role in alleviating these challenges, and offers both short- and long-term recommendations to reduce the mental health burden on this population.