A Human Rights Based Approach to Health
Author(s)/Editor(s): Department of Ethics, Equity, Trade and Human Rights
Publisher/Organizer: WHO
Publication date: 2010
Language: English
Overview
"A human rights-based approach (HRBA) aims to support better and more sustainable development outcomes by analyzing and addressing the inequalities, discriminatory practices (de jure and de facto) and unjust power relations which are often at the heart of development problems.
Under a human rights-based approach, development efforts are anchored in a system of rights and corresponding State obligations established by international law. Civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights provide a guiding framework for development plans, policies and processes. A HRBA also appreciates the importance of capacity development ….”
Three types of State obligations:
- Respect: not to interfere directly or indirectly with the enjoyment of the right to health, e.g. refrain from limiting access to health-care services or marketing unsafe drugs.
- Protect: prevent third parties from interfering with the right to health, e.g. ensure that private companies provide safe environmental conditions for their employees and surrounding communities
- Fulfil: adopt appropriate legislative, administrative, budgetary, judicial, promotional and other measures to fully realize the right to health.