Health
The US Human Rights Network Health Caucus
(HC) seeks to develop US health advocacy strategies that utilize a
human rights framework. Specifically, the HC would provide a vehicle
for diverse members of the health advocacy community to engage in
broader policy initiatives that integrate human rights into US
activism, law, and advocacy in order to protect and expand the health
care rights of low-income and communities of color throughout the US.
The HC recognizes that it is the fundamental human right of all
communities to access comprehensive health care. The human right to
health is broadly defined and considered fundamental to guaranteeing
other human rights. It not only prohibits discrimination
in the provision of health services, it requires universal access to
adequate and quality services. The human right to health
also extends to government obligations to ensure a healthy environment,
adequate nutrition, and safe and healthy working conditions. The Health
Caucus will provide an organized network for this exchange and
strategizing to occur.
USHRN Health Caucus Representative:
Patty Skuster
IPAS
skusterp@ipas.org
Reference Materials:
International Instruments
International Instruments on the Right to Health (Compiled by the Center for Economic and Social Rights)
The Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (1994)
Reference Documents
Report
of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Paul Hunt, on the
Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard
of Physical and Mental Health (2004)
2005
Learning to Dance: Advancing Women's Reproductive Health and Well-Being
from the Perspectives of Public Health and Human Rights. Harvard
University Press Yamin, Alicia, editor.
Human Rights Watchs 2005 statement on abortion
Global Health Watchs Alternative World Health Report
Resources on Health and Human Rights
Center for Economic and Social Rights
François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights
International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organizations
National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI)
National Health Care for the Homeless Council
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
The People's Movement for Human Rights Education