The Handbook of Global Health Policy

Chapter 25 A Rights-Based Approach to Global Health Policy: What Contribution can Human Rights Make to Achieving Equity?

Lisa Forman

Abstract

This chapter explores the contribution of human rights to the achievement of global health equity. In doing so, it outlines the international human rights legal framework relevant to health, explores critiques and limitations of this framework, and turns to explore the potential contribution of human rights to global health equity. The chapter looks at specific mechanisms and illustrative case studies, including traditional human rights measures, such as litigation, social movement and advocacy, and innovative human rights mechanisms, such as rights-based approaches and indicators.

Key Points

• International human rights law offers a potentially powerful tool for achieving global health equity.
• Social actors are increasingly using human rights to successfully claim access to health services.
• Human rights advocacy can effectively advance equity.
• Innovative rights applications can guide standard public and global health policy towards greater equity.
• Additional research is needed to strengthen the contribution of human rights to global health.
• The right to health specifies individual entitlements and state duties to ensure adequate healthcare and underlying determinants (water, housing, sanitation, food).

Key Policy Implications

• The right to health offers a guiding framework for global health equity.
• International human ...