Towards a Framework Convention on World Health
FUNDEPS supports global efforts to achieve a framework convention on World Health that assures equal standards in the exercise of the human right to health.
According to World Health Organization statistics, the enormous health inequalities between rich and poor countries (and inequalities within these same countries) have resulted in nearly 20 million avoidable deaths every year for the last two decades. This represents one out of every three deaths worldwide. Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights establishes the right of all people to enjoy the highest possible level of physical and mental health. The concrete meaning of that right is not clear, however, and has been interpreted in a variety of ways in different contexts.
Bearing in mind the inequalities in health, both between different countries and between different sectors within each country, FUNDEPS supports a worldwide campaign based on the human right to health. This campaign seeks to ensure that governments guarantee conditions that allow all people to be healthy. It also recognizes the importance of existing international laws, at the same time noting how difficult it is for those in need to assert their rights with these laws. The Framework Convention on World Health being convened will reinforce international laws and extend their reach to our communities, to create the conditions for the health and wellbeing of all people.
The first manifesto of the campaign reads: “We affirm the right of all people to enjoy the highest possible level of physical and mental health. Making this human right a reality will require committed governments, a strong civil society, universal social protections, global solidarity, and other existing resources currently denied to the poor.”
Although this movement is still in the initial phase of investigation and dissemination it already has the support of academics, civil society, and international institutions.
FUNDEPS will be joining the campaign from Argentina, collaborating in investigative efforts needed to establish legal standards for the protection of health and also spreading the word about the initiative. Check this link for an invitation to sign the manifesto.
More information:
Initiative for a Framework Convention on Global Health
Health for all. Justice for all. Campaign for a Framework Convention on Global Health
Contact:
Juan Carballo, juanmcarballo@fundeps.org
Traducido por James Cochran
Más información:
Iniciativa por una Convención Marco sobre Salud Global
Contacto:
Juan Carballo
