Global Health Law Research Guide

Health & Human Rights Cases

Global Health and Human Rights Database gathers and summarizes case law.  It also includes constitutions and international instruments.  There are multiple access points via jurisdiction, region, or topic.

Treaties

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25)
• American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (Article XI)
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 12)
  • further explanation on Article 12, see General Comment 14
• European Social Charter (Article 11)
  • 47 countries belong to the Council of Europe whose central mission is human rights and social well-being of member states
  • Reminder - Separate organization from the EU
  • You can search COE treaties using their subject index and selecting "public health"
  • COE Public Health Portal
• African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Article 16)
  • Other African Union treaties relevant to health
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 24)
• Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Protocol of San Salvador" (Article 10)

UN Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health

Established in 2002, their work includes gather and sharing information, reporting on the status of the right to health, proposing recommendations, and responding to individual complaints.  Issues reports and other documents on the right to health, reproductive rights, mental disabilities, and the effect of trade on health.