Non-discrimination in the field of health.
- Author: UN Commission on Human Rights (45th sess. : 1989 : Geneva)
- Document source:
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Date:
2 March 1989
1989/11. Non-discrimination in the field of health
The Commission on Human Rights, Recalling that, in the Charter of the United Nations, the peoples of the United Nations reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women, and determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Guided by the principles enshrined in articles 1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 23, 25, 26 and 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, articles 6, 7, 12, 13, 17 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and articles 2, 10, 12, 13 and 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Recalling its resolutions 1988/57 and 1988/62 of 9 March 1988, Recalling World Health Assembly resolutions WHA23.41 of 21 May 1970, WHA30.43 of 19 May 1977, WHA33.24 of 23 May 1980, WHA35.23 of 14 May 1982 and WHA41.24 of 13 May 1988, Considering that all men and women are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law from all discrimination and from all incitement to discrimination related to their state of health, Deeply concerned by the fact that it is not uncommon to observe discriminatory practices that are incompatible with medical ethics and human rights, Convinced that the development of international co-operation and information in the field of health can help to diminish discrimination among human beings in health matters, Convinced also that the permanent and deep-rooted struggle against unwarranted discriminatory practices in health matters must be based on full, accessible and effective information,1. Reaffirms the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;
2. Recalls that all human rights must apply to all patients without exception and that non-discrimination in the field of health should apply to all people and in all circumstances;
3. Recognizes the importance of the principle of non-discrimination concerning access to health care and encourages the World Health Organization to continue its action in that respect;
4. Invites the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to examine, using the opportunity provided by the study on discrimination against persons with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) envisaged in its decision 1988/11 of 1 September 1988, the possibility of extending the scope of such a study to other kinds of discrimination against sick or disabled persons, in consultation with the World Health Organization and giving Governments that wish to express their views the opportunity to do so.
46th meeting2 March 1989
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. VIII.]
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