Health and Human Rights Program

Like many other rights, the right to health is interrelated with and dependent upon the realisation several human rights. A rights-based approach to health requires that health policy and programmes prioritise the needs of those furthest behind in terms of health equity. Our Health and Human Rights Program, co-convened with the Australian Human Rights Institute, seeks to influence the realisation of human rights by addressing human rights violations and their health consequences through a multidisciplinary approach. This aim is achieved through four domains of work: applied research, technical assistance and coproduction, human rights and health commentaries, and engagement and partnership building.

The George Institute’s current human rights work includes but is not limited to:

• Climate justice
  Exploring rights-based solutions to the impacts of climate change on populations already suffering discrimination and marginalisation.
• Gender justice and health policy
  Building a globally unique dataset – The CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Implementation Map on Women’s Health – that measures the implementation of UN recommendations on health by governments.
• Global health workforce
  Mapping community health worker rights and developing a Charter of Rights.
• Commercial determinants of health
  Working with government stakeholders on co-designing regulatory tools to create healthier environments for children and their families.

Co-leads

Janani Shanthosh Research Fellow

Professor Justine Nolan Director, Australian Human Rights Institute

Professor Kent Buse Director, Global Healthier Societies Program