The Right to Health

The author Aart Hendriks discusses the 9th session of the UN Committee of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the right to health. This session looked at the conflicting views on health: protection of public health versus protection of individual health. The committee reiterated their stance that the denial of individual rights affects society as a whole. The committee stated that state responsibilities included refraining from acts injurious to individuals or society, protection of the environment, and promotion of healthy and safe conditions. Lastly, the committee noted that the State should recognize the different health needs and implement non-discriminatory approaches.