Background

Pursuant to her mandate established by the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur promotes the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Especially, the Special Rapporteur has been mandated to pay attention to groups in vulnerable or marginalized situations, to apply a gender perspective, and to address the needs of children in the realization of the right to health. She is mandated to undertake two official visits per year. The official visits involve meetings with governments, IGOs and NGOs, and can include site visits – e.g. to prisons, clinics, health and related institutions or areas with particular health problems – and result in a report which include recommendations and will be presented to the Human Rights Council.

The right to health is an inclusive right, extending not only to timely and appropriate health care, but also to the underlying determinants of health. These include an adequate supply of safe food, nutrition and housing; access to safe and potable water and adequate sanitation; health occupational and environmental conditions; and access to health-related education and information, including on sexual and reproductive health.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

In accordance with the established practice of mandate-holders, the Special Rapporteur welcomes all relevant submissions that health related organisations and other stakeholders may wish to transmit for her consideration in preparation of this visit, such as:

• Priority issues/concerns and situations that warrant the attention of the Special Rapporteur;
• Suggestions on issues to examine and related places to visit;
• Contact information for organisations and civil society actors to meet in different locations;
• Recent analytical reports or surveys relating to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur;
• Information on relevant policies, programmes and legal framework.

How inputs will be used?

Inputs will remain confidential.