SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE RIGHT TO HEALTH TO EXAMINE MATERNAL MORTALITY IN INDIA

Geneva, 21 November 2007-- At the invitation of the Government, , the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Paul Hunt, will visit India from 22 November to 3 December 2007.

The Special Rapporteur will focus on the issue of maternal mortality with a view of understanding, in the context of the right to health, the steps taken by India to reduce the phenomenon, and make constructive recommendations. In that respect, the Special Rapporteur will visit the states of Rajahsthan and Maharasthra to engage with the authorities on their respective approach to the issue. He will also discuss maternal mortality in these jurisdictions with the India’s central Government in Delhi.

The Special Rapporteur will also meet with Government officials and with civil society representatives, including non-governmental organizations, members of the media and academics.

The Special Rapporteur is an independent expert appointed by the then United Nations Commission on Human Rights to help States, and others stakeholders, promote and protect the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

For further information on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and copies of available reports, please consult http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/health/right/index.htm