Addressing Social Injustice In A Human Rights Context

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter describes what needs to be done to address social injustice in a human rights context. It covers core concepts, human rights as legal standards and obligations of government, human rights as a conceptual framework for analysis and advocacy, and human rights as guiding principles for designing and implementing policies and programs. The chapter concludes that human rights treaties and other agreements can provide important mechanisms to strengthen accountability of governments who are moving toward greater social justice in health. It further argues that health workers should be aware that human rights norms, standards, laws, and accountability mechanisms are highly relevant tools that can enhance efforts to achieve social justice in health, both globally and within countries.