In his welcoming remarks, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the inextricable link between human rights, development, and the right to health. He emphasized that the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights established the legal foundation for the principles of human dignity, freedom, and opportunity, while the Declaration on the Right to Development affirmed the necessity of placing people and their rights at the center of development processes.
Dr. Tedros paid special attention to the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO Constitution and its enshrining of health as a human right. He noted, however, that despite significant progress in the health sector, the realization of the right to health remains hindered for many by conflict, poverty, discrimination, climate change, forced displacement, and unequal access to medical services.
"Human rights and health are inseparable. The rights to equality, participation, information, and development create the conditions for people to lead healthy lives, while protecting the right to health enables individuals to learn, work, participate in society, and realize their full potential."
In conclusion, the WHO Director-General emphasized the need to move from international commitments to practical implementation through legislation, public policy, and effective systems centered on human dignity and equality.
Press Service of the National Center of the
Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights