Using a rights--based approach.

• Position: ADVOCACY KIT: SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Health was first articulated as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, wherein it is stated that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and the right to security in the event of sickness. Motherhood and childhood are also declared as entitled to special care and assistance. A more detailed articulation of this right is set forth in Article 12 of the Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Under the Article the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is recognized.

The Convention on the Eiimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) specifically addresses aspects of women's right to health. It requires the provision of equal access to educational information to help ensure the health and well-being of families, including information and advice on family planning; prohibits discrimination in the field of health care; ensures equal access to health care services including family planning; ensures provision of appropriate services in connection with pregnancy; and that women in rural areas have access to adequate health care facilities, including information counselling and family planning services.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child also recognizes the right of children to the highest attainable standard of health and to health facilities, and the right to protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. Other health related human rights fall within the scope of certain fundamental freedoms protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These include the right to life, the right to liberty and security of the person and the right to privacy.

At the regional level, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACH&PR) in Article 16 states that every individual shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical and mental health, and state parties shall take the necessary measures to protect the health of their people and to ensure that they receive medical attention when they are sick. Article 18 calls on all States Parties to eliminate discrimination against women and to ensure the protection of the rights of women as stipulated in international declarations and conventions. The reproductive health of women is given prominence...