A Personal Perspective on Human Rights and Health.

Pk ter having experienced the worst of barbarities, could the twentieth century nonetheless be remembered for its defense of human rights? For it is clear, that the debates generated by the protection of human rights are now among the most important in our societies, taking the place of general debates around political issues. In addition, for several years, the United Nations has placed human rights issues at the center of its international conferences on specific themes: whether environment in Rio, population in Cairo, social development in Copenhagen, women in Beijing or habitat in Istanbul. The importance attached to human rights is a critical factor in mobilizing the younger generation and the work of many nongovernmental organizations. While some may forget that only democratic institutions are able to guarantee a favorable environment for respect of human rights, there is increasing recognition that human rights norms may offer concrete answers to the tragedies perpetrated during this century by totalitarian or authoritarian r?gimes founded on hate. Democracy itself is too abstract a concept to protect against violations of all human rights, discrimination and to ensure dignity for all. Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights gives a broad definition of human rights, political priority has long been given to civil and political rights. This is largely the result of nineteenth century political liberalism, and its associated moral values impacting on the concerns of Western democracies. More recently, increased political attention to social and economic rights, such as the rights to education, health, work, and shelter have helped broaden our understanding of the content of these, increasing efforts to react to situations of