A rights-based approach to access
A rights-based approach to access is based on the framework of international values and standards, set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights conventions. These are primarily concerned with promoting the wellbeing and free choice of all individuals, especially people made vulnerable through poverty, stigma, marginalisation or violence. The right of individuals to access sexual and reproductive health services and information, to use services with privacy and confidentiality, and to be treated with dignity and respect, was explicitly recognised at the UN International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), in Cairo, 1994 (ICPD programme of action).
A rights-based approach to access draws attention to the social, cultural, political and economic forces and inequalities that marginalise people and deny them access to services and the opportunity to satisfy their SRH needs. It moves beyond considering universal access as a goal to be strived towards, and, through human rights laws and advocacy, obliges governments to ensure equity in access to services, and address the wider discriminatory policies and laws that can constrain access.
A rights-based approach to access draws attention to the social, cultural, political and economic forces and inequalities that marginalise people and deny them access to services and the opportunity to satisfy their SRH needs. It moves beyond considering universal access as a goal to be strived towards, and, through human rights laws and advocacy, obliges governments to ensure equity in access to services, and address the wider discriminatory policies and laws that can constrain access.
Recommended reading
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights: a position paper
- Department for International Development, UK, 2004
- Recommended reading
- In this paper, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) sets out its position on sexual and reproductive health and rights, reaffirming its commitment to realising the goals of the Inter...
- Cairo after twelve years: successes, setbacks and challenges
- A. Langer / The Lancet, 2006
- Recommended reading
- This Lancet paper describes the achievements, setbacks and challenges that have been faced since the UN International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. The conference placed se...
