Page 35 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

law… [and to] the right to public health, medical care, social security and social services” (Article

5).

World Health Organization Constitution “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of

health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion,
political belief, economic or social condition” (Preamble to Constitution).

Additional international and regional standards can be found in the Appendices.

2.4 Non-discrimination, equality and the right to health

Whatever form…discrimination takes, at its heart is a failure to respect the inherent rights and dignity of
the person or group in question.

The right to health must be based on a platform of non-discrimination.

The CESCR has clarified that discrimination is prohibited on “grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion,

political or other opinion, nation or social origin, property, birth, physical or mental disability, health status
(including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation and civil political, social or other status, which has the intention or

effect of nullifying or impairing the equal enjoyment or exercise of the right to health”.

It is this prohibition that underpins all other human rights.

The principle of non-discrimination is also linked to that of equality, the right to enjoy human rights on an
equal basis.

These principles supplement the ethical standards which require health professionals to provide care

without discrimination and with the well-being of the individual foremost.

Discrimination frequently prevents individuals and groups in great need from accessing or obtaining

necessary care.

32 Academic Year 2025/2026