HRC 50 - EU Intervention: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

The EU welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report on Violence and its impact on the right to health and thanks her for her presentation.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

The respect, protection and fulfilment of the right to health is a priority for the EU. As you stress it in your report, the right to health is an important part of the robust human rights framework that aims to prevent violence and protect everyone from all its forms, and ensure accountability and redress.

We agree with your assessment that violence is a major obstacle in the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and may amount to violations of a number of human rights.

We appreciate your focus on multiple forms of violence and their impact on the right to health, including on sexual and gender-based violence and its impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

EU stands firmly against sexual and gender-based violence and violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The EU will continue to place the prevention and elimination of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence at the centre of its efforts. The EU will also continue to promote and implement measures to prevent all forms of violence against children, against persons with disabilities, as well as to address conflict-related sexual violence.

Madam Special Rapporteur, how can a right-to-health based response to victims of violence best be integrated to the efforts of the human rights council?