Equal rights of children

Whither Health Research

“…Building on these general components, paragraph 2 of Article 24 lists key points of action for which States Parties must take appropriate measures to ensure the full implementation of the right to health (Türkelli and Vandenhole, 2022). It highlights the importance of reducing infant and child mortality; providing necessary medical assistance and health care to all children; combatting disease and malnutrition; ensuring appropriate pre-and post-natal care for mothers and children; providing access to health-related information and education; and developing preventive health care, guidance for parents, and family planning education and services (Art.…”

“…The crc recognises that the realisation of the right to health is progressive, and States Parties are accorded flexibility in how they implement these objectives, considering the limitations and resource constraints that certain States Parties may face. Nevertheless, the right to health entails minimum core obligations, which require immediate implementation, and which are not subject to resource constraints (Forman et al, 2016;Türkelli and Vandenhole, 2022). These obligations include the provision of 'quality primary health services' , such as prevention, health promotion, care and treatment services (crc General Comment 15: para.…”

“…73(b)). The way a State Party implements these objectives will depend not only on resource constraints, but also matters of local or regional concern (Türkelli and Vandenhole, 2022). Indeed, while the specific obligations detailed in Article 24(2) attempt to create environments in which children are more likely to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, the actual measures of implementation are largely discretionary and will depend on the specific State's needs, means and priorities.…”

“…As part of their reporting obligations, States Parties must provide regular reports to the Committee outlining the efforts they have taken in implementing the crc, progress made in the enjoyment of children's rights in their respective jurisdictions, difficulties encountered, implementation priorities, and future goals (crc: Art. 44; Türkelli and Vandenhole, 2022). Concerning the right to health specifically, States Parties are asked to provide relevant and up-to-date information concerning health and health services, particularly information concerning primary health care, and efforts taken to address the most prevalent health challenges in their jurisdiction (crc Treaty-specific Guidelines: 2015).…”

“…Article 24 has been the subject of much scholarly attention, with many commentators addressing both the content and scope of the right to health (Tobin, 2019;Kilkelly, 2020;Türkelli and Vandenhole, 2022). Kilkelly (2020), for instance, notes the holistic interpretation of the right to health, viewing child health as an 'integral part of a child's development and well-being and positions child health in the context of the family and the community' (371).…”