Int’l Conference on Integration of HRBA in Health Care Practices
International Conference on Integration of Human Rights Based Approaches in Health Care Practices at Roshni Nilaya-Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A human rights-based approach (HRBA) aims to support better and more sustainable development outcomes by analyzing and addressing the inequalities, discriminatory practices and unjust power relations which are often at the heart of development problems. Under a human rights-based approach, development efforts are anchored in a system of rights and corresponding State obligations established by international law. Civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights provide a guiding framework for development plans, policies and processes.
A human rights-based approach to health specifically aims at realizing the right to health and other health-related human rights. Health policy making and programming are to be guided by human rights standards and principles and aim at developing the capacity of duty bearers to meet their obligations and empowering rights-holders to effectively claim their health rights. Elimination of all forms of discrimination is at the core of an HRBA. To discuss more on this issue, a three-day International Conference on the theme “Integration of Human Rights Based Approaches in Health Care Practices” is being held at Roshini Nilaya-Mangaluru from 2 February-4 February, organized by School of Social work-Roshini Nilaya in association with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Bengaluru.
Under this conference theme various sub-themes will be discussed namely- Human Rights and Mental Health; Human Rights Perspective in Disaster Management; Gender Perspective and Human Rights; Child Rights; Youth and their Rights; Health and Rights; Human Rights Based approaches in Community Health; Human Rights Values for Holistic Health; and Geriatrics and Human Rights. The conference began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by students of MSW-Roshini Nilaya. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Rameela Shekar- Convener of the Conference from Roshni Nilaya.
Briefing of the Conference Theme was done by Shylaja Santosh- Co-Convener from Roshini Nilaya. The conference was symbolically inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Inaugurator of the day- Dr B N Gangadhar-Director-NIMHANS, Bengaluru, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely Chief guest- Dr K Sekar- Registrar-NIMHANS, Bengaluru, guest of honor-Hon’ble Justice Dr N Kumar-Retd Judge of Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru; principal of Roshni Nilaya-Dr Sophia N Fernandes, and Conference conveners- Dr Rameela Shekhar and Shylaja Santosh.
The release of the Abstract Book and Keynote address was delivered by Justice Dr N Kumar. In his speech referring Mangaluru as “Budhuvanthara Nadu” (Land of Intellectuals), Dr Kumar said, ” Presently it is the age of Human Rights, where everyone wants to get connected with Human rights. As per Universal Declaration of Human rights -‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status.”
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. Health is a fundamental right. Health is wealth- if you don’t have good health, what good is it have huge wealth. Dignity is also essential for Human Rights. No one should be deprived of their Human Rights. It’s nice to note that Government of India has accepted the Human Rights constitution” added Dr Kumar.
Stating that Health is the fundamental right, Dr B N Gangadhar said, ” The highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being. The right to health includes access to timely, acceptable, and affordable health care of appropriate quality. Universal health coverage is a means to promote the right to health. The right to the highest attainable standard of health” requires a set of social criteria that is conducive to the health of all people, including the availability of health services, safe working conditions, adequate housing and nutritious foods. Achieving the right to health is closely related to that of other human rights, including the right to food, housing, work, education, non-discrimination, access to information, and participation.”
“The right to health includes both freedoms and entitlements. Freedoms include the right to control one’s health and body and to be free from interference (e.g. free from torture and from non-consensual medical treatment and experimentation). Entitlements include the right to a system of health protection that gives everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable level of health. Health policies and programmes have the ability to either promote or violate human rights, including the right to health, depending on the way they are designed or implemented. Taking steps to respect and protect human rights upholds the health sector’s responsibility to address everyone’s health. This conference will help you learn more about Human Rights Approaches in Health Care Practices” added Dr Gangadhar.
Dr Sekar spoke on the Disaster Management and Human Rights topic. The release of the Documentary Video ” Mouna” by Aravind, an IInd Year MSW student at Roshini Nilaya was done by Dr K Sekar. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Meena Monteiro of Roshini Nilaya, and the programme was compered by Shushmitha- PG student of Diploma in Human Rights Education, and Ngukatoli Yeppo- IInd MSW student- both of Roshni Nilaya. The valedictory function will be held on 4 February at 3 pm, with P Harishekaran IGP-Western range as Chief Guest, and presided over by Dr LN Bhat- Registrar, Roshni Nilaya.
