The Social Platform held a two-day conference on ’Building social policy on fundamental rights’ 11-12 October 2005 in Brussels.
Within the framework of the conference, EPHA organised a workshop on Wednesday 12 October from 09.00 - 1300 on the internationally recognised right to health and the right of access to healthcare which is guaranteed by Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
This interactive workshop explored the fundamental right to health and the right of access to healthcare and drew conclusions for a rights-based approach to EU social policies.
The speakers outlined the legal background of treaties, courts and judgements and brought testimonies from marginalised communities about the difficulties experienced in trying to exercise the right to health and healthcare. A panel of health care professionals and health agencies outlined how the health system how they can support the right to health.
The debate identified recommendations for the way that EU social policies can be constructed to ensure that all people in Europe enjoy the same rights to health.
Although all European countries have universal healthcare systems and social welfare policies, significant health inequalities exist within countries and across the Union. There are strong links between socio-economic status, poverty and health. Groups that are socially excluded suffer poor health and have difficulty accessing health promotion and curative services.
Full report of the Conference
EPHA briefing on human rights and fundamental rights
