Social, Economic and Behavioural Research. Special Topics No.6, 2007

Paul Hunt with the assistance of Rébecca Steward, Judith Bueno de Mesquita and Lisa Oldring

Available online as PDF file [64p.] at: http://www.who.int/tdr/publications/publications/pdf/seb_topic6.pdf

“…..For the purpose of this report, neglected diseases are those diseases understood to be primarily affecting people living in poverty in developing countries, in particular in rural areas.

There are clear links between neglected diseases and human rights. Neglected diseases are more likely to occur where human rights, such as the rights to health, education and housing are not guaranteed. Neglected diseases also often result in violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including equality and non-discrimination.

Addressing the human rights issues that cause or are a consequence of neglected diseases has an important role to play in helping to prevent and treat these diseases, as well as in ensuring the dignity and well-being of those afflicted. However, the human rights implications of neglected diseases, and the contribution that human rights can make to addressing neglected diseases, have not been given the attention they deserve.

This report aims to equip practitioners with an understanding of human rights, how human rights abuses cause and result from neglected diseases, and how a human rights approach can contribute to the fight against neglected diseases…..”