Advocating for the Right to Health in Conflict-Affected Areas: The OHCHR Syria Office’s Role in Promoting Economic and Social Rights

The OHCHR Syria Office is a vital component of the UN’s efforts to address violations of key economic and social rights, including the right to health. This document provides guidance to partners on utilizing relevant human rights norms and accessing information about the OHCHR Syria Office, WHO, Health Sector/Cluster, and other UN agencies’ activities in addressing these violations.

The right to health is a fundamental aspect of international human rights law (IHRL) and plays a crucial role in the context of the ongoing armed conflict and crisis in Syria. International humanitarian law (IHL) also applies, highlighting the need for state policies that promote this right. This note discusses how the OHCHR Syria Office advocates for such policies and how the UN contributes to achieving these objectives.

The OHCHR supports various groups and teams, including the Whole of Syria Strategic Steering Group, Humanitarian Country Team, and Humanitarian Liaison Group, in their efforts to address the right to health. Additionally, it offers policy advice on the human rights approach to health to key entities such as Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, and WHO as Cluster Lead Agency for Health Sector/Cluster.

Overall, this document serves as a valuable resource for those seeking guidance on utilizing relevant human rights norms and accessing information about the OHCHR Syria Office’s work towards promoting economic and social rights in conflict-affected areas like Syria.