WHO is developing (and has pre-tested) an interesting and useful tool. The link to the paper describes this tool, which uses human rights concepts and methods to improve relevant laws, regulations and policies related to sexual and reproductive health. This tool aims to improve awareness and understanding of States’ human rights obligations. It includes a method for systematically examining the status of vulnerable groups, involving non-health sectors, fostering a genuine process of civil society participation and developing recommendations to address regulatory and policy barriers to sexual and reproductive health with a clear assignment of responsibility.
Strong leadership from the ministry of health, with support from the World Health Organization or other international partners, and the serious engagement of all involved in this process can strengthen the links between human rights and sexual and reproductive health, and contribute to national achievement of the highest attainable standard of health.
All materials with respect to the tool will be published online by WHO by the end of 2010. The aim is for countries to use the tool themselves without initiation from WHO or other agencies, although they may require assistance.
For more information, please read this bulletin on the WHO website:
http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/7/09-063412.pdf
