About the Statement

A written statement was issued by the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), in cooperation with a consultative organization, under document number A/HRC/56/NGO/139. The statement, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its 56th session (June–July 2024), focuses on the importance of enhancing government performance in realizing the right to health. It highlights the United Arab Emirates’ experience as a pioneering model in ensuring universal and equitable access to physical and mental health services, particularly through the World Governments Summit initiative.

Statement Content

• The statement affirms that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the greatest challenges to states’ commitments in protecting and promoting human rights, particularly the right to health.
• It stresses the importance of enhancing international cooperation to address future health crises through effective, integrated strategies.

Supporting UN Efforts to Promote the Right to Health:

• The statement highlights the Human Rights Council’s role in ensuring that states respect human rights without discrimination.
• It commends the work of the Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health, as well as Council Resolution 52/21 in support of the right to health.
• It underscores the link between the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and states’ human rights obligations.

Call to Improve Government Performance:

• Strengthening national health systems.
• Improving the efficiency of executive institutions.
• Enhancing planning and preparedness for future pandemics and health challenges.

Highlighting the UAE’s Experience:

• Comprehensive response to COVID-19:
• Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all.
• Supporting regional and global efforts to combat the pandemic.
• World Governments Summit Initiative:
• The statement highlights the UAE’s leadership in organizing the Summit, which has become a key global platform for advancing government performance.
• The Summit brings together over 25 heads of state and government, 300 ministers from 120 countries, and 85 international organizations.
• The Summit enables the exchange of best practices, discussion of future health policy, and promotion of innovative technological solutions.
• Leadership in strengthening global health partnerships:
• Collaborating with the World Health Organization and international partners to improve global health capacity.
• Innovating equitable and effective health financing models and policy frameworks.

Key Recommendations

• Focus on improving government performance in achieving sustainable development and the right to health, especially in developing countries.
• Establish a periodic review mechanism to assess governments’ performance in this domain.
• Leverage the UAE’s experience through the World Governments Summit as a model for advancing health governance.
• Expand global health partnerships and promote successful national initiatives as international best practices.

Significance of the Statement

• The statement presents a forward-looking model linking health development with institutional government performance.
• It strengthens the UAE’s position as a global supporter for the right to health, both in crisis and stability.
• It highlights the World Governments Summit as a strategic platform to lead the global transition toward more sustainable and effective health governance.