Groningen Centre for Health Law

Pieter de Coninck - The current COVID-19 pandemic seems the ultimate proof that health at national level has global dimensions, regarding not only the origin and spread of diseases but also the efforts to prevent and control them. Infectious or communicable diseases may be the most striking example, but they are definitely not the only one: e.g. antimicrobial resistance, alcohol, and tobacco. In various ways, many health issues have cross-border, global aspects.

Dean M. Harris - Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the candidates of the Democratic Party, have won the election for President and Vice President of the United States. This is good for democracy, human rights, and global health

Katharina O 'Cathaoir - In September 2020, twelve "cluster 5" cases of Covid-19 were identified in humans in North Jutland, Denmark. By November, new coronavirus mutations had passed from minks to around 200 humans, some in contact with minks and others without direct contact, meaning it is circulating in the population of North Jutland. A central concern is that some of the mutations appear to be less susceptible to antibody responses, which raised fears that the much-awaited vaccines would not be effective on this strain. However, it should be noted that this has been disputed and remains unproven.

Dominique Mollet - Based on my previous column, it is safe to say that the Netherlands approaches HFSS food advertising regulation from a commercial perspective, rather than from the health- and human rights-based approach described in Part I of this series. In this column I argue that the European trends regarding HFSS food advertising constitute a possible factor that may have influenced the adoption of this stance

Dominique Mollet - As indicated in my previous column, international human rights law imposes obligations for States to protect the rights of individuals.

Dominique Mollet - Whenever we open our Facebook-, or Instagram-app or turn on the TV, we are often targeted by advertising efforts promoting the consumption of products detrimental to our health, such as ‘unhealthy’ food (food high in saturated fat, trans fatty acids, salt and sugar, HFSS food). Some States have regulated such advertising to some extent, while others mainly leave it unregulated. But do States actually have obligations under international human rights law to regulate this?

Adriaan van Es, founder and Secretary of IFHHRO, is an MD, family doctor and counselor on end-of-life decisions. Dr van Es is also active in health related human rights advocacy. In his interview with GHLG, he talks about his journey within human rights work in the health sector. 

Medes Malaihollo - COVID-19 is having a disproportionately harmful effect on indigenous peoples. Particularly in Brazil, the virus affects the health of these vulnerable groups to such a degree that it constitutes a serious threat to their existence. Many indigenous communities have little to no immunity against most diseases, poor access to health care and experience starvation as a serious outcome due to lockdowns.

Brigit Toebes - Covid-19 has put a spotlight on the responsibilities of States under the International Health Regulations and on State accountability in case of a breach.

Natalie Schuck - “Although the COVID-19 crisis is, in the first instance, a physical health crisis, it has the seeds of a major mental health crisis as well, if action is not taken”, as per the policy brief by the United Nations published in mid-May. Months earlier, the WHO and other organizations already outlined the danger of COVID-19-related psychological distress and published information on how to take care of one’s mental health and well-being.