prof. mr. dr. B.C.A. (Brigit) Toebes
Professor, Health Law in a Global Context
Research
Research interests
My research focuses on how international legal standard-setting instruments play a role in the protection of health. ‘International health law’ is not a well-developed branch of international law. The health-related standards are very fragmented and they lack adequate implementation by all the stakeholders in the health field. Moreover these standards insufficiently emphasise equitable access and distribution of health services, and the creation of overall fairness in health.
International law is potentially a powerful and essential weapon in strengthening health prevention and control. As the recent ebola crisis has demonstrated, health problems increasingly transcend borders. However, ebola and other infectious diseases are not the only health problems the world is facing today. We are witnessing a change in disease patterns, some of which are lifestyle-related; increasing health inequalities within and between nations; as well as the detrimental health effects of environmental degradation, climate change, urbanization and internal conflicts. Powerful actors such as the pharmaceutical industry but also the tobacco, food and beverage industries now structurally operate on a global level. All this is affecting the health and wellbeing of individuals worldwide, and especially those who are marginalized and disadvantaged. A stronger recognition of international health law is necessary to address these challenges in the health field.
Based on my 20 years of experience advancing human rights standards for the health field, my overall research goal is to lay out the theoretical and practical fundament for international health law. As such, my research is aimed at creating a better understanding of the nature and scope of international health law, and of how this field can be best employed to address global health injustices.
Publications
Prikken voor elkaar: Kinderopvang en vaccinatie: een zorg van overheid en maatschappij
Toebes, B., Jul-2019, Commissie kinderopvang en vaccinatie. 128 p.Research output: Book/Report › Report › Professional
Identifying a human rights–based approach to obesity for States and civil society
Patterson, D., Buse, K., Magnusson, R. & Toebes, B., 12-Jul-2019, In : Obesity Reviews.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Report of the 78th Conference: International Law Association. Report of the Global health law Committee
Toebes, B. & Abbott, F. M., 2018, International Law Association.Research output: Book/Report › Report › Professional
Ongezond gedrag: de rol van het recht: Preadvies VGR 2019
Toebes, B. C. A., Gispen, M. E. C., Dietvorst, R., de Coninck, P. J. M. & Dute, J. C. J., 12-Apr-2019, Den Haag: Sdu Uitgevers. 260 p. (Pre-advies Vereniging voor Gezondheidsrecht )Research output: Book/Report › Book › Academic › peer-review
New publication: Research Handbook on Global Health Law
Toebes, B. & Burci, G. L., 18-Jan-2019Research output: Other contribution › Academic
Datasets
CRC State reports "Tobacco control"
Gispen, M. E. (Data Manager), University of Groningen, 4-Mar-2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10411/RXZ8TI
Dataset
Prizes
Activities
The right to health - legal dimensions
Brigit Toebes (Speaker)4-Jul-2019Activity: Talk or presentation › Academic
Jean Monnet Summer School on Human Rights and Health
Brigit Toebes (Invited speaker)1-Jun-2019Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference › Academic
Toegang tot het recht
Brigit Toebes (Invited speaker)27-Jun-2019Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference › Professional
Press / Media
Health covenant heavily influenced by food and alcohol industry
12/04/2019
1 media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Popular
Poldering and prevention are not a good match
Brigit Toebes & Jos Dute
12/04/2019
1 media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Academic
Een suikertaks komt natuurlijk nooit van de grond als de voedselindustrie mag meepraten
11/04/2019
1 media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Popular
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