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
ESIL Reflection – States’ Resilience to Future Health Emergencies –: Connecting the Dots between Core Obligations and Core Capacities
Toebes, B., 11-Jun-2020, 9 p.Research output: Other contribution › Academic
Grijp nóg fermer in om corona in te dammen
Toebes, B. & Friedrich, A. W., 12-Mar-2020, In : NRC Handelsblad.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Popular
Preventie is niet vrijblijvend: Over het preventie-oeuvre van Jos Dute
Toebes, B. C. A., 2020, (Accepted/In press) In : Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidsrecht. 44, 3, p. 227-235 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
I. Verplichte vaccinatie als serieuze handelingsoptie
Toebes, B., 18-Jun-2020, In : Rechtsgeleerd Magazijn Themis. 2020, 3, p. 142-145 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic
Human rights and Non-Communicable Diseases: Controlling Tobacco and Promoting Healthy Diets
Toebes, B. & Patterson, D., 2020, (Accepted/In press) Global Health and Human Rights. Gostin, L. O. & Meier, B. M. (eds.). University of California Press, (SSRN Electronic Journal).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Academic › peer-review
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
ESIl webinar: International Law in the age of COVID-19
Brigit Toebes (Invited speaker)23-Jun-2020Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference › Academic
‘Reculer pour mieux sauteur’: reflecties vanuit het perspectief van het recht op gezondheid
Brigit Toebes (Speaker)7-Jul-2020Activity: Talk or presentation › Academic
Exploring the human rights dimensions of Covid-19
Brigit Toebes (Invited speaker)4-Jun-2020Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference › Academic
Press / Media
Amrish Baidjoe en Brigit Toebes over wereldgezondheidsorganisatie
Brigit Toebes & Amrish Baidjoe
18/05/2020
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Popular
Clio Conference Gen Z: Entering the Global Stage
01/04/2020
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities › Professional
MORE HEALTHY YEARS AND A HEALTHY SOCIETY IN 2040
25/03/2020
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Popular
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