Dr. Mukwege supports UN efforts to integrate human rights and health

Women are disproportionately affected by all kinds of sexual violence, not only in conflict zones.

At the same time, however, women and adolescents in some countries do not have the same access to the health system as men. Unequal access to health care reflects gender inequalities and the lower status of women in many societies. This does not only impact their own health, but also the well-being of their children.

Human rights and gender equality are closely linked to public health.

UN initiative to improve human rights and health

In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of addressing inequality and ensuring healthy lives for all, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Office of the High-Commissioner for Human Rights launched a working group.

Dr. Denis Mukwege, special adviser of the foundation, supports the initiative as a rapporteur to the UN high-level working group on health and human rights of women, children and adolescents. In Geneva, experts from various agencies and with different backgrounds gathered for the first time this week.