The Right to Health of the Child

Description

Worldwide, children face significant health risks. The right to health of the child offers insight into the ways in which these risks should be mitigated. However, the concept of the highest attainable standard of health of the child as laid down in article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child remains unclear.brbrTherefore, this book seeks to clarify the international normative framework on the right to health of the child. It does so by looking at the international childrens rights framework, international health and human rights law and by taking a particular look at relevant legislation in the European region, covering both European Union legislation and human rights law of the Council of Europe, including the Guidelines on Child-Friendly Healthcare. Also, the interpretation of the right to health by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is analyzed for 35 countries of different levels of development. On the basis of these sources, priorities are identified that should be realized to achieve the highest attainable standard of health of the child.brbrThis book addresses the question how the implementation process influences the interpretation of the highest attainable standard of health of the child. This results in a definition of the highest attainable standard of health of the child that takes into account the varying capabilities of individual children and which considers children as active rights-holders, notwithstanding their age or level of development.brbrbrAbout the authorbrSarah Ida Spronk-van der Meer Rotterdam, the Netherlands 1981 holds an LLM in international law and a MSc in health and medical anthropology. Empowering people is a central part of both her academic and program related work to enhance health, protection and well-being of children, young people and their families. In her PhD research, Spronk focuses on the right to the highest attainable standard of health of the child.brbrPrevious to her PhD-research, Spronk worked for the NGO Save the Children, the International Criminal Court and a mental health institution for children and adolescents. In June 2013 Spronk completed the diplomatic training of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, where she is currently employed as a policy advisor on sexual and reproductive health and rights of children and adolescents. Topics include comprehensive sexuality education, maternal and infant mortality, protection against sexual violence, female genital mutilation and child marriages. In addition, she is involved in coaching and community projects for children to integrate sports activities, health assessments and childrens rights training. brbrSpronk is experienced in delivering lectures, workshops and trainings on childrens rights, health and empowerment to a variety of audiences. She has organized conferences and voyages for children, adolescents and young adults in various countries.br