Interactive session II Health Rights: The challenges faced and responses provided by HRDs and communities to overcome barriers to universal healthcare

In order for UHC and SRHR to be fully realised, attention needs to be paid to reaching those who are marginalised and suffer human rights abuses, and therefore face the risk of being left behind. People belonging to marginalised groups have first-hand experience of both the impact of these violations and the solutions that are needed to address them. As such, during the COVID-19 crisis, their role has been critical. 

This session will provide a space for exchange between community-led organisations and human rights defenders (HRDs) and for dialogue with EU and UN officials, in order to identify the most effective ways in which EU institutions, governments and multilateral organisations can support them. 

Key questions: 

- How have communities and HRDs responded to a deteriorating human rights context to advance health equity and health outcomes?  

- What kind of support do they need going forward?