The Right to Health of People of African Descent: Addressing Racism and Health Inequities
The Right to Health of People of African Descent: Addressing Racism and Health Inequities
On June 26-27, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) held a two-day conference focusing on the right to health for People of African Descent. The event aimed to develop actionable recommendations to feed into the next cycle of the EU Anti-racism Action Plan, promoting health equity and combating racism across Europe.
What was the event?
The ‘Right to Health of People of African Descent: Part 2 of the Racism, Discrimination and Health Series’ event, held on June 26-27, was a two-day conference organized by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with Artikel 1 Midden Nederland and De Hofnar Present B.V. The event brought together leading experts and stakeholders from the European Commission, NGOs, Civil Society and Academia to discuss the systemic issues of racism and discrimination and their profound impacts on health, particularly focusing on People of African Descent.Why was this event organised?
Racism and discrimination are fundamental determinants of health that profoundly affect both physical and mental well-being. These systemic issues create environments where marginalized communities face continuous social and economic challenges. OHCHR and EPHA have joined forces since 2023 in analyzing the impacts of racism on health, providing policy orientations and participatory forum for bridging the gap between policy makers and authorities on one side and civil society, victims, researchers and health care professionals on the other. The event was organized to address these determinants and promote health equity, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to realize their Right to Health as defined in Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The event also aimed to contribute to the development of the EU Anti-racism Action Plan 2026-2030 through series of recommendations formulated during the consultative process led by organizing partners.
What were the sessions about?
The event began with opening statements from distinguished guests representing the European Commission and the Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Vanessa Kabuta, Non-discrimination Policy Coordinator at DG JUST, delved into the health-related aspects of the EU Anti-racism Action Plan, while Rabin S. Baldewsingh, Dutch National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism, addressed issues of discrimination and health in the Netherlands. Panel discussions explored the impact of racism on mental health and trauma, and the structural nature of racial bias in healthcare. Case studies highlighted challenges in accessing health insurance for People of African Descent in the Netherlands and examined anti-Black racism in Germany. Interactive sessions allowed participants to identify challenges and propose actionable solutions for improving healthcare access and reducing health inequalities. Additionally, the event showcased methods for high-standard equality data collection and presented tools like the Dutch G4 dashboard for monitoring discrimination incidents. For more information about the speakers and session, please see here.
What were the outcomes?
The event identified solutions and recommendations that will be summarized in a consultation report to be presented to the European Commission’s Coordinator on combating racism on August 27, 2024, in the context of the International day for people of African Descent. These recommendations aim to feed into the next cycle of the EU Anti-racism Action Plan. To compile the recommendations, organizers emphasized the importance of written input from participants. The discussions and interactive sessions provided valuable insights, best practices, and actionable strategies to promote health equity and combat racism, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for all.
By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the event facilitated meaningful dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for actionable strategies and policy recommendations that will contribute to achieving health equity in Europe. Notably, these include:
Stay tuned for more information and details! The consultation report will be presented and available on 27 August.
Register for the event here.
