Human rights and public health policies for specific populations

Abstract

Human rights, constitutionally consolidated, imply guarantee of access to public social policies, such as health. Due to social markers of differences – including race/color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, generational position and class, minority groups encounter obstacles to their right to health. Considering that ethnic-racial, gender and socio- economic aspects influence the way people are born, live, get sick and die, the aim of this work is to discuss the impacts of the recognition of health as a fundamental human right to be guaranteed by the public authorities, to present singular traits of minority groups, prevalent diseases, as well as public health policies designed to answer the health needs of these groups. Thus, the unique characteristics of specific populations described – black people, indigenous people, women, LGBTQIA+, incarcerated and homeless people - which make these groups more vulnerable to some diseases. Based on the recognition of this implication in health conditions, affirmative health policies that seek equity in promotion, prevention, care, treatment and recovery actions for each of the specified population groups were exposed. Thus, specific public health policies aim to repair inequality in access to the fundamental right to health, as well as to contribute to the development of a diverse and fair society.

Keywords: human rights, public health policies, minority groups.