International Human Rights Law and Health in the Amidst Syria’s Conflict: Guidance from OHCHR, WHO and Other UN Agencies

The OHCHR Syria Office, WHO, and other UN agencies are all working to address violations of economic and social rights in the context of the ongoing conflict and crisis in Syria. This document is intended to provide guidance to partners on utilizing relevant human rights norms and accessing information about these organizations’ activities in this area.

One key focus of this note is the right to health as outlined in international human rights law (IHRL) and its application in the context of the armed conflict and crisis in Syria, where international humanitarian law (IHL) also applies. It discusses how the OHCHR Syria Office advocates for state policies to promote this right, as well as how the UN contributes to achieving these objectives through various groups and teams such as the Whole of Syria Strategic Steering Group, Humanitarian Country Team, and Humanitarian Liaison Group. Additionally, it provides policy advice on the human rights approach to health for key entities such as Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, and WHO as Cluster Lead Agency for Health Sector/Cluster.