United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and the Commission on Human Rights Resolution on Health
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
Article 25 of the declaration:
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Bolding was added.
The United States voted in favor on 10 December 1948.
Unfortunately, the subsequent United Nations focus on the right of health care was treated differently by the United States, as seen below.
Commission on Human Rights (2003, 2004, 2005)
Resolution by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (1967-2006), during three of its last years as a commission
United Nations Resolution: The right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Votes on the Resolution in 2003, 2004, 2005
in 2003 … Resolution 2003/28
in 2004 … Resolution 2004/27
in 2005 … Resolution 2005/24
The only country voting no on this resolution each year was the United States. For example, in 2005, 52 of the 53 countries voted for the resolution, and the United States voted against it.
References
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is documented here and reviewed here.
2004 Resolution - U.S. website
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