UNESCO GUIDELINES FOR ACTION TM - Freedom of choice and scope for choice

Freedom of choice and scope for choice 

This point is probably the most important in terms of human rights. The Universal Declaration on

Bioethics and Human Rights clearly provides t

hat the right of every human being to enjoy the

highest attainable standard of health cannot be subject to social, economic or cultural

considerations or to religion or political belief (A

rticle 14). This is entirely consistent with the

obligation to respect cultural diversity and pluralism if, and only if, such respect will not materially

infringe upon human dignity, human rights or f

undamental freedoms (Article 12). Freedom of

religion, for example, cannot be used to justify ritual abuse of women or sexual minorities that

adversely affects their physical and psychological health; respect for pluralism cannot be invoked

to support practices that discriminate against certain forms of illness. The contradiction should not

be regarded as accidental: this specification shows that the principles laid down in the Declaration,

however important in their own right, may sometimes come into conflict with each other. In such

cases, a comparative judgment of these principl

es, and even the establishment of priorities,

becomes inevitable.

Traditional medicine can play an important role in

improving health. Nevertheless, the availability

and affordability of this type of medicine in the least developed countries too often conceals an

incapacity to deliver more effective treatment

and drugs to individuals who are suffering and dying

from diseases that could be, and are, treated succe

ssfully in other countries. Traditional medicine

should contribute on its merits to developing the highest standards of health care. By improving

basic services and facilities, education and the pursuit

of excellence in local scientific communities,

traditional practitioners, governments and international institutions can help to ensure that

traditional practice is a genuine choice across the globe.

Trials conducted by non-governmental organiza

tions to tackle HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan

countries by improving diagnosis and treatment and offering a level of care consistent with

Western standards offer indisputable evidence not only of these people’s complete ability to adapt

to strict everyday rules and requirements but abov

e all of their obvious readiness to make the

transition from culturally familiar but ineffective treat

ment to more effective, albeit foreign, treatment.

Ultimately, “competition” between the different options, based on sound information, proper

availability and genuine affordability, is the best method of restricting or eradicating harmful

practices.