Ethnicity: A Human Rights-based Approach

Abstract

The Region of the Americas constitutes an extremely rich territory from the point of view of cultural diversity, in which a variety of challenges related to the recognition and respect of the human rights of members of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, Roma, as well as other ethnic groups are presented. Throughout the life course, these people experience structural discrimination and under-representation and inclusion in decision-making processes, which hinders their access to health services, affects the quality of care they receive, and has an overall effect on their living conditions. Therefore, the protection and promotion of their health and socio-economic security is a matter not only of public policy, but also of the protection and exercise of human rights. This publication presents the international and regional human rights instruments and systems for the protection of human rights established by the United Nations and the Inter-American Human Rights System, as well as measures to make them effective, with special emphasis on the right to health of these groups in the countries of the Americas.