IHHR Research
The IHHR advances health, development and human rights as both an area of study and a new composite method of research. The primary research focus of the Initiative for Health and Human Rights is examination of mechanisms and situations whereby:
- incomplete realisation of human rights impacts on health
- ill-health impedes the enjoyment of human rights; and
- the promotion and protection of health, development and human rights enhance physical, mental and social well-being.
Within the broad range of research needs IHHR has identified, the Initiative is particularly committed to explore the interactions between health, development and human rights in the context of:
Specific health issues:
- HIV/AIDS and related diseases and conditions
- Emerging diseases such as SARS or Avian Influenza
- Mental health
Specific populations:
- Indigenous populations
- Refugees
- International and domestic migrants
- Institutionalized populations
- Victims of human exploitation and trafficking
Specific situations:
- Natural disasters
- Situations of collective violence
- Political and social conditions which give rise to exploitation and victimisation of particular populations
- Poverty-induced conditions
Development of methods and tools:
- Health, Development and Human Rights Impact Assessment tools
- Health, Development and Human Rights technical tools
Particular attention will be devoted to building the evidence of the impacts of discrimination (as may be determined by gender, age, mobility, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, health status or any other civil, political, social, economic or cultural attributes) on the lack of fulfillment of health, development and human rights in highly vulnerable populations. For more information on Health and Human Rights Research please click
here to read the IHHR research agenda.
Health, Development and Human Rights Research
The IHHR is devoted to building evidence of the impacts of inequality and discrimination on the lack of progress in health, development and human rights, particularly in highly vulnerable populations. Below are some examples of research currently being carried out:
- HIV and mental illness in Vietnam
Catherine Esposito, PhD candidate; Supervisors: Prof. Daniel Tarantola and Dr. Zac Steel
People living with HIV and a mental disorder often face social isolation, high levels of stigma and discrimination. This research program will determine the prevalence of mental health disorders among people with HIV and provide recommendations for policy and programmes by applying international and national human rights standards.
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- HIV/AIDS and rehabilitation centres in Vietnam: Sexual and reproductive health needs, care and choices
Prof. Daniel Tarantola, A/Prof. Anna Whelan, Dr. Luu Ngoc Hoat (Hanoi Medical University)
A collaborative project with Hanoi Medical University, this AusAID-funded project aims to determine how policies, programmes and practices are responding to the sexual and reproductive health needs and choices of people at greatest risk of acquiring HIV and their sexual partners. The project incorporates a gender and right-based approach analysis to the study findings. Upon completion of its first, community-based component, this project will focus on current detainees in 05/06 Rehabilitation Centres in the Hanoi area.
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- Rights-based approach to cataract care services in Pakistan
Dr. Khabir Ahmad, PhD candidate; Supervisors: Profs. Daniel Tarantola and Anthony Zwi
Under a grant award from The Fred Hollows Foundation, this research project is framed by rights-based approaches to blindness and cataract care services in Pakistan and other developing countries. The project aims to explore cataract-related policies, services and outcomes in Pakistan from the perspective of gender equality, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability and other norms and standards applicable to the Right to the highest attainable standard of Physical and Mental Health.
- HIV, sex work and human rights in China (2007 – 2010)
Jinmei (Alice) Meng (NCHSR), PhD candidate; Supervisors: Dr. Heather Worth (NCHSR) and Prof. Daniel Tarantola
This study seeks to assess the impacts of criminalisation of sex work on the HIV epidemics in China and build the argument that decriminalising sex work in China is in the interest of public health and the promotion of human rights.
Related Research Projects
A number of the IHHR Steering Committee members are currently conducting research that either explicitly or implicitly carries forward a health, development and human rights agenda. More information on these projects is forthcoming.
