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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Alba Cruz, PhD MPH, Assistant Director for Health Disparities Evaluation, Dana Farber Cancer, Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, 617-442-3200, alba_cruz@hms.harvard.edu

Human rights have emerged as a primary public health concern,particularly among individuals of color and those that are disadvantaged worldwide. Despite our efforts to curb human rights abuses through various international and national efforts, recent events such as the Sudan and ongoing issues including US immigration, paint a tartlingly grim picture of the immense work yet to be done. Human rights are integral to public health due to their direct role in ensuring physical, mental and social well-being. Gruskin & Braveman (2006) outline three spheres that illustrate the importance of human rights to public health: 1) as legal standards and obligations of government; 2) as a conceptual framework for analysis and advocacy; and 3) as guiding principles for designing and implementing policies and programs. This session will highlight and evaluate current topics, such as Katrina recovery, immigration legislation, global health, institutional racism/discrimination, and an international human rights convention for people with disabilities within the framework of these spheres.

Learning Objectives: