South Los Angeles Declaration of Health and Human Rights: Lessons for community mobilization

Background: Significant advancements in the protection of human rights have occurred since 1948, with the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet severe and growing violations and inequities persist. South Los Angeles, which includes more than one million residents, has experienced long-standing structural violence, leading to deep inequities and poor outcomes in the health care and physical environment. Thus far, vertical approaches lacking community participation, monitoring, and accountability have failed to reduce inequities and improve health in South Los Angeles. Methods: On June 5th 2009, a coalition of community groups convened the First Annual South Los Angeles Health and Human Rights Conference to apply a rights-based approach to community mobilization, policy advocacy, and the overall goal of improving health and well-being. Subsequently, community workgroups met to discuss social determinants of health and human rights in south Los Angeles, including education, employment, housing, and food security.

Results: To date, over 2000 residents and workers in south Los Angeles have participated in this community-led health and human rights process and helped draft the South Los Angeles Declaration of Health and Human Rights. Through facilitated discussions and educational workshops, community members are now developing a strategic plan to advance their policy recommendations and to measure and monitor progress. The majority of participants (80%) report an increase in knowledge and commitment to health equity and human rights framework.

Conclusions: A community-led health and human rights approach can significantly increase awareness, mobilize interdisciplinary collaboration among local advocates and residents, and inform local policy.