A human rights approach to preventing racial discrimination in health care
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World Health Organization
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This perspective article examines racial discrimination as a persistent structural determinant of health and proposes a human rights–based framework for addressing racial inequities in health-care systems. The authors argue that racial discrimination, rooted in historical and contemporary forms of exclusion, continues to influence access to health services, quality of care and health outcomes across diverse populations. The article highlights how discriminatory practices contribute to disparities in morbidity and mortality, affect the delivery of culturally appropriate care, and may be reinforced through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence when underlying biases are not addressed. Drawing on international human rights law and public health evidence, the paper emphasizes the need to move beyond fragmented approaches and adopt more comprehensive and accountable strategies.
The authors propose a three-step approach consisting of recognizing the specific health risks associated with racial discrimination, identifying enforceable human rights entitlements, and implementing targeted policy interventions. Recommended actions include anti-discrimination legislation, health equity strategies, workforce diversification, anti-racism training, oversight of digital technologies and ethical use of demographic data. The article also reviews examples from several countries that have introduced measures to promote racial equity in health care. It concludes that integrating human rights principles with practical policy measures can support the development of more inclusive, accountable and equitable health systems and contribute to reducing persistent health disparities.
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