Treat(y)ing global health : the potential for a Framework Convention on Global Health to impact the actions of businesses in the underlying determinants of health

Abstract

The right to health and its underlying determinants are central for the realisation and enjoyment of other human rights, and these rights are increasingly impacted upon by business enterprises and their activities. At present, no international legislation exists which specifically targets the impact of these business activities upon the human right to health, but the proposed Framework Convention on Global Health presents a significant opportunity in this area. Previous literature surrounding the FCGH has predominantly focused on whether such a document is necessary and the nature of its contributions to the field of global health. This thesis focuses however specifically on the potential for an FCGH to impact the actions of businesses in the underlying determinants of health, using qualitative research and analysis. Following an examination of how the activities of business enterprises impact the underlying determinants of health, the FCGH is analysed and conclusions are drawn highlighting its utility as a human rights instrument with a focus on ending inequities on health.