HRC 53 SRI statement: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health

53rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

ID with the SR on Health

19 June- 14 July 2023

Thank you, President.

Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative,

We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report on Digital innovation, technologies, and the right to health. We value the call to respect, protect and fulfil human rights in both offline and online spaces, especially the right to sexual and reproductive health, including access to health-related education and information. This is an integral part of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest standard of physical and mental health. 

Technology and digital innovation have advanced health coverage, particularly sexual and reproductive health, providing spaces for youth, adolescents, and other marginalized communities to access these services without stigma. However, it is essential to underline that we are facing a context where regressive actors are using these same digital platforms to assault women human rights defenders, attacking their privacy and propagate misinformation and disinformation, particularly related to abortion, the rights of trans persons, adolescent sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education. It is crucial that States fulfil their obligations to ensure accurate and inclusive health information is available, accessible, acceptable and of good quality, as is required under the right to health.

Thank you.