Social movements for the right to health
Social movements are on the front line in defending and promoting the right to health. Their ability to contribute to public debate and take part in decision-making processes depends to a large extent on the openness of the democratic spaces in which they operate. That's why Viva Salud has made this one of its priorities.
The democratic space is under threat worldwide: criminalisation, stigmatisation, defamation, harassment, delegitimisation of social movements and the activists who work in them. According to Civicus Monitor, 9 out of 10 people live in countries where civil liberties are severely restricted. Just over 3% of the world's population live in a country with an open democratic space. In 2021, Belgium's situation has gone from “open” to “restricted”.
Social movements are a major force for change. Everywhere in the world, they are on the front line in defending and promoting the right to health. They act as watchdogs and steer public policies towards greater social justice. Good health and the opening up of democratic spaces, both national and international, are therefore prerequisites for the development of effective and inclusive healthcare systems.
Our objectives
Firstly, we defend the essential role of social movements in promoting the right to health. Together with our partners, supporters and volunteers, we are campaigning to strengthen the influence of social movements in the implementation of public health policies. We are calling for measures to protect social movements so that, within open and transparent democratic spaces, they can contribute to the development of public health systems that are equitable and accessible to all.
Solid networks, mass mobilisation, international solidarity and joint campaigns can make all the difference. We can secure the release of persecuted human rights defenders such as Shatha Odeh in Palestine or Dr Naty Castro in the Philippines in 2022.
Our partnerships
With our Filipino, Congolese and Palestinian partners and other organisations such as People's health Movement, the unions, Intal, We are building a global social movement for health. Our aim is to bring together social organisations, social players and committed individuals who share the same values and a desire to work together to defend the right to health.
Finally, through campaigns such as Only Fighters Win and our active role in the Defend the defenders, We are highlighting the essential role of social movements in the fight for the right to health.
See our related campaigns:
#NOTATARTGET : Defending health activists!
All over the world, health activists, workers⸱s, organisations and movements are victims of repression. But our health can only be safe if theirs is. Let's defend them!
Join Viva Salud in the marathon in Palestine!
On 1 March 2024, Viva Salud will once again be taking part in the Palestine Marathon to draw attention to the deprivation of freedom of movement in Palestine. Come and join us!
