A/62/214 32. The preceding paragraphs are simply preliminary points for discussion. Much more work is needed to explore in detail the philosophical and practical contribution of human rights to health priority-setting. As the health and human rights movement matures, it is very important that it respond to this challenge. Moreover, applying human rights to the prioritization process will dispel some common misunderstandings about the right to the highest attainable standard of health and help to establish the very extensive common ground between public health, medicine and human rights. III. Impact assessments and the right to the highest attainable standard of health 33. Any modern policymaker, unless purely driven by ideology, will wish to consider, in a balanced, objective and rational manner, the likely impact of a proposed new policy, especially on those living in poverty. Moreover, before a State introduces a new proposal, it must ensure that the initiative is consistent with its existing national and international legal obligations, including those relating to human rights. 34. In these circumstances, there is a growing demand for Governments to carry out human rights impact assessments prior to adopting and implementing new policies, programmes and projects. To date, however, relatively little work has been done to develop methodologies and tools to help Governments undertake human rights impact assessments. 35. In his initial report to the Commission on Human Rights in 2003, the Special Rapporteur explained that he wished to examine impact assessments and the right to health (E/CN.4/2003/58, paras. 82-85). In response, the Commission specifically requested the Special Rapporteur to pursue his analysis of health impact assessments. 8 Since then, he has looked at impact assessments in relation to trade rules and policies. 9 While on country missions, he has also raised the issue of impact assessments in appropriate cases. 10 36. In 2006, the Special Rapporteur co-authored, with Gillian MacNaughton, a report on impact assessments, poverty and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. 11 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) funded the research. 12 The purpose of the project was to contribute to the development of a human rights impact assessment methodology, with a particular focus on the right to the highest attainable standard of health. The report is over 60 pages in length and includes four detailed annexes. The present section serves as a brief introduction to the full report. __________________ 8 9 10 11 12 8 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2003, Supplement No. 3 (E/2003/23), sect. II.A, resolution 2003/28, para. 16. See E/CN.4/2004/49/Add.1, paras. 53-56. See, for example, A/HRC/4/28/Add.2, paras. 122 and 123. Paul Hunt and Gillian MacNaughton, Impact Assessments, Poverty and Human Rights: A Case Study Using the Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health (UNESCO, 2006). The full report is available from the website of Essex University, Human Rights Centre, Right to Health Unit (www2.essex.ac.uk/human_rights_centre/rth/projects.shtm). The Special Rapporteur is most grateful to UNESCO and Ms. MacNaughton. 07-45379