United Nations
General Assembly
A/HRC/26/31
Distr.: General
1 April 2014
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Twenty-sixth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to
the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical
and mental health, Anand Grover
Unhealthy foods, non-communicable diseases and the right to health
Summary
In the report submitted to the Human Rights Council pursuant to its resolution 24/6,
the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health draws links between unhealthy foods and dietrelated non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Special Rapporteur highlights the urgent
need for States to address structural changes in the food environment, which negatively
impact individuals’ enjoyment of the right to adequate and nutritious food – an underlying
determinant of the right to health. Global trade, increased foreign direct investment (FDI) in
the food sector and the pervasive marketing of unhealthy foods have increased the
consumption of unhealthy foods, which have been linked to diet-related NCDs.
The Special Rapporteur outlines a number of policies to increase the availability and
accessibility of healthier food options, including through fiscal policies and the regulation
of marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods, as well as increasing information and
awareness about the health risks posed by unhealthy foods. He observes States’ obligations
in ensuring the respect, protection and fulfilment of the right to health, and points to the
responsibilities of the food industry in refraining from producing, marketing and promoting
unhealthy foods. He also stresses the need for various accountability and remedial
mechanisms by which individuals can seek redress to violations of their right to health, and
underlines the importance of international assistance and cooperation in the prevention and
reduction of the increasing burden of diet-related NCDs.
The Special Rapporteur concludes his report with a set of recommendations, aimed
GE.14-12776
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