Developing and applying the right to the highest attainable standard of health: The role of the UN Special Rapporteur (2002–2008)

In 2002, the United Nations established the position of Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (‘right to the highest attainable standard of health’ or ‘right to health’). Between 2002-2008, the first appointee, Paul Hunt, submitted some 30 reports on a wide range of right-to-health issues, as well as reports on several States, and GlaxoSmithKline, the major pharmaceutical company (Freeman 2009).