ABSTRACT
This article evaluates the health targets identified in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at a September 2015 UN summit from a human rights perspective. Although there is considerable overlap in the subject matter of these targets and human rights commitments, the SDG framers did not adopt a human rights approach to the realisation of the health-related targets. This article details human rights shortfalls and their implications for the implementation of the SDGs. Given the limitations of space, the article focuses on health targets of particular relevance to the right to health, specifically promoting the health rights of children; realising universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights; delivering the underlying determinants of health; achieving universal health coverage; and providing access to affordable essential medicines.
