The Lisbon Challenge: acknowledging palliative care as a human right

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human Rights Law
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• International associations advocate for palliative care access as a human right, linked to the right to health.
• Failure to provide palliative care may be considered cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
• Many governments have not yet recognized a universal human right to palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the human right to palliative care.
• To present the Lisbon Challenge and its recommendations for governments.

Main Methods:

• Discussion at the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) congress in 2011.
• Formulation of the Lisbon Challenge by EAPC, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Main Results:

• The Lisbon Challenge outlines four key government responsibilities:
• 1. Implement health policies for life-limiting/terminal illnesses.
• 2. Ensure access to essential and controlled medications.
• 3. Provide undergraduate training for healthcare workers in palliative care and pain management.
• 4. Promote integration of palliative care services into health systems.

Conclusions:

• Governments must actively address the recommendations of the Lisbon Challenge.
• Acknowledging and implementing palliative care is crucial for upholding human rights and health standards.