Submission to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Maternal Mortality, Morbidity and Human Rights

Submission to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the preparation of the thematic study on Maternal Mortality, Morbidity and Human Rights

This submission responds to the OHCHR Note Verbale’s request for information for the preparation of the upcoming OHCHR thematic study on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human rights. It first presents the human rights legal framework on maternal mortality and morbidity, under which states have a legal obligation to ensure women’s safety throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It then describes a sample of the key issues that contribute to high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity and which constitute violations of government’s international human rights obligations. Finally, it briefly discusses the importance of accountability mechanisms in addressing preventable maternal mortality and morbidity.

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