59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.
19 June 2025
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her latest report and reaffirm our strong commitment to the right to health for all, without discrimination.
Health and care workers are at the core of the right to health. They must be protected and supported, as their well-being directly affects the care they provide. Their work is not only vital to public health, but also to human dignity and equality. As outlined in the report, far too many face discrimination, harassment and violence, including gender-based violence, impacting their well-being.
The report highlights the crucial need for laws and policies to offer better protection and rights to health and care workers. This is both a moral duty and a human rights obligation.
The Nordic-Baltic States remain committed to further improving health and care workers well-being, including enhancing their work environment, ensuring fair and equitable wages, promoting mental health, and supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Madame Special Rapporteur,
What are the key steps to ensure that the rights of health and care workers are fully enshrined in national law?
I thank you!