The effects of international human rights treaties on the population's health: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2025.50.13605Keywords:
International Cooperation, Human Rights, Global Health, Health Status Indicators, Systematic ReviewAbstract
Objective: The study aims to describe the scientific literature regarding the association between the ratification of international pacts and the improvement of the health situation. Methods: This is a systematic review of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes model in the bibliographic bases of the Virtual Health Library, the Scientific Electronic Library Online, the National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, and CAPES Periodicals Portal. Results: Studies from 9 international treaties were found in the literature. Among them, four were considered ineffective because they were not associated with positive changes in the health status of individuals. The other 4 achieved relevant practical consequences with statistically significant changes to anemia in pregnant women, the woman's life expectancy, family planning, prenatal care, infant and maternal mortality, and the prevalence of smoking. Conclusion: This review showed that there are few scientific works in this area and that, in general, the practical effects of international health commitments are less than expected.
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