call for submissions

The journal Health and Human Rights hopes to provide a vibrant, vital forum for research and dialogue on social and economic rights under its new Editor-in-Chief, Paul Farmer. The journal will include two sections: “Critical Concepts” and a section dedicated to “Health and Human Rights in Practice.”

Beyond academic papers appropriate for both sections, the editors of the "Health and Human Rights in Practice" section particularly seek writing that emerges from and reflects on practical efforts for the realization of social and economic rights. The form and style of these "Practice" pieces is flexible, but they should be rigorous and of genuine relevance to people engaged in kindred work. Submissions will be reviewed by peer practitioners, along with the journal's editorial team.

Accepted contributions will be published in the journal’s open-access electronic and print versions. Health and Human Rights will be published at least twice a year. We invite articles for Critical Concepts (5,000-7,000 words) and for Health and Human Rights in Practice (500-7,000 words) for the next two issues. Submissions are welcomed at any time. We draw your attention to the following dates in connection with specific journal issues.

Issue 10:2 Accountability. Submissions due: July 1, 2008

Accountability is a defining aspect of rights-based approaches to health. Accountability entails access to effective remedies, judicial and otherwise. However, it also contains important political and social dimensions. This issue will explore questions relating to, for example: Accountability for what and to whom are we concerned with in the context of health policymaking and programming? What is the role of court-centered approaches in advancing accountability for health rights? What is the relationship between monitoring and accountability? What is the possibility of accountability for actors beyond the state? Practice examples illustrating successes and challenges of establishing accountability in the context of health are especially welcome.

Issue 11:1 Participation. Submissions due: October 1, 2008

Meaningful participation or agency is key to the true realization of the right to health, as well as with all human rights. However, participation can mean very different things to different actors. Indeed, participation can all too easily be paid lip service in the design of programs that are otherwise entirely centralized. This issue will explore what distinguishes a rights-based understanding of participation in theory and practice. What are disputed or problematic questions relating to community participation from a rights perspective? What is the relationship between participation and access to information and accountability? Practice examples from advocacy organizations as well as programs and projects, which have incorporated participatory strategies or faced challenges relating to this dimension of a rights-based approach, are especially welcome.

The journal’s primary language is English. However, we encourage submission of proposed articles and reflections in other languages, accompanied by an English abstract.