Health inequalities still represent a major challenge for policy makers across the world and despite the evidence and solutions being put forward, policy responses from countries across the globe are insufficient. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated already existing inequalities between and within countries and created new ones with long term consequences which are still difficult to foresee. However, this new health emergency also offers the opportunity to take serious actions to put equity at the core of the recovery process and reform our systems. The Council of Europe member states have obligations to take measures proportionate to the threat posed by the spread of the virus while ensuring that these measures provide equitable access to available health care resources. What we have learned is that a global and cross-sectoral governance as well as policy mechanisms should be implemented to address health inequalities and develop effective measures to remove those factors that favour structural inequalities such as differences in exposure to health risk factors and in access to health care.

The event aims at raising awareness on the importance of human rights protection during public health crises and how to support member states in getting better resilience and preparedness to such crises. The event will offer an opportunity to identify needs to be addressed for the protection of vulnerable groups, including persons having difficulties in accessing healthcare.