Table 3.

Implementation of health as a human right within Congress’s Aboriginal community-controlled model of care

Health as a human right element*	Implementation in Congress
Availability: availability of public health and health care facilities, including availability of underlying determinants of health	Comprehensive PHC and community-controlled services that are available to the community; advocacy and intersectoral action that address the social determinants of the community’s health
Accessibility: health facilities and services are accessible to everyone (non-discrimination, physical accessibility, economic accessibility, information accessibility)	A range of strategies implemented to support physical, economic, and information accessibility (e.g., transportation, outreach, home visitation, and free services, programs, and pharmacy); community forums and knowledge exchange; culturally safe, community-controlled service with anti-racism advocacy
Acceptability: health services are respectful and culturally appropriate	Culturally safe, community-controlled service, with local Aboriginal staff; recognition and consideration of clients’ social circumstances and determinants of health
Quality: health services are scientifically and medically appropriate and of good quality	Efficient and effective treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion services and programs
Participation: population participates in the provision of preventive and curative health services (article 12.2d)	Community participation through board, cultural advisory committees, forums, consultations, and employment of local staff

^*United Nations, Substantive issues arising in the implementation of the international covenant on economic, social, and cultural rights (Geneva: Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, 2000).