The Statue of Security: Human Rights and Post-9/11 Epidemics

Posted: 27 Mar 2006

See all articles by George J. Annas

George J. Annas

Boston University School of Public Health

Abstract

Following the attacks of September 11, 200l (9/11), there have been increasingly divisive proposals for Americans to sacrifice liberty for safety. "Health and human rights" provides a much more constructive and effective framework than fear on which to base both routine public health actions and responses to public health emergencies. This can be illustrated by the failure of bioterrorism-based government initiatives at both the state and federal levels since 9/11, as well as the worldwide response to the post-9/11 SARS epidemic. Effective public health work can only occur with a population that trusts its public health officials. 9/ll can serve as a catalyst to reform public health by adopting the health and human rights framework that can move it from a fragmented state and local activity to one that is federal and coordinated, and ultimately one that is global and based on transparency, trust, science, and respect for human rights.

Suggested Citation

Annas, George J., The Statue of Security: Human Rights and Post-9/11 Epidemics. Journal of Health Law, Vol. 38, No. 2, Spring 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=893593

George J. Annas (Contact Author)

Boston University School of Public Health ( email )

School of Public Health
715 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118
United States
(617) 638-4626 (Phone)
(617) 414-1464 (Fax)

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