Drafting the Treaty

The FCGH Alliance has begun to elaborate on what specifically the FCGH could entail. On this page, you can find a draft of a discussion outline of the treaty. We are also adding drafts of possible parts and individual articles of the FCGH as we develop them.

The outline and all draft elements of the FCGH that we post here are meant to:

  • illustrate the value of the FCGH
  • give a clearer sense of what the FCGH could entail
  • stimulate discussion

The items on this page offers what the FCGH could be, not necessarily what it will be. This will require far broader input–above all from people whose right to health is furthest from being realized, who stand to have the most to gain from the FCGH.

Below you’ll find links to download a copy of the different sections of the draft and to make public comments on a Google doc. We look forward to receiving your input!


Outline of the FCGH

The Framework Convention on Global Health (FCGH) Alliance has developed this initial outline to illustrate the possible contours and content of the proposed FCGH, which would be a global health treaty grounded in the right to health and aimed at achieving national and global health equity. Its raison d’être and core focus is to bring greater accountability to the right to health. The elements of the FCGH described in the outline document are based on more than a decade of publications, consultations, and discussions around the FCGH and aim to reflect the latest thinking on the FCGH.

This outline is not meant to establish what the articles or even parts would be, but rather illuminate the Framework Convention’s potential content as far broader and more inclusive discussion is needed. It is meant to illustrate the value of the FCGH, catalyze informed discussion, and offer a vision of how the FCGH could contribute to accountability to the right to health with the immense contribution to people’s health and well-being that would follow.

This outline is meant to help launch a dialogue, not preclude one or purport to pre-determine the conclusion to the many issues that must be determined through broad, inclusive, and extensive participatory processes, with the perspectives and priorities of people most affected by health inequities particularly vital.

Outline of the Framework Convention on Global Health

Download or make public comments
Send your comments to Eric Friedman.


Draft text of the FCGH

The draft text of the FCGH meant to serve as a basis for discussion. It remains in early stages of development, and we hope the opportunity to discuss this draft will deepen the possibility for civil society, states, and other stakeholders to constructively engage with the FCGH. Please submit your comments and suggestions for edits to the draft as noted below.

Part 1: The Mission of the FCGH

Working draft of the FCGH Part 1: The Mission of the FCGH presents a vision for the opening articles of this future global health treaty grounded in the need to strengthen accountability to the right to health and the need to close unconscionable national and global health inequalities. It includes the principles and objectives of the FCGH, and further elucidation on the right to health as it would be understood under this Convention.

Download or make public comments

Send your comments directly to Eric Friedman

Part 7: Equity

This draft section on equity proposes a range of obligations states should meet to advance health equity while closing health inequities throughout the spectrum of disadvantage and health-related inequities. The FCGH would require states to reform discriminatory laws and policies that affect health, develop comprehensive health equity programs of action, and ensure equitable distribution of health resources.

Download or make public comments

Send your comments directly to Eric Friedman

Part 8: Participation

This set of draft articles on participation lays out a path by which states can ensure people’s meaningful participation in developing, monitoring, and evaluating laws, regulations, policies, programs, and international agreements that may impact their right to health. It envisions broad and effective public participation, including ensuring that marginalized and disadvantaged populations have the full opportunity to participate and that all avenues of participation are accessible to all people.

Download or make public comments

Send your comments directly to Eric Friedman