A/HRC/29/44 alternatives to market-based approaches and reforms to delink research and development costs from product prices. The recommendations of the report of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, particularly the call for the United Nations to establish a commission to examine and propose alternatives to TRIPS, needed follow-up action. In the meantime, implementing TRIPS must be suspended, where it impeded access to medicines for the poor. 71. Participants called for a new and legally binding treaty on research and development of medicines that would promote innovation and equitable access. University research should be perceived as public research for everyone’s benefit and not patented without proper safeguards to ensure access to resulting medicines. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights should consider adopting a general comment on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. 72. All stakeholders should collaborate to enhance health systems. Participants proposed a holistic approach to health systems that enhanced equitable access, improved training of health and administrative personnel, employed culturally appropriate delivery systems, involved engagement with local communities and provided health and education outreach. 73. Participants recommended improved governance mechanisms, particularly for the regulatory oversight and accountability of multinational corporations. Pharmaceutical companies had responsibilities as articulated in the 2008 report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health (A/63/263) containing the Human Rights Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Companies in relation to Access to Medicines. States, pharmaceutical companies, the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, and the Human Rights Council should act to ensure their implementation. 74. The Human Rights Council and the international human rights machinery must remain seized of the issue. Participants recommended integration of a universal periodic review of the right to health and access to medicines that is evidence-based and promotes transparency and accountability. They called on the Council to commission a compilation of good practices in promoting access to medicines. The recommendations of the Social Forum must be taken up by the Council and acted upon. 20

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