A/HRC/29/33 VI. Conclusions and observations A. Conclusions 119. Over the past few decades, measurable improvements have been made in health indicators and the realization of the right to health worldwide. This has enabled important progress in development goals, and the introduction in many countries of health-related public policies with a human rights and modern public health approach. 120. Moreover, the past 12 years have implied the consolidation of the framework of the right to health, based on the key role of human rights in policymaking. The Special Rapporteur hopes to continue contributing to the full realization of the right to health and related rights by providing guidance on how to address current challenges and how to exploit existing opportunities. 121. States have the primary responsibility to ensure a conducive environment for the full realization of the right to health, and related rights. But the role of other stakeholders is crucial in this respect. B. Observations 122. In that connection, at the outset of his tenure, the Special Rapporteur would like to put forward the following observations: (a) Departure from universal human right principles and standards, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and from evidence provided by the modern public health approach is a major obstacle for effective realization of the right to health; (b) History and evidence show that selective approaches to human rights reinforce the cycle of poverty, inequalities, social exclusion, discrimination and violence and are detrimental to the full enjoyment of the right to health; (c) Inequalities and discrimination remain a crucial factor impeding the full realization of the right to health threatening the healthy development of individuals and societies; (d) Unequivocal political will to apply human rights principles and standards to normative frameworks and public policies is key in addressing existing imbalances and power asymmetries in the formulation and implementation of healthrelated public policies; (e) The meaningful participation and empowerment of all stakeholders should be promoted, in particular of groups in vulnerable situations, and effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms need to be in place to ensure the full realization of the right to health; (f) The analysis of the functioning and financing of health-care systems, and the need to ensure the right to available, accessible, acceptable and good-quality health-care services remain crucial; (g) The policy approach, if implemented effectively and creatively, opens up valuable opportunities for social innovations, through the empowerment of individuals, communities and societies at large; 20