This report has a thematic focus on how access to medicines is affected by free trade agreements, particularly the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and stronger IP protection agreements called 'TRIPS-plus'. It concludes that TRIPS and free trade agreements 'have had an adverse impact on prices and availability of medicines'.
The Special Rapporteur recommends that states, especially developing countries, make use of the flexibilities in TRIPS, adopt measures to prevent abuse of the patent system (particularly relating to medicines), and seek international assistance from WHO and other UN bodies to implement TRIPS flexibilities and promote the right to health.
Citation: Anand Grover, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health' (2009) A/HRC/11/12