This report focuses on the right to health of older persons and contains a section on palliative care. The report notes that opioid-based analgesics are commonly prescribed for pain reduction. Yet despite the fact that these drugs are inexpensive and are included in the WHO's list of essential drugs, the availability of medications for palliative care is limited by 'restrictive drug regulations', failure in supply and distribution systems, and a lack of understanding of and training on palliative care among health practitioners. 'Particularly concerning is the complex international narcotic control framework that severely inhibits access to medicines regulated under the framework.' However, this report does not include any formal recommendations regarding palliative care.
Citation: Anand Grover, 'Thematic study on the realization of the right to health of older persons by the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health' (2011) A/HRC/18/37