Open Access

Jutta Lindert

• A human rights based approach to Public Health and to Public Mental health offers an opportunity to realize the right to health for all, including those with psychosocial disabilities through addressing the underlying social, structural, cultural and political determinants of illness and health. However, a human rights based approach to Public Health will require suitable methods. The aim of this talk is to reflect on potential methods. Therefore, a narrative review will be presented and open questions will be highlighted. Based on identified mechanisms for a human rights based approach to Public Health research based on exposure measurement might be a step forward. Exposure measurement is includes measuring sets of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and sets of adult adverse experiences. Finally, we discuss advantages and disadvantages of a Human Rights based research Agenda in Public Health and in Public Mental health. It is critical that we do not risk losing the right to health in the rhetoric of the SDGs and ensure that we respond to the need of improving research methods on the promise of leaving no one behind.