Pharmaceutical Futures : Implications of the Human Rights of Future Generations for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Peck, Thomas James William (2026) Pharmaceutical Futures : Implications of the Human Rights of Future Generations for the Pharmaceutical Industry. International Journal of Human Rights. ISSN 1364-2987

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Abstract

This article considers the implications of the Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations for the pharmaceutical industry. The Principles set out international human rights law’s stance on the obligations and responsibilities of states and non-state actors regarding the human rights of future generations, rooted in environmental and intergenerational justice. The industry presents a conflicting duality between rights fulfilment and rights infringement, developing and providing essential medicines, whilst also contributing to environmental harms, inequitable innovation models, resource depletion and barriers to treatment. This paper argues that the Principles highlight core responsibilities for the industry. These not only relate to environmental reforms, but also to the adoption of prospective due diligence; forward-looking innovation, reduction in barriers to access and the continued production of essential medicines. The paper concludes that whilst currently non-binding, the evolving international recognition of the rights of future generations and the pressing climate crisis places a growing normative and practical weight upon the pharmaceutical industry to adapt their approach to better account for the rights of future as well as current generations.