STATES OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE RIGHT TO HEALTH: ON THE BORDERLINE BETWEEN IDEALISM AND REALISM

The article is devoted to the analysis of international legal obligations of states in the field of implementing the right to health. It examines universal legal instruments and regional standards that form a multilevel system of guarantees. The focus of the study is on the interpretation of norms from universal and regional treaties, as well as the practice of international bodies, demonstrating how these obligations are applied in real-world contexts. Special attention is paid to the three-tier model of state obligations – to respect, protect and fulfill – with an emphasis on preventing discrimination, ensuring access to basic healthcare services, and protecting vulnerable groups. The article explores contemporary challenges such as pandemics, digitalization of healthcare and environmental threats. It highlights the necessity of international cooperation and provides recommendations for strengthening healthcare systems through the integration of legal norms, infrastructure investment and consideration of global risks, based on balancing state sovereignty and the obligation to guarantee health as a public good.