International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Working together to make human rights a reality for all.
Issues and Resources
Welcome to the Issues and Resources section of the ESCR-Net.org website. Here you will find: 1) a basic introduction to ESCR (including the history of ESCR, main concepts, treaties and enforcement mechanisms); 2) information and links about specific human rights; 3) issue-based materials and information, including those in which ESCR-Net and its Members are actively involved; and 4) resources related to ESCR, including links to mechanisms, standards, and reference sources.
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Featured Issues and Resources
Toolkit for Action for the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - available in 4 languages
On this page you can find the new Toolkit for Action for the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The toolkit has been created for NGOs and other civil society groups as well as States, in order to facilitate international and national advocacy work for the ratification of the Protocol and the national implementation of economic, social and cultural rights. The Toolkit includes four Booklets.
Resource Page on Justiciability of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR)
Proceedings before domestic courts, administrative tribunals, international judicial and quasi-judicial bodies and other legal entities are key avenues through which the implementation of ESCR may be advanced.
Primer on Women's Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
 | NEW! In collaboration with IWRAW Asia Pacific and COHRE's Women and Housing Program, ESCR-Net is pleased to present its new Primer on Women's Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. |
About ESCR
Economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) embody essential elements for a life of dignity and freedom, including work, health, education, food, water, housing, social security, healthy environment, and culture. Human rights provide a common framework of universally-recognized values and norms, both to hold state and increasingly non-state actors accountable for violations and to mobilize collective efforts for economic justice, political participation, and equality. More>>
Specific ESC Rights
Would you like to know more about a particular economic, social or cultural right? This section contains information about the minimum core content, international standards and implications of specific economic, social and cultural rights.You will also find links to further information, literature and organizations relating to a particular right. More>>
The Right to Education
The Right to Food
Resources Related to the Protection and Promotion of ESCR
In this section you will find the main treaties and documents of the United Nations relevant to the protection, promotion and defense of economic, social and cultural rights.
6/15/2011: New Resource: Maximum Available Resources & Human Rights: Analytical Report
A new resource from ESCR-Net member CWGL, Maximum Available Resources & Human Rights: Analytical Report examines the many ways that governments can access financial resources in order to fulfill their obligation to use ‘maximum available resources' (MAR) for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.
United Nations Human Rights System: Treaties, Mechanisms and Documents
The United Nations system is composed of various agencies, treaties and documents Recent reforms at the UN have altered the structure of its human rights enforcement bodies.
Issues related to ESCR
This section contains issue-based materials and information, including those in which ESCR-Net and its Members are actively involved.
ملف أدوات للعمل من أجل البروتوكول الاختياري الملحق بالعهد
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Resource Page on the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR
[THIS PAGE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING UPDATED]
In this page you will find information on the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It includes information on the history of the OP, its meaning and importance, examples on current efforts to support the drafting process of an OP-ICESCR, as well as ways to support and get involved in this important effort.