The role of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on ESCR in securing access to justice at all levels

Start Date: 
Thursday, June 18, 2015 - 13:00
End Date: 
Thursday, June 18, 2015 - 15:00
Location: 

Room XXVI, Palais des Nations – Geneva

Contact: 

Ivahanna Larrosa ilarrosa@escr-net.org

Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR):

The role of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on ESCR in securing access to justice at all levels

Welcome remarks: H.E Mr. Pedro Nuno Bartolo, Mission of Portugal 
 Moderation: Minister Marcelo Cima, Mission of Argentina
 
Discussants:
  Minister Renne Klinge, Permanent Mission of Finland
  Minister
Amedeo Trambajolo, Permanent Mission of Italy
  Mrs. Ana Maria Suarez Franco -NGO Coalition for the OP-ICESCR
  Mrs. Maria Virginia Bras Gomes -Member of the UN-CESCR

Over 160 States have now ratified the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and embraced obligations to respect, protect and fulfill economic, social and cultural rights, based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, participation and accountability, to the maximum of their available resources, and within the framework of international assistance and cooperation. 

The adoption of the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR was a turning point in the struggles for equality and access to justice. The OP-ICESCR has reinforced that all rights are justiciable and highlighted the interdependence, indivisibility, and equal status of economic, political, social, cultural and civil rights, echoing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration.  

So what does the OP-ICESCR mean for rights claimants and States? 

How is the Optional Protocol beneficial for both, States and rights claimants?

Why is ratification of the OP-ICESCR particularly important to struggles to end poverty, address inequality and advance sustainable development?

Working Group(s): 
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