Caselaw Database

This is a database of positive domestic, regional and international legal decisions from around the world regarding economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights (ESCER). These case summaries provide greater awareness about ESCER issues globally, effective litigation strategies, progressive jurisprudence, and enforcement efforts. Our case summaries are available in English and Spanish, with more recent entries also available in French and Arabic.

The caselaw database is made possible by the support of ESCR-Net members, many of whom have contributed or reviewed cases, as well as several allies. ESCR-Net expresses its special appreciation to the Program on Human Rights and the Global Economy at Northeastern University (PHRGE), which provides ongoing support to the case database. To suggest additional cases for inclusion, contact Felipe Mesel, Strategic Litigation Working Group Program Coordinator, at fmesel@escr-net.org.

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01/28/2020

Case Law | Adequate Standard of Living (right to)

European Roma Rights Centre v. Italy, European Committee of Social Rights, Complaint No. 27/2004

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) brought this case against Italy for violating Article 31 and Article E of the Revised European Social Charter in failing to protect the Roma population’s right to housing, as well as systematically discriminating against the Roma community. In 2005, the European Committee of Social...

01/28/2020

Case Law | Adequate Standard of Living (right to)

Daniels v. Scribante and Another, (2017) SA (CC), (2017) BCLR (CC), [2017] ZACC 13

Yolanda Daniels is a domestic worker and sole head-of-household who resided for 16 years in a farm dwelling. She began living there when her former husband was employed by the owner. She and her three children remained in the dwelling with the owner’s consent after the couple divorced. Daniels is...

12/18/2019

Case Law | Adequate Standard of Living (right to)

Melani and Others v. City of Johannesburg and Others (02752/2014) [2016] ZAGPJHC 55

For over 20 years, the City of Johannesburg promised residents that it would upgrade Slovo Park in the face of a lack of electricity, adequate water, sanitation, refuse removal, demarcated roads, and a proneness to fatal shack fires. The City’s inaction led residents to develop their own upgrading plans in...