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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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06/03/2024
In November 1970 and again in July 1975, the Congolese government passed laws establishing the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) area as a park and as a result forcibly evicting the indigenous Batwa communities living there. The Batwa are recognized by other indigenous communities in DRC as the original inhabitants and...
12/22/2022
Case Law | Cultural Rights
The authors, Indigenous Peoples of the Torres Strait Islands, brought a petition against Australia for violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The petitioners argued that Australia’s insufficient climate action violated their human rights, under ICCPR Articles 6 (right to life), 17 (right to private, family...
07/01/2022
The case concerns three indigenous groups threatened with illegal mining activity in Brazil: the Yanomami, Ye’kwana, and Munduruku people. The Yanomami and Ye’kwana people live in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory, which is found in the Orinoco Amazon region in the border between Brazil and Venezuela. The Territory is home to...