Celebrating the 1st anniversary of the entry into force of the OP-ICESCR
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR) celebrates the First Anniversary of its entry into force on May 5.
The OP-ICESCR allows individuals and groups to seek justice at the international level (UN) when they have experienced violations of their ESC rights and have not been able to secure a remedy at the domestic level.
However, a country has to ratify the OP-ICESCR before its citizens can access this remedy. Has your country ratified it yet?
Let's maximize our impact!
Try to engage your national authorities and encourage them to make some announcement. Some useful talking points are:
▪ Ratification allows your country to demonstrate international human rights leadership, working collaboratively with the UN Committee on ESCR.
▪ The Optional Protocol does not create any new rights but rather shows a clear commitment to meeting existing human rights obligations.
▪ Your country is welcome to join the Group of Friends of the OP-ICESCR to exchange information and advance ratification and implementation in conversation with other governments.
▪ By ratifying the OP-ICESCR, your country will demonstrate a commitment to strong Post-2015 development goals that respect, protect and fulfill human rights.
Make it public!
Are you able to set up a conference in a school, library or community center to inform people about the OP? Would it be possible to collect signatures to push your government to ratify the Protocol? Do you know an artist willing to support our campaign? Would you like to record a video supporting the OP? These are just some ideas. Check it out more here!
Tweet it!
On May 5, let's use Twitter, Facebook or other social media to celebrate the 1st Anniversary.
Follow us on Twitter @OPICESCR , use #OPICESCR and #1yearintoforce.
Address your tweets to your government official, i.e.: "@Elysee The #OPICESCR is a vital tool for justice. Make a commitment for ratifying #1yearintoforce".
Any question?
Visit our website or contact Ivahanna Larrosa, Campaign Coordinator atilarrosa(at)escr-net.org.
If you take any actions in May, please let us know.
Thanks for your help promoting the OP-ICESCR!