Member News

The Kenyan High Court has just issued an important decision on the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCRs), based on the country's new constitution and international human rights law. The decision was a great achievement for Kenyan civil society, Hakijamii, ESCR-Net, the members of the ESCR-Net's Adjudication Working Group, and our goal of promoting economic, social and cultural rights around the world.

By Professor Sandra Liebenberg, HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law, University of Stellenbosch.

The Optional Protocol to the ICESCR was adopted on December 10th by the UN General Assembly. The next steps:  Ensure wide ratification and harmonization of the national systems to the obligations imposed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Louise Arbour, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, calls for the need to focus on ESC rights in transitional justice work.