What is the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is an international human rights treaty that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. It is one of the two fundamental human rights covenants, the other being the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). ICESCR is intended to protect the economic, social and cultural rights of individuals, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to health, and the right to education. In Virginia, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an important part of Human Rights Law. This is because the Covenant provides individuals with protections from governments that would deprive them of their rights to a decent standard of living and to health, education, and a livable wage. It also establishes the right to form unions and encourages governments to secure the economic, social and cultural rights of individuals. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is monitored by the UN’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which surveys countries periodically to ensure compliance with the Covenant. The Committee receives information from non-governmental organizations and individuals who are concerned about their rights and can consider complaints of violations of the Covenant. It may make recommendations to a state party on how to fulfil its obligations under the Covenant. In sum, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an important part of Human Rights Law in Virginia. It provides individuals with protections from violations of their economic, social and cultural rights, and is monitored by the UN’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

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What is the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?

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