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

The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is an international treaty that extends the human rights protections found in the ICESCR to people living in California. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2008, and came into effect in May 2013. The Protocol provides a communication procedure for individuals and groups whose economic, social and cultural rights have been violated. It allows people who have exhausted all legal remedies in their country of residence to file a communication with the UN Human Rights Committee, who can then decide if there has been a violation and provide a remedy. In California, the Optional Protocol offers an avenue of recourse for people who have experienced discrimination, exploitation, and other forms of abuse and violations of their fundamental rights. The Optional Protocol also encourages states to ensure that domestic laws and regulations protect the rights enumerated in the ICESCR. In California, this means that the state government has an obligation to ensure that particular rights, such as the right to health, education, and food, among others, are protected. This is done by implementing policies that ensure that social and economic inequalities are addressed, and that all citizens can enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights. By becoming party to the Optional Protocol, California is taking a positive step towards ensuring that all citizens can enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the ICESCR, including those living in vulnerable situations. The Protocol is an important tool in promoting and protecting human rights, and in helping everyone to live with dignity.

Related FAQs

What is the International Criminal Court?
What is the right to health?
What is the right to social security?
What are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
What are the rights of refugees?
How is the right to privacy protected by human rights law?
How can individuals access international human rights protection?
What is the right to take part in the government of one's country?
What are the rights of persons with disabilities?
What is the right to an effective remedy?

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

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts