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 is a document that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2009. The Optional Protocol gives individuals and groups the right to make complaints to the United Nations Human Rights Committee about violations of economic, social and cultural rights. Under the Optional Protocol, individuals and groups may submit complaints about violations of the Covenant to the Committee if they have first exhausted all other available domestic remedies. In Colorado, the Optional Protocol is primarily enforced by the Colorado Office of Civil Rights and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs. The Office of Civil Rights can receive and investigate complaints related to the Optional Protocol and will refer the matters to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs for any necessary action. The Department of Regulatory Affairs works to ensure that all state agencies, public entities, and private organizations that receive state funds comply with the Optional Protocol. The Optional Protocol allows individuals and groups to raise concerns when there has been a violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Colorado. Through the Optional Protocol individuals and groups can seek justice when their rights are violated by making a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. This provides an important means of protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Colorado.

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