What is the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)?

The International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is an international treaty adopted in Washington in 1966. It is part of the International Bill of Rights and is monitored by the United Nations (UN). The treaty has legally binding power, meaning signatory nations are legally obligated to protect and promote the rights outlined therein. The ICESCR is a declaration of rights and includes such protections as the right to work and receive a just remuneration, the right to education, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to social security and the right to participate in cultural life. It also outlines specific rights for women, children, and indigenous peoples. The treaty binds governments of all signatory nations to promote these rights and to take all necessary measures “to the maximum of its available resources” to realize these rights. It also obliges signatory countries to report regularly on their progress in fulfilling the treaty’s obligations. In addition, the treaty provides for a range of remedies for those whose rights have been violated, including the possibility of individual complaints against governments and the potential for further investigation by the UN. In sum, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an important treaty that binds governments to ensure basic human rights related to economic, social and cultural issues. It is part of an international effort to create a more just and equitable world.

Related FAQs

What are human rights and the enforcing of them in international law?
What is the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW)?
What are the international norms on the Law of Armed Conflict?
What is the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)?
What is a treaty?
What are customary international law and the sources of international law?
What is the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?
What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
What is international economic law?

What is the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts