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

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is a United Nations agreement that outlines the economic, social and cultural rights of individuals and communities throughout the world. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966, making it one of the earliest international agreements dealing with human rights. The ICESCR guarantees the rights to work, education, health care, food, housing, social security, and freedom from discrimination. For example, the ICESCR recognizes the right of individuals to work and earn a fair wage with the assurance of basic social protections. It also guarantees the right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing, housing, and access to necessary social services and health care. The ICESCR also provides for the right to participate in cultural life and equal access to cultural resources. In New Jersey, the ICESCR is enforced by both state and federal agencies. The state Department of Education oversees public schools and ensures that their curriculums are compliant with the ICESCR. The state Department of Health is responsible for ensuring the availability of quality health care services and the Department of Human Services works to ensure the rights of individuals to adequate housing, food, and social security. Ultimately, the ICESCR is an international agreement that seeks to protect the economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals and communities around the world. The agreement is monitored and enforced by state and federal agencies in New Jersey, ensuring that all individuals are provided with the basic rights and freedoms they are entitled to.

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

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