Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

CETIM focuses on the promotion and implementation of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR). They are the backbone of human rights and a powerful tool for achieving a self determinated development model by peoples. This is particularly true for the most vulnerable and marginalised populations. Properly implemented, these rights contribute to the respect for human dignity and to the achievement of social justice. On the contrary, the violation of any of them can jeopardise the enjoyment of all the others.

The universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights are enshrined in international instruments. Yet, we are still a long way from their effective implementation for all, and ESCR are among the worst off. Indeed, the basic needs (food, water, health, housing, education) of a third of humanity are still not being met. In some respects, the situation has even deteriorated, including in the countries of the North. This is due to the fact that the policies adopted at economic level accentuate ESCR violations and cause
– increased poverty
– growing inequality across the world
– multiple crises (political, economic, financial, environmental, social and cultural).

By definition, human rights are designed to protect citizens from the arbitrary actions of the most powerful and their governments

The international health crisis linked to COVID-19 has only exacerbated this situation. It has also shown the importance of implementing public policies based on ESCR. In particular, the right to health, the right to housing, the right to food, the right to water, the right to work, the right to education and the right to social security.

But for human rights to be better respected, they must be known, they must be demanded and they must be enforced. However, victims are often unaware of their rights and of the mechanisms available to them for appealing (at national, regional or international level). States, which have an obligation to inform and educate their citizens about human rights, often fail in their duties.

The role played by civil society organisations and social movements in human rights education and training is therefore crucial
– to denounce human rights violations
– to contribute to the implementation of existing standards.

Interview: Economic and social rights in the spotlight

While human rights and their defense are widely discussed, the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights is less well known to the general public. We are sharing an interview conducted by Voix Populaire with Melik Özden, author of a recent book on the subject and director of CETIM, one of the driving forces behind […]

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Spain: the fight against the dismantling of public health is brought before the Human Rights Council

PRESS RELEASE Geneva / Madrid, the 23rd of June 2025 Three residents of a working-class neighborhood in the Community of Madrid took part in the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to denounce the alarming deterioration of the public healthcare system in their region. As members of the “Vecinas y […]

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