«Il n‘y a pas un monde développé et un monde sous-développé, mais un seul monde mal développé»
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.
The organization denounces the massive diversion of public resources towards armaments, demanding that States prioritize peace and profoundly transform their economic models. Read the declaration in french here
Continue readingCETIM and TNI denounce the recent intensification of the US embargo into a total oil blockade, paralyzing the Cuban economy and society. These organizations demand the intervention of the Human Rights Council to lift these coercive measures and call for concrete international solidarity. Read the statement of TNI and CETIM here
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Published in “Le Courrier” on 27 July 2026 The ‘AI for Good’ global summit, organised by the ITU in Geneva in early July, served as an ethical smokescreen to conceal the lobbying efforts of the tech giants, claims Pierre Patelli of CETIM. In the face of this self-regulation, there are calls for a strict international […]
Continue readingOn April 9th and 10th, 2026, the Palais des Nations in Geneva hosted an international conference titled “Humanitarian Action, Remedy and Responsibility in unilateral sanctions environment”. Organized under the auspices of the United Nations Special Procedures and the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter, this meeting falls within the mandate of […]
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CETIM is extremely concerned by the recent developments in Syria. It reaffirms its support for the people, social movements, and other groups committed to building a democratic and sovereign Syria that respects the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity. For over 15 years, Syria has been caught up in a constant cycle of violence. The civil […]
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