«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.
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Working Group to consider options regarding the elaboration of a draft optional protocol to the ICESCR 10 January – 21 January 2005 [Extract from the declaration] However, this right is more relevant than ever if we take into account the fact that the sovereignty of many States over their natural wealth […]
Continue readingA. WHAT IS THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT? I. Development 1) Development must be a global process with mankind as its main focus and with the achievement of mankind’s personal potential (physical, intellectual, moral and cultural) within the community as its main aim; 2) The aforementioned process requires the active and conscious participation of individuals and […]
Continue readingA. The capacity of the States to submit communications 1. In paragraph 14 of the document (E/CN.4/1997/105), the Committee reports that it has decided not to recommend the inclusion of an inter-State complaints procedure within the proposed optional protocol. 2. Excluding this procedure without valid reasons is counter to the approach taken in the International […]
Continue readingSUBCOMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 56th session 26 July – 13 August 2004 [Excerpt from the statement] For CETIM, promoting the right to development requires formal recognition of the validity, indivisibility, binding nature and justiciability of all human rights, including the right to solidarity, which are enshrined in numerous international instruments. […]
Continue readingSUBCOMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 56th session 26 July – 13 August 2004 [Excerpt from the statement] On 20 March 2003, the US-British coalition launched a military attack on Iraq, under the pretext that the regime in power possessed weapons of mass destruction, which resulted in an occupation. The United States […]
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