«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.
SUB-COMMISSION ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 56th session 26 July – 13 August 2004 Read the CETIM’s written statement Resolution 1546 (2004), on Iraq, adopted by the Security Council on the 8th June 2004, that declares the end of the occupation and the setting of a sovereign interim government, does not disguise […]
Continue readingSUBCOMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 56th session 26 July – 13 August 2004 Read the CETIM’s written statement 1. The United States government has recently taken another step in its aggressive policy against Cuba. Repeating that he does not exclude the use of armed force to “hasten the day of liberation” […]
Continue readingSUBCOMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 56th session 26 July – 13 August 2004 Read the CETIM’s written statement I. Our planet is wrapped in a thick weft of international, regional and bilateral economic and financial agreements and treaties that have subordinated or taken the place of the basic tools of international […]
Continue readingCOMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 60th session 15 March – 23 April 2004 [Excerpt from the declaration] At its 5th session (11-20 February 2004), this Group decided to set up a new mechanism called the ‘High Level Task Force’ to assist the Working Group in its task of implementing the right to development. While the intention […]
Continue readingCOMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 60th session 15 March – 23 April 2004 [Extract from the declaration] The Europe-Third World Centre (CETIM) is deeply concerned about the draft ‘Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food’. Drawn up by an intergovernmental working group within the FAO, it should be adopted next […]
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