«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.
In Autumn 2021, the Secretary General of the UN will convene a Food Systems Summit. During this Summit, the UN aims to develop: “Principles to guide governments and other stakeholders looking to leverage their food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” A virtual pre-summit meeting has already been organised to take place in Rome […]
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For a pharmaceutical industry under popular control and a free, universal and public vaccination system. On the initiative of the CADTM International, two hundred social organisations, trade unions, NGOs and other movements active in the five continents, including the CETIM, have signed an international appeal.
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28 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Today, more than ever, these issues are crucial for a large part of humanity. Indeed, in light of the new risks generated by the Covid-19 crisis, it is time to review and rethink these questions.
Continue readingPRESS RELEASE Geneva, March 3, 2021: La Via Campesina and CETIM express their concerns about the corporate capture of agribusiness lobbies of the preparations for the UN Summit on Food Systems.
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 46th session Five years after the peace accords, 250 signatories and 1,139 social leaders have been assassinated, most of them peasants, indigenous and black communities, which indicates that in Colombia, a social leader is assassinated every 41 hours.
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