«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.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 59th session 17 March – 25 April 2003 [Excerpt from the statement] Let us now take the example of the production of staple foods for the world’s populations, on which the survival of entire communities and, ultimately, the fate of half the planet’s population depends. All serious studies clearly show that the […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 59th session 17 March – 25 April 2003 [Excerpt from the statement] The United States, which has waged a unilateral war of aggression, occupation and plunder against the Iraqi people, enjoys not only total impunity but also carte blanche. How else can we explain the Commission’s decision not to hold a special […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 59th session 17 March – 25 April 2003 [Excerpt from the statement] With regard to international economic and financial issues, the expert states that greater market openness leads to increased economic growth. However, the incompatibility of current neoliberal globalisation with the right to development and the unfairness of WTO agreements for Southern […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Working Group on the Right to Development 3 February – 14 February 2003 [Excerpt from the statement] The Working Group should prioritise monitoring the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, given that civil and political rights are largely covered by mechanisms of the Human Rights Commission and treaty bodies. Although in […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Working Group on the Right to Development 3 February – 14 February 2003 [Excerpt from the statement] Today, this observation is unfortunately not only valid, but the situation has worsened with the ongoing neoliberal globalisation, as the latter leaves very little, if any, room for maneuver for peoples to decide on their […]
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