«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 COUNCIL 34th session March 2017 [Exerpt from the declaration] CETIM has been alerted by its partner, the Union des Syndicats du Tchad (UST), to the seriousness of the situation of Chadian civil servants who are subject to violations of their trade union rights. Read the declaration in French Watch the video subtitled in […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 35th session March 2017 [Extract from the declaration] In his mission report to Madagascar, we note that the Special Rapporteur establishes the link between trafficking in precious woods, mining concessions, corruption and violence against the local population. Read the CETIM’s oral statement in French Watch the video subtitled in English
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 56th session 18 June – 12 July 2024 For a genuine human rights-based poverty reduction policy, the structural foundations of the dominant economic, social, financial and trade system must be addressed. Read the CETIM’s oral statement in French Watch the video subtitled in English
Continue readingINTERGOVERNMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT 19th session 23-27 April 2018 [Excerpt from the declaration] The debate in this morning’s Working Group focuses on the implementation of the Right to Development. Most of the elements contained in the two documents presented to the Working Group for the elaboration of a convention on the […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 43rd session 24 February – 20 March 2020 [Excerpt of the declaration] Forced evictions and the issue of security of tenure, both in urban centres and in rural areas, continue to be among the major obstacles to the realisation of the right to housing. Read CETIM’s oral statement in French Watch the […]
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