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 42nd session September 2019 CETIM supports the initiative towards the elaboration of a UN Declaration on the negative impacts of unilateral coercive measures on human rights. Read the CETIM’s oral statement in Spanish Watch the video subtitled in English
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HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 40th session 25 February – 22 March 2019 Alarmed by the fierce repression against the movement of “yellow vests”, the CETIM referred the matter to the UN Human Rights Council.
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In the area of human rights, for more than twenty years Chile has been experiencing an increase in mobilizations of indigenous peoples for the respect of their rights to land, natural resources and recognition by the State.
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HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 39th session September 2018 [Excerpt from the statement] In the face of this obstacle and a hostile international environment, the Cuban government, thanks to an economic policy designed to preserve and improve the socio-economic conditions of its people, has maintained impressive standards, with the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world.The […]
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HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 39th session September 2018 CETIM questions the Human Rights Council on the issue of the Mapuche indigenous people in Chile Read the CETIM’s oral statement in Spanish
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