«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 39th session September 2018 [Excerpt of the declaration] We thank the Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples for her statement. In this statement, the CETIM is very concerned about the criminalization of the Mapuche communities. Read the CETIM’s oral statement in Spanish
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 39th session 10-28 September 2018 CETIM expresses its concerns about the Chilean government’s treatment of the Mapuche people. The Mapuche people are being dispossessed of their ancestral lands as a result of hydroelectric and forestry projects, which are leading to poverty and exclusion. The Chilean government criminalises Mapuche leaders and uses anti-terrorist […]
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 readingOral statement Check against delivery The landmark partnership of the OHCHR with Microsoft Dear Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, I deliver this statement on behalf of CETIM, FIAN International, Transnational Institute (TNI), Friends of the Earth International (FOEI) and Corporate Accountability International (CAI). The statement is also supported by 26 other organizations (1*). On May 16th, […]
Continue readingHUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 35th session June 2017 [Excerpt of the declaration] We thank the Special Rapporteur on Rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association for her report, which addresses the values, and I quote, “the values of preserving human freedom, dignity and rights, the necessity of active participation in decisions that affect one’s life […]
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