Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

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.

Impact of unilateral coercive measures

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 48th session 13 September – 8 October 2021 [Extract from the statement] The negative humanitarian effects of unilateral sanctions have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. They represent a clear obstacle to the ability to combat COVID-19 as they affect (in some cases even contribute to dismantling) the economic apparatus of the targeted […]

Continue reading

UN Summit on Food Systems: Statement of the social movements

PRESS RELEASE The UN Summit on Food Systems will be held this Thursday 23 September 2021 in New York. CETIM has repeatedly expressed its deep concerns about this Summit, which has been characterised by its opacity and by the capture of transnational agribusiness companies. Many rural social movements and other civil society organisations oppose this […]

Continue reading

Human rights violations against Palestinian peasants

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 47th session 21 June – 15 July 2021 [Excerpt of the declaration] CETIM and the Union of Agricultural Work Committes (UAWC) presented a statement denouncing the repression and systematic human rights violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces and settler groups against the Palestinian peasantry. Read the CETIM’s oral statement

Continue reading

Repression and human rights violations in Palestine

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 47th session 21 June – 15 July 2021 CETIM and UAWC presented a statement denouncing the repression and systematic human rights violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces and settler groups against the Palestinian peasantry. Read the CETIM’s oral statement

Continue reading
1 7 8 9 10 11 33
bursa evden eve nakliyat