International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Organisation website: Economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) embody essential elements for a life of dignity and freedom, including work, health, education, food, water, housing, social security, healthy environment, and culture. Human rights provide a common framework of universally-recognized values and norms, both to hold state and increasingly non-state actors accountable for violations and to mobilize collective efforts for economic justice, political participation, and equality. Around the world, activists and advocates are using the framework of ESCR to bolster their struggles for justice and against oppression. In framing poverty and deprivation as violations of economic, social, and cultural rights, an obligation is placed on the state and, increasingly, on corporations and other non-state actors, to prevent and remedy these situations. The ESCR framework helps transform the understanding of human suffering, even in cases initially prompted by natural disasters, as a product of human decision-making, not just as the natural outcome of an “act of god” or the shortcomings of the individual. The ESCR framework puts the onus on those in power to justify or change policies and practices which undermine human rights. Using the ESCR framework, activists have brought legal cases before courts and dispute resolution bodies to demand change, documented and publicized recurring violations, petitioned various human rights enforcement mechanisms of the United Nations and Regional Systems, engaged with UN special rapporteurs, mobilized communities, developed alternative legislation, analyzed domestic budgets and international trade agreements to ensure respect of human rights, and have built solidarity and networks between communities locally and across the globe. ESCR unites women and men, migrants and indigenous people, youth and elders, of all races, religions, political orientations, and economic and social backgrounds in a common struggle for universal human freedom and dignity.