The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was adopted in 1966 and entered into force in January 1976. The ICESCR is one of the first internationally binding human rights treaties and guarantees fundamental economic, social, and cultural rights, often also referred to as second-generation human rights. Economic rights included in the ICESCR are for instance the right to work, the right to just and favourable conditions of work, freedom of association, and the right to strike. Additionally, the Covenant addresses family and maternity protection, rights to social security, sufficient food, clothing, health, education as well as the right to participation in cultural life and the protection of intellectual property. The ICESCR furthermore includes a comprehensive ban on discrimination and the right of nations to self-determination. The implementation of the ICESCR is monitored by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Parties to the Covenant are required to submit a report two years after the initial acceptance and every five years thereafter. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights belongs to the 15 core conventions which are included in the EU’s GSP regulation.

CESCR / UN