Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

What are economic, social and cultural rights?

For more information, please consult:

Frequently Asked Questions on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Fact Sheet #33
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Toolkits on specific rights:

-  Right to Food
-  Right to Adequate Housing
-  Right to Health
-  Right to Water and Sanitation

Key concepts on the economic, social and cultural rights

- Are economic, social and cultural rights fundamentally different from civil and political rights?
- Can each of us claim economic, social and cultural rights?
- What are the obligations of States on economic, social and cultural rights?
- What are examples of violations of economic, social and cultural rights?
- Can economic, social and cultural rights be litigated at courts?
- Myths and misconceptions on economic, social and cultural rights
 

 © UN photo/Martine Perret

ESCR Bulletin

Issued every two months, the OHCHR ESCR Bulletin aims at sharing news, activities, key events and new resources relevant to economic, social and cultural rights, with focus on the work of the OHCHR. Cover photo hyperlinked to the page with all issues.

See the latest issue and archives

International Standards

Economic, social and cultural rights are protected under various international and regional treaties as well as in national constitutions. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is the most comprehensive treaty which provides protection of these rights at international level.

Status of ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.