Welcome to the United Nations 
OHCHR 
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is the body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by its State parties. The Covenant enshrines economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to adequate food, adequate housing, education, health, social security, water and sanitation, and work.
The Committee seeks to develop a constructive dialogue with State parties, determine whether the Covenant’s norms are being applied, and assess how the implementation and enforcement of the Covenant could be improved so all people can enjoy these rights in full.
Resources
States parties reporting
All States parties must report on the measures they have adopted relating to the rights described in the Covenant, and on the progress the State has made in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.
Reporting guidelines
Follow-up procedure
Calendar of country reviews & documentation deadlines
Country-specific information overview
View the database of progress reports by one or more of these criteria.
Sessions
09 Feb - 06 March 2026
*Due to the United Nations Regular Budget Liquidity Situation, dates for the Session are not confirmed yet. For more information, please contact [email protected]
Events
Contact information
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR)
Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Palais Wilson - 52, rue des Pâquis
CH-1201 Geneva (Switzerland)
Mailing address:
OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 22 917 90 00
Fax: +41 22 917 90 08
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @UNTreatyBodies
Photo credit: Getty images
Status of ratifications
To date, 173 of the 193 UN Member States have ratified the Covenant. 31 have ratified the Optional Protocol.
CESCR ratification, including all declarations and reservations
Optional Protocol ratification, including all declarations and reservations
General comments
E/C.12/GC/27: General comment No. 27 (2025) on economic, social and cultural rights and the environmental dimension of sustainable development (advance unedited version)
E/C.12/GC/26: General comment No. 26 (2022) on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
General comment No. 25 (2020) on article 15: science and economic, social and cultural rights