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Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Two Buddhist monks reading a book inside the temple. © Getty Images

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.

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States parties reporting

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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.

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

For individual complaints:
Petitions and Inquiries Section
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
8-14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland
Email: [email protected]

Photo credit: Getty images

Status of ratifications

To date, 171 of the 193 UN Member States have ratified the Covenant. 46 have signed the Optional Protocol.

CESCR ratification, including all declarations and reservations

Optional Protocol ratification, including all declarations and reservations

Ratification status map