CESR and Networks
CESR participates in building networks to support collaboration and information sharing among social justice and human rights groups across the country and around the world. Some of our work with specific networks is outlined below.
Building Human Rights Networks in the U.S.
Although the United States considers itself as the leading protector of human rights, it has consistently opposed economic and social rights. It has also failed to ratify several key human rights treaties, including the Rights of the Child. CESR seeks to build a human rights culture in the United States through organizing and supporting the United States Human Rights Network (USHRN) – a newly launched broad-based human rights network founded by over 50 organizations and individuals. CESR served on the founding secretariat of USHRN until June 2004, and is a member of the Network’s Poverty Working Group. CESR also partners with grassroots social justice organizations through their campaign for poor people.
- For more on CESR's involvement in U.S. Networks, click here
- For the U.S. Human Rights Network (USHRN) website, click here
- For the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) website, click here
International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
In 1997, CESR proposed forming a global network of economic and social rights activists. In 2002, the International Network for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) was formed. It was officially launched in summer of 2003 and consists of an emerging coalition of organizations and activists from around the world dedicated to advancing economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR).
Women's Economic Equality Project
In today's global economy, gender inequality is growing. This is evidenced by the increasing poverty of women, and the re-emergence of sweatshops and other forms of economic exploitation, including trafficking in women. On the basis of gender, women of all ages are denied access to basic healthcare, housing, education, and work. Even when employed in high-paying jobs, as in the case of industrialized countries, women's wages are only 60-75% of men's wages. The Women's Economic Equality Project was launched by Sarah Zaidi, Leilani Farha, and Shelagh Day. It is now a part of the Women's Working Group.
