The International Convenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Authored by Jeff King, the purpose of this manual is to serve activists and students. This service is expected to unfold in three ways: (1) primarily as a manual for reporting to the Committee on Economic, Soical and Cultural Rights; (2) as a resource for students, particularly those in remote locations with less access to the Internet and large English language libraries; and (3) as an educational tool in traning workshops, particularly for practical topics.

Author's Note:

This manual was completed in 2003. Since that time three new General Comments and a number of Concluding Observations have been handed down by the Committee. To the author's knowledge, no significant doctrinal developments have occurred. However, readers should in particular take note of General Comment No. 16 (concerning equal rights of men and women to the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights), No. 17 (concerning certain cultural and intellectual rights in respect of scientific or artistic works), and, significantly with regard to Chapter V of the manual, No. 18 (concerning the right to work). Activists are encouraged to consult this website periodically for updated information.