PHM-Exch> Press Release: Momentous signing of the Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the United Nations

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: OP Coalition op-coalition at escr-net.org

NGOs welcome historic step forward for the protection of all human rights

Momentous signing of the Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights at the United Nations.

New York, 24 September 2009.

“Justice for people whose economic, social and cultural rights are violated,
took a decisive step forward today” said Muthoni Wanyeki of the Kenyan Human
Rights Commission, as 20 States began signing the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the United
Nations.

Muthoni Wanyeki, representing a coalition of over 300 NGOs campaigning for
the Optional Protocol, is taking part in the Treaty Event for Heads of State
at UN Headquarters in New York. “The Coalition welcomes this significant
beginning towards universal support for this historic mechanism: 33794
individuals and NGOs from 111 countries have signed a global petition
calling on all States who are eligible to do so to become a party to the
Optional Protocol through ratification.” These individuals and NGOs also
call on States to ensure that the Optional Protocol enters into force as
soon as possible and is fully implemented without delay.

For the first time, the Optional Protocol establishes a mechanism to access
justice at an international level for people whose economic, social and
cultural rights are violated.  Many people around the world, particularly
those living in poverty and discriminated against, suffer violations of
their rights and are denied justice at the national level. The Optional
Protocol will enable them to seek justice at the international level and
will also support efforts within countries to ensure that effective remedies
are available to victims.

The Optional Protocol sends a clear and unequivocal message about the equal
value and importance of all human rights - all rights should be protected,
respected and fulfilled, fully and without exception.

Today’s signing ceremony at the United Nations, was the result of decades of
campaigning by NGOs and activists from across the world for economic, social
and cultural rights to be implemented and enforced and for everyone,
everywhere to have access to justice and effective remedies .

ENDS/

Notes to editors

The following States are signing the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today at the UN in New
York: Argentina, Belgium, Cape Verde, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, France,
Gabon, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay and Timor Leste. Other states
possibly signing the Optional Protocol before the UN Treaty Event ends 29
September include Congo, Ghana, Guatemala, Madagascar, Mali and the Solomon
Islands.


Photos of speakers at the OP signing event will be available soon from this
link: http://www.unmultimedia.org/photo/index.html
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