PHM-Exch> 10 FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL HUMAN RIGHTS

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: OP Coalition <OP-Coalition at escr-net.org>


     [image: Justice_now__ratify_to_protect_all_human_rights]
10 FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL HUMAN RIGHTS
*September-December 10, 2010* Ratify the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to ensure
justice for victims of economic, social and cultural rights violations The
time has come to ensure that people denied their economic, social and
cultural rights, in particular those living in poverty, are able to access
justice. The NGO Coalition for the Optional Protocol call on States to
become party to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

On December 10, 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights. September 24, 2010 marks the first anniversary of the
Protocol’s opening for signature, ratification and accession. We call on
States to utilize the opportunity offered by the September “2010 Treaty
Event: Towards Universal Participation and Implementation” and the MDG-10
year review, and to become party to this treaty, to ensure at least 10
ratifications or accessions by December 10, 2010.

Governments are required by international law to ensure economic, social and
cultural rights for all. Governments worldwide have consistently stated
their commitment to reducing poverty, inequality and meeting the Millennium
Development Goals. This commitment can be demonstrated through action by
becoming party to this critical mechanism which would hold governments to
account for failures to uphold their human rights obligations established by
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

We commend Ecuador and Mongolia for ratifying the Protocol. We also commend
the 31 other countries who signed the Protocol and urge them and other
countries of the world to ratify it and encourage other countries to do so,
ensuring that at least 10 countries become party to the Protocol by December
10, 2010 in order to bring the treaty into force.

States that become party to the Protocol will send a signal to other
countries that we can no longer be complacent about marginalisation and
neglect of those living in poverty. Governments must seize this opportunity
to ensure access to justice and effective accountability for all human
rights.
*The undersigned organizations therefore urge all Governments to:*

   - Become party to the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR by December 10, 20
   10
   - Issue a Declaration recognizing the Competence of the Committee to
   conduct inquiry and Inter-State procedures
   - Encourage other countries to become party to the Protocol

*10 Human Rights Protected by the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights:*

*1.* be free from discrimination
*2.* work
*3.* just working conditions
*4.* adequate housing
*5.* food
*6.* water
*7.* health
*8.* social security
*9.* protection of the family
*10.* education

   - The Protocol will invigorate the International Covenant on Economic,
   Social and Cultural Rights.
   - The Protocol will provide an opportunity for people to claim their
   rights under this treaty. Their complaints would be heard in front of an
   independent, international panel of experts who would determine whether
   their rights had been upheld.
   - The Protocol will help governments identify gaps in the protection of
   economic, social and cultural rights in the country.
   - The Protocol will create an incentive for all government officials to
   listen to people living in poverty and to ensure that no groups are left out
   from efforts at social and economic development.

*Steering Committee of the NGO Coalition for the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights*

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