Three years after its adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has been signed by thirty-nine States.
The 2nd ICJ Geneva Forum of Judges and Lawyers took place on 5-6 December 2011. This year’s theme was “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Times of Transition – The “Role of Lawyers and Bar Associations”.
During its 47th session, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights will undertake an examination of the third periodic report of Israel.
The ICJ has submitted a parallel report to the Committee, which focuses on the legal framework and applicability to the oPt of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; violations of international human rights law; and violations of international humanitarian law.
submission committee ESCR-legal submission-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
During the Annual Meeting of the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, representatives from several international NGOs made statements and recommendations.
With the aim of being able to follow up on, and develop, the comments and recommendations made at that meeting, NGOs came together to compile the various oral statements made into a single statement.
Committed to supporting the work of the Special Procedures, the NGO signatories sought to provide constructive and useful recommendations to all mandate holders on a few specific areas in the hope that the system of Special Procedures can become even more robust and effective.
statement meeting HRC-analysis brief-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
The Maastricht Centre for Human Rights and the ICJ are pleased to announce the adoption of the Maastricht Principles on Extraterritorial Obligations of States in the area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
These international legal principles clarify the human rights obligations of States beyond their own borders.
principles obligations adopted-press release-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
Maastricht principles-analysis brief-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
More than fifty years on: enforced disappearance, the families who named it, and the reframing of international protection
Türkiye: Osman Kavala must be immediately released following European Court order to quash his conviction
Sudan: ICJ joins call to extend UN Fact-Finding Mission and strengthen accountability
ICJ hosts Johannesburg roundtable on the draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty with the Malala Fund and other civil society actors