Jun 30, 2017 | Advocacy
A Joint NGO Statement was issued on the occasion of the Twenty-ninth meeting of UN treaty body chairs 27-30 June 2017, New York
This statement includes some reflections and recommendations, by the undersigned organisations (see list on p.6-7), in relation to the programme of work for the 2017 annual meeting.
Some of the comments and recommendations stem from a two-day consultation involving representatives of NGOs, States, treaty body members, OHCHR and academics, which took place in Geneva on 23-24 May 20171.
The consultation focused on developing a strategy for the Treaty Body strengthening process.
A report will shortly be made public.
The comments and recommendations below are structured around the substantive treaty body chairs meeting agenda items.
Universal-MeetingTreatyBodies-Advocacy-2017-ENG (full text in PDF)
May 4, 2015 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions
The ICJ welcomes the opportunity offered by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to contribute to its current work on the right to just and favourable conditions of work.
Like other UN treaty bodies, the Committee elaborates general comments to interpret the treaty it is in charge of monitoring and to provide guidance on how to implement the provisions and thus comply with the obligations under this treaty.
Currently, the Committee is consulting relevant actors on its further general comment on article 7 of the international Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
This article guarantees a number of rights to individuals at work, including regarding remuneration and occupational health.
The ICJ is particularly pleased to be given the possibility to share its international and country-based experience on the very topical issues covered by article 7.
In addition to its written submission (read below), the organization will actively participate in the further consultation that will take place during the Committee’s next session in June.
Universal-CESCR Draft General Comment Article 7-Advocacy-Non legal submission-2015-ENG (full text in PDF)
May 19, 2014 | Advocacy, News, Non-legal submissions
The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has just finalized its review of El Salvador, one of the State parties under examination during the 52nd session of the Committee held between the 28 April and 23 May 2014.
May 3, 2013 | Multimedia items, News, Video clips
The ICJ warmly welcomes the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR that will be effective on Sunday, 5 May, 2013.
As noted in previous statements, the ICJ considers that the entry into force of the new instrument allowing the review of alleged violations of economic, social and cultural rights by a UN Committee will mark an historic boost to the international protection of these rights.
The ICJ and its allies in the International NGO Coalition for the OP-ICESCR look forward to pursuing the dialogue and interaction with the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and States parties, and aim to contribute at making the new procedures offered an effective tool for victims who could not achieve justice in their domestic justice systems.
Coalition press release in English
Coalition press release in Spanish
Mar 22, 2013 | News
The ICJ, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and Geneva for Human Rights are encouraged by steps taken by Taiwan to review compliance with human rights and urge further steps towards the realization of rights on the ground.
Due to the fact that the territory of Taiwan is not recognized by the international community as a sovereign State, Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations.
As such, the UN HUman Rights Committee and Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights have been unable to review Taiwan’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in respect of which Taiwan has enacted incorporating legislation.
Notwithstanding this position, the Government of Taiwan has facilitated a parallel review by independent experts of implementation of these instruments.
This review was conducted on 25-27 February 2013, leading to the adoption by the independent experts of concluding observations and recommendations.
The ICJ, OMCT and Geneva for Human Rights are encouraged by the steps taken.
They urge the Government of Taiwan to undertake prompt and effective steps towards implementation of the recommendations of the independent experts by means that involve a constructive dialogue with civil society, including as this pertains to the abolition of the death penalty.
They also call on the Government to take similar steps for incorporation of human rights standards set out in other universal treaties, including the Convention against Torture.
Taiwan-ICCPR-ICESCR-Conclusions-IndependentExperts-2013 (download concluding observations of the independent experts)
