Defending Dignity A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions on Monitoring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is the most comprehensive articulation of ESCR in international law. As outlined below, its provisions protect human rights relating to the workplace, family life, community life and cultural life. In addition, other international treaties set out the rights of particular groups and also contain relevant provisions on ESCR. These include the: • Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), especially articles 23-32 • International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), especially article 5 • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Part III • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), especially articles 23-28 • Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICMW), especially articles 27-31. Right Description Provision Adequate standard of living The right to an adequate standard of living for individuals and families includes adequate health, food, clothing and housing. It also includes access to safe drinking water and sanitation. ICESCR: Article 11 CRC: Articles 16 and 27 ICERD: Article 5 CEDAW: Article 14 CRPD: Articles 2, 5, 9, 19, 22 and 28 ICMW: Article 43 Cultural rights Cultural rights protect an individual’s or a community’s lifestyle. This includes an individual’s or a group’s traditions, language, art, knowledge and values. ICESCR: Articles 13-15 CRC: Articles 14, 28 and 29 ICERD: Article 5 CRPD: Article 30 ICMW: Articles 12, 31, 43 and 45 Education The right to education includes free and compulsory primary education. Schools must meet minimum educational standards. A parent has the right to choose their child’s school based on a particular moral or religious education. ICESCR: Article 13 CRC: Articles 28 and 29 ICERD: Article 5 CEDAW: Article 10 CRPD: Article 24 ICMW: Articles 30, 43 and 45 Health The right to health includes the right to physical and mental health. This includes access to necessary medical and social services. ICESCR: Article 12 CRC: Article 24 ICERD: Article 5 CEDAW: Articles 12 and 14 CRPD: Article 25 ICMW: Articles 28, 43 and 45 Housing The right to housing includes access to adequate living arrangements, including safe drinking water, sanitation and energy. It also includes a degree of security and safety from threats, such as harassment or forced eviction. ICESCR: Article 11 CRC: Articles 16 and 27 ICERD: Article 5 CEDAW: Article 14 CRPD: Articles 2, 5, 9, 19, 22 and 28 ICMW: Article 43 18