Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights* PREAMBLE The States Parties to the present Protocol. Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights1 proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Recalling that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights recognize that the ideal of free human beings enjoying freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. Reaffirming the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Recalling that each State Party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (hereinafter referred to as the Covenant) undertakes to take steps, individually and through international assistance and cooperation, especially economic and technical, to the maximum of its available resources, with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the Covenant by all appropriate means, including particularly the adoption of legislative measures, Considering that, in order further to achieve the purposes of the Covenant and the implementation of its provisions, it would be appropriate to enable the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) to carry out the functions provided for in the present Protocol. Have agreed as follows: Article 1 Competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications 1. 2.  State Party to the Covenant that becomes a Party to A the present Protocol recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications as provided for by the provisions of the present Protocol. No communication shall be received by the Committee if it concerns a State Party to the Covenant which is not a Party to the present Protocol. * Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by United Nations General Assembly resolution no. A/RES/63/117 of 10 December 2008. The Optional Protocol opened for signature on 24 September 2009. - Entered into force on 5 may 2013. 22 23