The Draft Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Abstract

Historically, economic, social and cultural rights (ESC rights) have received less protection through enforcement mechanisms than civil and political rights. Victims of ESC rights violations do not have the opportunity of submitting formal complaints to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), the supervisory body of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Conversely, the 1976 Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights allows victims to lodge complaints with the Human Rights Committee (HRC), the supervisory body of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).