International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) recognizes that certain economic, social and cultural rights are derived from the inherent dignity of the human person. It provides that all peoples have the right of self-determination, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.  Other rights recognized under the ICESCR include the right to freely dispose of one's natural wealth and resources, the right to work, the right to just and favorable conditions of work, including a decent living and safe and healthy working conditions; the right to form and join trade unions; the right to social security; the right to family life, including paid maternal leave and the protection of children; the right to an adequate standard of living, including the right to adequate food, clothing and housing; the right to health, specifically the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; the right to education; and the right to take part in cultural life. The ICESCR likewise establishes the concept of progressive realization. States parties are obliged to take steps, to the maximum of their available resources, with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the covenant, by all appropriate means, including the adoption of legislative measures.