ADVICE

Here are some Human Rights Questions and Answers:

WHAT RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS?

First, the Covenant lays down the principle that “all peoples have the right to self-determination”. This means, the Covenant explains, that they have the rights freely to determine their political status and freely to pursue their economic, social and cultural development. They have the right, for their own ends, freely to dispose of their natural wealth and resources. The Covenant also provides that its States Parties shall ensure to all the individuals within their territories, without discrimination all the rights listed in the Covenant.

The rights recognized by the Covenant include the right to work, to free choice of jobs, to just and favourable conditions of work, to equal pay for equal work, to safe and healthy working conditions, and to rest and leisure. The right to form and join trade unions, the right to strike, and the right to social security, including social insurance, are also recognized. Protection and assistance are to be provided for the family, and special protection accorded that an adequate standard of living is also everyone’s right, and this included adequate food, clothing and housing. The fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger specifically recognized. Everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and to an education.

States parties are to provide free and compulsory primary education; there should be arrangements for secondary education to become available and accessible to all. There should be equal access to higher education. Parents and legal guardians should be free to choose schools for their children and to ensure that their religious and moral education is provided for.

Everyone has the right to take part in cultural life and enjoy the benefits of scientific discoveries. Steps are to be taken to conserve, develop and diffuse science and culture. Freedom of scientific research and creative activity is to be respect and everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of his own research and creative activity