International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

ICESCR is an international human rights treaty adopted in 1966. The UK ratified (agreed to follow) ICESCR in 1976. By ratifying ICESCR, the UK agrees to ensure the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights to:

• education
• fair and just conditions of work
• an adequate standard of living
• the highest attainable standard of health
• social security

How the treaty is monitored

The implementation of ICESCR is monitored by the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Around every five years, the Committee reviews how well each state is putting into practice the rights in ICESCR. Find out more about the previous review cycles. There are six stages to the treaty cycle – see ICESCR treaty cycle below for further information about each stage.

Engagement and participation

Civil society organisations and other stakeholders can engage throughout the treaty monitoring cycle. The UN has provided information on how to participate. We have developed a series of video tutorials and written materials in collaboration with the University of Nottingham to raise awareness of socio-economic rights. We aim to support civil society organisations to understand and engage with the monitoring process. For instance, we may host webinars or roundtable discussions, commission organisations to produce reports on behalf of wider civil society, or provide financial assistance to increase participation in UN oral evidence sessions. We will commission up to a maximum of one civil society project per cycle. We most recently provided funding to Just Fair as part of the current reporting cycle to produce a joint civil society report.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) treaty cycle

The ICESCR review cycle is currently at stage 3: Stakeholders respond to list of issues. Reporting to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights takes place under the standard reporting procedure. The timings given below are estimates and may change, particularly as a result of delays and backlogs at the UN. Timings may also change due to UN plans to move to a predictable eight-year review cycle for all treaty bodies. Deadlines for submission of evidence may be confirmed by the UN at short notice, so stakeholders wishing to submit are advised to prepare in advance.