International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Working together to make human rights a reality for all.
Our Work
ESCR-Net is the largest global initiative responding to the needs of organizations and activists from around the world working to secure economic and social justice through human rights. As a key vehicle for collective work among organizations from different regions of the world, ESCR-Net seeks to demand accountability for economic, social and cultural rights violations from state and non-state decision-makers by influencing the international debate and advocating for the use of the human rights framework. To that end, ESCR-Net:
- Facilitates the development of a collective voice to fight against ESC rights' violations worldwide;
- Organizes advocacy actions, Solidarity Actions and joint projects among members to redress ESC rights' violations;
- Strengthens ongoing mobilizing efforts by communities in defending their rights by building a bridge between local struggles and international fora;
- Provides a channel for sharing information and discussing issues in the field of socio-economic rights among different groups around the world;
- Advances new tools and key resources to effectively address gaps and new
and complex challenges for the field, including through workshops and trainings;
- Acts as a repository of vital and updated information and case law for activists working on economic and social rights worldwide.
Adjudication of ESCR
Our work on Adjudication of ESCR focuses on the effective and strategic litigation of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) and provides information and resources through the Caselaw Database and ESCR Justice - Monthly Caselaw Update in conjunction with key partners and strategic allies around the world.
Optional Protocol to the ICESCR
ESCR-Net coordinates and is a member of the NGO Coalition for an Optional Protocol to the ICESCR, working to ensure ratification and implementation of the Optional Protocol. The NGO Coalition is seeking the involvement of organizations and individual partners willing to support the OP process.
Corporate Accountability
Our work on Corporate Accountability strives to strengthen corporate accountability for human rights through strengthening the voice and capacity of affected communities challenging business-related abuses, exchanging strategies, tools and resources, and bringing grassroots groups and NGOs around the world together for collective advocacy.
Women and ESCR
Our work on Women and ESCR currently focuses on international advocacy and resource creation to support a deeper understanding of the unique and disproportionate impacts violation of ESCR have on women through collaborative projects with women's human rights groups at the national, regional and international levels.
Economic Policy and Human Rights
Our work on Economic Policy aims to prevent the negative impacts of the global economy on human rights and to develop alternative human rights-centered economic policies through research, joint advocacy, mutual-learning and alliance-building.
Budget Analysis and ESCR
Our work on Budget Analysis and ESCR seeks to facilitate discussion, capacity building and joint actions among groups and individuals interested in Budget Analysis and ESCR.
Social Movements and Grassroots Groups
Our work with Social Movements and Grassroots Groups seeks to ensure that social movements and grassroots have a permanent space within ESCR-Net to organize joint activities and to take advantage of the potentials of the Network to strengthen their work on the ground.