International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net)

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

ESCR-Net connects 214 NGOs and grassroots groups and 46 advocates across 70 countries, working together “to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all.” Led by Members and guided by commitments to regional diversity, gender balance and analysis, and inclusion of grassroots groups and marginalized communities, ESCR-Net has built a vital model of fostering international connections, catalyzing learning, and facilitating collective advocacy to advance economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) in interdependence with all human rights. This model is facilitating global efforts to strengthen human rights accountability in development finance and policy, advance substantive equality and women’s ESCR, support strategic litigation and implementation of positive decisions, and secure effective mechanisms at all levels to clarify ESCR obligations and provide remedies for violations. ESCR-Net serves as the coordinator of NGO Coalition and Campaign for the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, composed of more than 300 organizations across all regions. The 3-year project is focused on 3 interrelated areas of activity under the theme Human Rights, Democracy and Empowerment: -NGO Coalition and Campaign for the OP-ICESCR -Strategic Litigation and Implementation of ESCR -Women’s ESCR and Development Policy The project seeks to fulfill the following development objectives: 1 Reduction of poverty and inequality via domestic-level implementation of ESCR, including legislation, policies, and effective remedies for violations 2 An effective OP-ICESCR based on broad ratification and support of States parties for the work of the Committee on ESCR 3 Deepened ability of litigators and advocates to utilize international human rights law and jurisprudence in domestic cases and to access regional and international mechanisms, when domestic remedies fail 4 Clarification of ESCR obligations and growing international assistance and cooperation to realize human rights via use of OP-ICESCR, OP-CEDAW, and related international mechanisms 5 Strengthened capacity of advocates and litigators to advance substantive equality and women’s ESCR at the domestic and international level 6 Post-2015 development goals incorporating and reflecting the human rights framework, with particular attention to women’s ESCR The projects focus is on ODA- eligible countries in Africa and Asia.