The UK signed up to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 1976.

Being party to the ICESCR treaty means that people must be able to possess 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

Scotland, as a devolved nation of the UK, must also comply with ICESCR.

The Human Rights Consortium Scotland has produced a collaborative report (pdf) on the UK’s record in implementing economic, social, and cultural rights. This has been submitted to the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR).

The report aims to provide the CESCR with a comprehensive view of Scotland’s successes and challenges in upholding rights. It will draw on evidence from communities and policy work.

The Committee wants to understand more about the Human Rights Consortium Scotland’s report and the work that is taking place to ensure Scotland meets its human rights obligations.

The Committee will be taking evidence from civil society groups and the Scottish Government to inform its consideration.