Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Practice – Handbook for Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Defenders
This handbook from Amnesty International aims to introduce its users to a range of concepts, standards, and planning tools to support and enhance their abilities to demand the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.
Part I: Understanding ESC Rights
Part I focuses on ESC rights, describing what these rights are (and are not), analysing state obligations under international and regional law, the role of UN and regional human rights mechanisms, and the roles of different actors such as governments and NGOs in realizing ESC rights. It includes a brief elaboration of selected ESC rights and considers them in relation to various marginalized and/or vulnerable groups of people. Part I also deals with the realization of ESC rights during armed conflict and discusses the role of non-state actors. It ends with a discussion of other frameworks that are important for the realization of ESC rights, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Download it here on the website of Amnesty International
Part II: Taking Action on ESC Rights
Part II links theory to practice. It introduces basic concepts and planning tools for ESC rights advocacy, as well as tools for developing a plan of action, including problem analysis, mapping the internal and external environment, and a planning matrix. Part II also discusses how to monitor and document ESC rights and reflects on a number of methods used for advocacy, including litigation, campaigning and mobilization, as well as engaging officials and non-state actors. Part II ends with measures for ensuring impact.
Download it here on the website of Amnesty International
