A/HRC/RES/25/11
Recognizing that the entry into force of, inter alia, the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, on 5 May 2013, is a step
forward in strengthening the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural
rights worldwide,
Underlining the imperative need to accelerate efforts towards the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals, and recognizing the crucial importance of giving due
consideration to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in the elaboration of
the post-2015 development agenda,
Underlining also the human rights principles of, inter alia, non-discrimination,
human dignity, equity, equality, universality and participation, as affirmed in international
human rights law and in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and
emphasizing that the rights enunciated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights are to be realized in a non-discriminatory manner,
1.
Calls upon all States to give full effect to economic, social and cultural rights
by, inter alia, taking all appropriate measures to implement the Human Rights Council
resolutions on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and
cultural rights, the most recent of which is resolution 22/5 of 21 March 2013;
2.
Calls upon all States that have not yet signed and ratified the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to consider doing so, and calls upon
States parties to consider reviewing their reservations thereto;
3.
Welcomes the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 5 May 2013 and the fact that 12
States have become parties to the Optional Protocol, and that 45 have signed it, and
encourages all States that have not yet signed and ratified the Optional Protocol to consider
doing so and also to consider making declarations under articles 10 and 11;
4.
Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on the
question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights,1 with a
special focus on access to justice relating to violations of economic, social and cultural
rights, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 22/5, and of the
recommendations contained therein;
5.
Underlines the importance of an effective remedy for violations of economic,
social and cultural rights, and in this regard of judicial, quasi-judicial and other appropriate
remedies, including procedures initiated by or on behalf of individuals or, as appropriate,
groups of individuals, and of adequate procedures to avoid infringements of such rights;
6.
Encourages States to ensure that effective judicial, quasi-judicial and other
appropriate remedies for violations of economic, social and cultural rights are accessible to
everyone without discrimination, including such aspects as physical accessibility,
affordability, access to information, equality of access and necessary legal assistance;
7.
Calls upon States to ensure due process in remedies relating to economic,
social and cultural rights;
8.
Welcomes the steps taken at the national level to implement economic, social
and cultural rights, including the enactment of appropriate legislation and adjudication by
national courts;
1
2
A/HRC/25/31.