E/C.12/GBR/CO/6
United Nations
Economic and Social Council
Distr.: General
14 July 2016
Original: English
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland*
1.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the sixth
periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the
implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(E/C.12/GBR/6) at its 36th and 37th meetings (see E/C.12/2016/SR.36 and 37), held on 15
and 16 June 2016, and adopted the following concluding observations at its 49th meeting,
held on 24 June 2016.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the sixth periodic report submitted by the State party and
the supplementary information provided in the replies to the list of issues
(E/C.12/GBR/Q/6/Add.1). The Committee also welcomes the constructive dialogue held
with the interministerial delegation of the State party, including the governments of
Scotland and Wales. The Committee regrets that the absence of representatives of the
government of Northern Ireland did not enable it to make a full assessment of the
enjoyment of Covenant rights in Northern Ireland.
B.
Positive aspects
3.
The Committee welcomes the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities on 8 June 2009 and of its Optional Protocol on 7 August 2009.
4.
The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of the following legislation:
(a)
Modern Slavery Act 2015;
(b)
Care Act 2014;
(c)
The New Scots: Integrating Refugees in Scotland’s Communities
(2014-2017);
(d)
Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights (2013-2017).
* Adopted by the Committee at its fifty-eighth session (6-24 June 2016).
GE.16-12075(E)