Our website uses Cookies - by using this site or closing this message you're agreeing to our Terms & Conditions, Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
xAbout ICESCR
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) sets out the economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals. These include rights such as those relating to:
- Social security
- An adequate standard of living, including food and housing
- Health
- Education
The UK ratified ICESCR in 1976.
Monitoring
ICESCR is monitored by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Committee is made up of 18 independent experts from around the world.
The UK was last examined by the Committee in February 2025. It made numerous recommendations about children, including:
- Ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of childcare services.
- Create a more inclusive social care system and promote shared caregiving responsibilities.
- Reconsider punitive welfare policies like the two0child limit, the benefit cap, and the five-week wait for Universal Credit.
- Reduce the attainment gap.
- Ratify UNCRC Optional Protocol 3.
Together submitted evidence to the review through a joint report let by the Human Rights Consortium Scotland.