OP-ICESCR: Australia Can Provide International Leadership and Ratify OP-ICESCR
In September 2009 the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) opens for signature. The Optional Protocol to the ICESCR establishes three important mechanisms for bringing violations of economic, social and cultural rights before the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, namely an individual communication mechanism, an inter-state complaint mechanism and an inquiry procedure. On 1 July 2009, the Centre made a Submission strongly urging the Australian Government to be part of the first group of States to ratify the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR and bring it into force.
Download the HRLC submission here.
On 24 July 2009, the Centre made a further Submission on the Justiciability of Economic and Social Rights under ICESCR to aid the government in its understanding of the likely operation and impact of the Optional Protocol.