ACHPR /Res.73(XXXVI)04: Resolution On Economic, Social And Cultural Rights In Africa

Recalling that the African Charter enshrines economic, social and cultural rights, in particular in Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22.

Considering regional and international human rights instruments that stress the indivisibility, interdependence and universality of all human rights, including the African Charter, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration on the Right to Development, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women;

Recognising also that the objectives and principles of the Constitutive Act include a commitment to the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights, respect for democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and good governance and the promotion of social justice to ensure balanced economic development;

Concerned that there is inadequate recognition by States Parties of economic, social and cultural rights that results in the continued marginalization of these rights, which excludes the majority of Africans from the full enjoyment of human rights;

Recognising that there are several constraints that limit the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights in Africa;

Further Recognizing the urgent need for human rights, judicial and administrative institutions in Africa to promote human dignity based on equality and to tackle the core human rights issues facing Africans including, food security, sustainable livelihoods, human survival and the prevention of violence;

3. Urges its members, its Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to pay particular attention to economic, social and cultural rights during their missions and in the discharge of their respective mandates;