Maastricht Principles on Extraterritorial Obligations of States in the area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

“Countless individuals are subsequently unable to enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights to work and decent working conditions, social security and care, an adequate standard of living, food, housing, water, sanitation, health, education and participation in cultural life.” (Preamble)

“All human beings everywhere are born free and equal in dignity and are entitled without discrimination to human rights and freedoms.” (I.1)

“States must at all times observe the principles of non-discrimination, equality, including gender equality, transparency and accountability.” (I.2)

“All States have obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, both within their territories and extraterritorially.” (I.3)

“Each State has the obligation to realize economic, social and cultural rights, for all persons within its territory, to the maximum of its ability. All States also have extraterritorial obligations to respect, protect and fulfil economic, social and cultural rights as set forth in the following Principles.” (I.4)

“States must take deliberate, concrete and targeted steps, separately, and jointly through international cooperation, to create an international enabling environment conducive to the universal fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights, including in matters relating to bilateral and multilateral trade, investment, taxation, finance, environmental protection, and development cooperation.” (5.29)