In Support of the Optional Protocol for the ICESCR

Environmental Justice
Sign on the Petition on the Optional Protocol for the ICESCR (economic, social, cultural rights -- where the right to water is enshrined). The Optional Protocol is important because it provides victims of economic, social and cultural rights violations who are not able to get an effective remedy in their domestic legal system with an avenue to get redress. The Optional Protocol will enable them to seek justice at the international level and will also support efforts within countries to ensure that effective remedies are available to victims. As such, it corrects the longstanding imbalance in the protection of different human rights which marginalised economic, social and cultural rights.

Having an international complaint mechanism will also help develop the content of ESC rights and related States' obligations, as well as give guidance to national courts and human rights institutions.

Purpose
This purpose of this action was to support the international movement for a strong protocol for individuals and NGO's to ensure effective remedies for the violation of economic, social and cultural rights -- the human right to water. The Optional Protocol does not come into force until 10 states have ratified it. States will only ratify the Optional Protocol if civil society groups tell them how important it is to do so. By signing the Petition on the Optional Protocol for the ICESCR, UUSC has expressed our support. The Protocol opened up for signature in September of 2009.

Update
Momentous signing of the Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the United Nations ~New York, 24 September 2009.

Below are a few highlights from a press release issued by the ESCR-Net (International Network for Economic, Social & Cultural Rights) titled, "Momentous Signing of the Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the United Nations"

Muthoni Wanyeki, representing a coalition of over 300 NGOs campaigning for the Optional Protocol, is taking part in the Treaty Event for Heads of State at UN Headquarters in New York. "The Coalition welcomes this significant beginning towards universal support for this historic mechanism: 33794 individuals and NGOs from 111 countries have signed a global petition calling on all States who are eligible to do so to become a party to the Optional Protocol through ratification." These individuals and NGOs also call on States to ensure that the Optional Protocol enters into force as soon as possible and is fully implemented without delay.

The following States have signed the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Chile, Congo, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Timor-Leste, Togo, Ukraine and Uruguay.

You may view the complete press release here.