Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals

UNMISS

How complementary are economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015? Which mechanisms exist to monitor their implementation? What is the role of UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs? Which lessons can be learned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period?

This training course explores the relationship between ESCR and SDGs and provides participants with practical tools to include ESCR and the SDGs in their work. Themes covered include the rights to health, food, water, sanitation, housing, education, work, and social security, and the SDGs related to these rights.

Participants will observe a session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and have the opportunity to engage with international human rights experts.

Programme

The course covers the following issues:

• Human rights-based approaches to development
• ESCR and the MDGs: lessons learned for the SDGs
• The inclusion of human rights in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Focus on specific SDGs and ESCR: the rights to health, education, water and sanitation, food, housing, work, and social security
• SDGs 1 to 17: towards the full realization of ESCR for all?
• No one will be left behind: the end of inequality and discrimination?
• Gender, ESCR and SDGs
• Collection of disaggregated data and indicators
• Accountability at the international level: the High-Level Policy Forum on Sustainable Development and beyond
• National ownership of the implementation and monitoring of ESCR and the SDGs
• The role of UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs (Human Rights Council, special procedures, and treaty bodies)
• Visit the CRC, and discussion with key experts based in Geneva

Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be:

• Familiar with human rights-based approaches to development
• Able to identify the main achievements and weaknesses of the MDGs from a human rights perspective
• Familiar with the content of specific ESCR and related SDGs, in particular, the rights to health, education, water and sanitation, food, housing, work, and social security
• Able to identify the main differences and similarities between ESCR and the SDGs
• Aware of the challenges to the full realization of ESCR and the SDGs
• Knowledgeable about data collection and indicators to monitor ESCR and the SDGs
• Aware of the role played by UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs, in particular, the Human Rights Council, special procedures, and treaty bodies
• Cognizant of the obstacles faced by international and national mechanisms responsible for monitoring ESCR and the SDGs
• Able to integrate tools for implementing and monitoring ESCR and the SDGs in their work.

Methodology

The course is interactive and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives on the issues. The training sessions include lectures and discussions with experts, as well as practical examples and case studies. Sessions are designed to enhance knowledge exchange with peers and facilitators.

Audience

This training course is designed for staff of NGOs, development and human rights institutions, UN bodies and other international organizations, as well as representatives of governments and members of academia.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the training course receive a certificate of participation from the Geneva Academy.

Fee

The training fee for this five-day programme is 1,530 Swiss Francs (30 percent discount for PhD and master students).

The fee includes tuition costs, course materials, a copy of the book No One Will Be Left Behind, 5 lunches, and refreshments during coffee breaks.

It is payable as soon as your place has been confirmed, and at the latest on 25 June 2018.

All participants are responsible for their own travel costs to Geneva, including Swiss visa fees and evening meals (approximately 30 Swiss Francs per meal).

Accommodation

Participants may request an on-campus accommodation when applying. Due to the limited places available, accommodation is not guaranteed. Participants seeking on-campus accommodation are encouraged to request this as soon as possible.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online application form.

If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us: escrtraining[at]geneva-academy.ch

Practical Information

Language of instruction: English

If you have any questions, please email escrtraining[at]geneva-academy.ch