Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals

Bentiu, South Sudan, two boys walk in a river Bentiu, South Sudan, two boys walk in a river

8 May 2018

Our new Research Brief Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals discusses the mutually reinforcing relationship between economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Research Brief provides a summary of the findings and recommendations contained in the more lengthy publication No One Will Be Left Behind. It describes the limited accountability framework of the 2030 Agenda and looks at the role of United Nations (UN) human rights mechanisms in monitoring the SDGs that seek to realize ESCR. It also draws attention to the need to ensure effective accountability and targeting in the implementation of the SDGs.

Recommendations for Policy Makers, Diplomats and Practitioners

‘Addressed to policy makers, diplomats and practitioners, this Research Brief provides a set of recommendations for states, UN human rights mechanisms, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development’ underlines Dr Christophe Golay, author of the Research Brief and Strategic Adviser on ESCR at the Geneva Academy.

Presentation in Geneva

This Research Brief, along with the publication No One Will Be Left Behind will be presented at both an expert seminar and during a public conference in June in Geneva, as well as at numerous other events during the year.

Addressing the Links Between Development and ESCR

This work forms part of our ongoing research on the linkages between ESCR and development, which started in 2008 with an analysis of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The research aims to raise awareness about the complementarity between human rights (HR) and development through an exploration of the relationship between ESCR and global development goals.

‘While today both HR and development actors acknowledge that HR can play an essential role within development and that there are important synergies between the two agendas, the promotion of HR and the pursuit of sustainable development largely continue to be conducted as distinct endeavours’ recalls Dr Christophe Golay. ‘Our research and our training course on ESCR and the SDGs in September precisely aim at filling this gap’ he adds.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

A person with a portable brain scanner News

New Paper Sets the Scene for Neurotechnology Regulation and the Role of Human Rights

4 December 2023

Our new Research Brief The Evolving Neurotechnology Landscape: Examining the Role and Importance of Human Rights in Regulation provides a comprehensive background analysis on the complexities of regulating neurotechnology and the role of human rights in this process and marks the inception of our research project on neurotechnology and human rights.

Read more

Yemeni women live in the open after being displaced from their homes due to the war in Taiz News

New Publication Unpacks UN Human Rights Council's Potential Role in Preventing Climate-Induced Conflicts

29 January 2024

Our new Research Brief explores the potential role of the UN Human Rights Council as an actor in the prevention of climate-related conflicts, alongside other multilateral efforts within the UN system.

Read more

A hand on a wire fence Event

Recognition of Gender Apartheid as an International Crime: Significance and Challenges

18 April 2024, 18:00-19:30

This panel will address crucial questions surrounding the necessity of a legal framework for gender apartheid under international law.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Garment workersto receive food from their factory during lunch time. This food is freely provided by their factory in order to ensure that workers eat healthy and hygienic food. Training

Business and Human Rights

2-6 September 2024

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Flyer presenting the Geneva Human Rights Platform with other publications of the Geneva Academy on display Project

GHRP Briefings

Started in January 2019

The GHRP Briefings provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the results of the United Nations (UN) Treaty Body (TB) 2020 Review and practical ways to implement change.

Read more

George Floyd protest in Washington D.C. Project

Promoting and Protecting the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and Civic Space Worldwide

Started in June 2020

This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

The Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment: Understanding its Scope, States Obligations and Links with Other Human Rights

published on March 2024

Christophe Golay, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Environmental Human Rights as a Tool in Early Warning and Conflict Prevention The Role of the Human Rights Council

published on January 2024

Erica Harper, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more