Optional Protocol on economic, social and cultural rights enters into force on 5 May

On February 5th2013, the deposit of the 10thinstrument of ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by Uruguay was a landmark for second generation rights. This Protocol was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly December 10, 2008.

The protocol will entry into force on May 5, 2013, three months after the ratification. Thus, were there to be a violation of the rights guaranteed by this treaty, notably the right to health, to education, to food and to housing, an international procedure of individual and interstate communication could be initiated.

As it was highlighted by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, the Protocol will be an important platform allowing the denunciation of abuse related to poverty, discrimination and alienation that victims suffered without having a chance to plea at an international level. The Protocol will allow these victims to draw the attention of the international community to their situation.