21 May 1986

16th plenary meeting

Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling that the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women, and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Recalling the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and reaffirming that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are indivisible and interrelated and that the promotion and protection of one category of rights should never exempt or excuse States from the promotion and protection of the other,

Recalling its resolution 1988 (LX) of 11 May 1976, by which it noted the important responsibilities placed upon the Economic and Social Council by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in particular those resulting from articles 21 and 22 of the Covenant, and expressed its readiness to fulfil those responsibilities,

Recalling also its decision 1978/10 of 3 March 1978, by which it decided to establish a Sessional Working Group on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, for the purpose of assisting the Council in the consideration of reports submitted by States parties to the Covenant,

Recalling further its resolution 1985/17 of 28 May 1985, by which it decided to establish the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which will be entrusted, as from 1987, with the important task of overseeing the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Having considered the report of the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

1. Urges all States that have not yet done so to become parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

2. Commends the States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that have submitted their reports under article 16 of the Covenant;

3. Emphasizes the importance of the strictest compliance by States parties with their obligations under the Covenant;

4. Expresses its appreciation to the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the work it has accomplished since its establishment;

5. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Sessional Working Group;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to bring to the attention of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, at its session in 1987, the suggestions and recommendations of the Sessional Working Group;

7. Urges all States parties to the Covenant to extend their full co-operation and support to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

8. Decides to include the question of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the provisional agenda for its first regular session of 1987.