and housing. These bodies should be provided with the necessary independence
and adequate financial and human resources to fulfil their functions effectively.23
3. States should take steps to achieve, progressively, the full realization of
social and economic rights for all. States should be transparent regarding
their available resources and their prioritization; national minorities should
be treated fairly and proportionately to the majority in resource allocation,
with additional resources allocated, as needed, to achieve effective
equality. International assistance and co-operation, as necessary and
appropriate, should contribute to reducing the social and economic
exclusion of national minorities.
The protection, promotion and fulfilment of social and economic rights is essential
for the enjoyment of all other human rights. International human rights law obligates
States to guarantee the enjoyment of social and economic rights for all without
discrimination and to progressively achieve the full realization of these rights,
including through international co-operation and assistance.24 OSCE participating
States have committed to ensure the effective exercise and enjoyment of economic
and social rights for all and to promote constant progress in their realization. They
have also recognized that ensuring these rights is linked to peace and security.25
The scope of issues covered by social and economic rights generally includes
employment, social security, pensions, social protection, family life, health,
education and an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing.26
Environmental issues, particularly the right to a healthy environment, are increasingly
acknowledged as being part of human rights and are thus also pertinent to social
and economic rights.27
23
24
25
26
27
See also: OHCHR, FMI Recommendations, third session, paragraphs 42–43; and CESCR, General
Comment No. 10, the role of national human rights institutions in the protection of economic, social and
cultural rights (1998).
Inter alia UDHR articles 2 and 22; ICESCR, articles 2(1) and (2); CRPD; International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, articles 43 (1) and 70; and
Convention on the Rights of the Child, articles 4, 24 (1) and (4), and 28(1) and (3).
Helsinki 1975, “Principles VII–IX”; CSCE, Concluding Document of the Second Follow-up Meeting,
“Questions Relating to Security in Europe, Principles” (Madrid 1983); Vienna 1989, “Questions related to
security in Europe, Principles”; and CSCE, Charter of Paris for a New Europe (Paris 1990).
Inter alia ICESCR.
OHCHR, Resolution 48/13 on The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment (Geneva
2021); and UNGA Resolution on The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment (New
York 2022).
Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life
21