"Justice for people
whose economic, social and cultural rights are violated, took a decisive
step forward today" said Muthoni Wanyeki of the Kenyan Human Rights
Commission, as 20 States began signing the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the
United Nations. 
(Source: ESCR-Net)
(New York, 24 September
2009) "Justice for people
whose economic, social and cultural rights are violated, took a decisive
step forward today" said Muthoni Wanyeki of the Kenyan Human Rights
Commission, as 20 States began signing the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the
United Nations.  

Muthoni Wanyeki, representing
a coalition of over 300 NGOs campaigning for the Optional Protocol,
is taking part in the Treaty Event for Heads of State at UN Headquarters
in New York. "The Coalition welcomes this significant beginning towards
universal support for this historic mechanism: 33794 individuals and
NGOs from 111 countries have signed a global petition calling on all
States who are eligible to do so to become a party to the Optional Protocol
through ratification." These individuals and NGOs also call on States
to ensure that the Optional Protocol enters into force as soon as possible
and is fully implemented without delay.  

For the first time, the
Optional Protocol establishes a mechanism to access justice at an international
level for people whose economic, social and cultural rights are violated. 
Many people around the world, particularly those living in poverty and
discriminated against, suffer violations of their rights and are denied
justice at the national level. The Optional Protocol will enable them
to seek justice at the international level and will also support efforts
within countries to ensure that effective remedies are available to
victims.  

The Optional Protocol
sends a clear and unequivocal message about the equal value and importance
of all human rights – all rights should be protected, respected and
fulfilled, fully and without exception.  

Today's signing ceremony
at the United Nations, was the result of decades of campaigning by NGOs
and activists from across the world for economic, social and cultural
rights to be implemented and enforced and for everyone, everywhere to
have access to justice and effective remedies. 

To read the complete news, please click here (ESCR-Net website).