3.2 ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS

Articles 22 to 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights define economic, social and cultural rights. These are defined in more detail in several human rights documents. The most important of these is the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which, among other things, defines rights to:

• work (Article 6)

• a good working environment (Article 7)

• form and be a member of trade unions (Article 8)

• social security (Article 9)

• protection and help for the family (Article 10)

• an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing and shelter (Article 11)

• enjoy the highest possible level of physical and mental health (Article 12)

• education aimed at fully developing a person’s personality and integrity, and contributing to strengthening respect for human rights (Article 13)

More than 150 states have ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Unlike civil and political rights that shall apply immediately after ratification, economic, social and cultural rights require longer and more resources, and are intended to be implemented gradually through legislation and other measures.