A guide discussing the importance, implementation and impact of economic, social, and cultural rights of minorities was published by the Minority Rights Group International. The guide entitled ‘Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: A Guide for Minorities and Indigenous Peoples’ has been edited by Margot E. Salomon. The purpose of the guide is to provide comprehensive information about the ESC rights to activists working for minorities and indigenous population.
The guide attempts to answer some major questions related to the availability, scope and implementation of the various economic, social and cultural rights of minorities. The guide has different chapters, each dedicated to some specific ESC right. The rights discussed in the guide are: The rights to food and to water, Housing rights, Health rights, Education rights, Labour rights, and Cultural rights. Each chapter discusses the legal position of that right, and how it is enforced, along with providing suggestions for action. The minorities and indigenous NGOs and activists can consider how they can make use of these recommendations and suggestions, in their respective region and situation.
Though the guide has various chapters dedicated to specific ESC rights, but there may be some rights that are not discussed individually. However, these rights are included in chapters having related theme. The guide instructs minority activists on where to find these rights and how or whether they are legally protected. It also attempts to help minority groups and indigenous people by providing comprehensive information about the special procedures of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and guidelines for shadow reports. It also contains a list of useful contacts, and a model to make a complaint under human rights treaties.
You can download the guide from this link.
