Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Contrary to common wisdom, social rights are not twentieth-century additions to the human-rights corpus. A foray into their deeper history reveals the factors that have impeded the human rights project over the centuries, with vital lessons for today.

COVID-19 arrayed the prospects and challenges that come with digital technologies. Going forward the development of healthcare standards with such technologies calls for a mindful approach that recognises the digital divide between countries.

An artistic experience that encourages union, creativity, imagination and empathy can mitigate the impact of war. But, most importantly, it gives a friendly and safe floor for the expression of emotions, a necessity in times of emergency.

While developed nations are on track in immunising their citizens against COVID-19, Africa lags far behind. The continent needs more supplies but governments and scientific institutions must try harder to dispel widespread public mistrust causing high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

Lockdown-induced restrictions due to COVID-19 have taken a toll on education. With remote teaching being the only feasible way to impart knowledge, underprivileged learners have been disadvantaged. Catch-up classes may be a way to achieve realisation of the right to education.

The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, recently explained the basis of an international law obligation to provide consular assistance to victims or purported victims of trafficking. This development provides clarity on the right of African women migrant domestic workers stranded abroad to demand consular assistance from their government representatives.

As early as the 15^th century, the Republic of Venice vigorously attempted to curb the waves of plague pandemic by utilising, among other measures, preventive healthcare. While not a precursor to the right to health, the Venetian experience is of great historical significance.

Refugees and asylum seekers face particular legal and practical obstacles in accessing the labour market. The proclaimed ‘right to work’ is of little help to them. Two Austrian labour market integration projects have created opportunities for apprenticeship training and employment.

Restrictions introduced to protect public health at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating consequences for the access to sexual and reproductive health services around the world. Conservative governments have cynically used COVID-19 to restrict reproductive rights. Are there any positive developments that can give us hope?

People living with HIV can face difficulties in accessing HIV/AIDS treatments and services; restrictive measures adopted by states in combating the COVID-19 pandemic aggravate their circumstance. The impact of these measures poses a substantial threat to health systems and programmes designed to fast track the elimination of HIV/AIDS by 2030.