MONUSCO celebrates arrival of Optional Protocol to Economic, Cultural and Social Rights

10 Jul 2013

MONUSCO celebrates arrival of Optional Protocol to Economic, Cultural and Social Rights

Beni, 8 July 2013 - As part of the activities commemorating the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHR) in Beni, in collaboration with local academic authorities, held a panel discussion with the participation of law students from the Semuliki Official University of Beni.

Discussion topics included the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) as provided in Resolution 2098 of the UN Security Council; an introduction to the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights and its protection and control mechanisms; the Natural Resources Network's approach to economic, cultural and social rights; and the Government's policy for the promotion of these rights.

These discussions sought to help students to understand the relevance of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights.

At the end of the meeting, the participants made recommendations to the UNJHR, calling for further meetings and a partnership with MONUSCO in general and with the UNJHR in particular. The aim was to make citizens aware of their rights that are protected under the Protocol, namely the rights to education and health; the right to decent salaries for employees; and the fight against overexploitation of natural resources and poverty.

Lancei Camara/ MONUSCO