About Us

Our History, Mission, and Values

Our Mission

To strengthen civil society engagement with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) by creating a shared space for knowledge, advocacy, and community-driven action.

Our Vision

To build a vibrant global community that advances social justice, human dignity, and accountability through active participation in CESCR processes and beyond.

Community collaboration

Our Core Values

These values guide how we work together as a community advancing economic, social, and cultural rights.

Human Dignity

We believe every person has equal worth and deserves respect, safety, and the full enjoyment of their rights.

Accountability

We hold states and institutions to their commitments under the ICESCR and promote transparency in decision-making.

Participation

We value inclusive dialogue where civil society, communities, and marginalized voices shape advocacy and outcomes.

Solidarity

We stand with communities affected by inequality and injustice, amplifying their struggles and solutions.

Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all, especially marginalized groups.

Collaboration

We believe stronger impact comes from working together—sharing resources, knowledge, and strategies across sectors and borders.

Our Journey

The milestones that shaped the Community on CESCR into a hub for advocacy, learning, and collaboration.

Idea Conceived

Civil society advocates envisioned a platform to connect organizations and communities around the ICESCR and treaty body processes.

Pilot Network

A small network of organizations began sharing resources, coordinating CESCR submissions, and testing collaborative tools online.

Platform Launched

The Community on CESCR officially launched as an online platform offering resources, discussions, and collaborative advocacy tools.

Global Expansion

The platform expanded globally, welcoming members from across regions, and broadening advocacy beyond treaty reporting.

Continuing the Mission

Today, the Community on CESCR continues to grow, fostering solidarity, strengthening advocacy, and promoting accountability worldwide.

Our Principles

These principles guide how the Community on CESCR engages, collaborates, and advances rights-based advocacy.

Human Rights Framework

We are grounded in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and related human rights instruments, ensuring our work aligns with universal rights and standards.

Participation

We believe meaningful participation of civil society, grassroots communities, and marginalized groups is essential for accountability and justice.

Transparency

We promote open access to information, clear communication, and accountability in advocacy, research, and reporting.

Solidarity

We recognize the power of collective action and stand with communities affected by inequality, injustice, and human rights violations.

Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to dismantling barriers of discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender, identity, ability, or status.

Collaboration

We foster partnerships across regions and sectors, amplifying impact through shared knowledge and coordinated strategies.

Future Generations

We look forward, building sustainable movements that secure dignity, rights, and justice not only today but for generations to come.