Human Rights Council 34: UK Explanation of Voting on the Resolution for the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights
This UK statement was delivered during discussion of the resolution during the 34th session of the Human Rights Council on 23 March 2017.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
I have the honour to explain the position of the United Kingdom on draft resolution entitled “Question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights”.
The UK continues to recognise economic, social and cultural rights as defined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and we remain committed to fulfilling our obligations under the Covenant.
The UK government has been giving effect to the Covenant through a combination of legislation and administrative measures, with the aim of achieving progressively the full realisation of the rights recognised in the Covenant. The Covenant is not however incorporated into domestic law, and Article 2 of the Covenant does not require States Parties to do so. The UK government considers that its method of implementation of the Covenant fulfils the UK’s obligations under Article 2(1).
Notwithstanding these issues, we support the resolution and can join consensus.