The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) was adopted alongside the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1966, after the decision was made to separate human rights into two categories: (i) civil and political rights, and (ii) economic, social and cultural rights. The ICESCR addresses different economic, social and cultural rights, including labour rights, the right to health, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living. It is part of the International Bill of Human Rights along with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The ICESCR is a legally binding document, and compliance to the convention is monitored by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR). Countries that have ratified the ICESCR are expected to submit periodic reports detailing the situation of children’s rights in the country, as well as progress made towards the local implementation of the ICESCR.