International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) - Global

According to organisers, "ESCR-Net seeks to link ESCR advocates around the world so they can strengthen their own work through the use of human rights tools and approaches; strengthen each other's work through joint actions, campaigns, and information-sharing; and build the field of ESCR globally though the development of new tools, strategies, knowledge and advocacy." This network is open to any individual or organisation who wishes to share resources and strategies with, or seek support and advice from, colleagues working in the field.

One tool that the network uses is the Internet, specifically, the International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights website. There, interested persons may join and participate in the General Listserv, an announcement email list that features updates about ESCR-Net's activities and meetings. This forum is also interactive; it may be used by groups to post details about campaigns and events, as well as share information on various ESCR-related issues. In addition, thematic online discussion groups have been set up for niche audiences; they include:

• Adjudication of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• Corporate Accountability
• Development and Human Rights
• Human Rights and the Environment
• Right to Health (includes HIV/AIDS issues)
• Trade, Investment and Human Rights
• Video and Media Strategies for ESC Rights
• Women's Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• ESCR and Budgets

A dedicated "Events" section of the website is another medium for communication: It enables network members to distribute information to other activists. An "Activities and Projects" database serves the same purpose. To make follow-up communication and collaboration easier, members are encouraged to add their details to an online "Organizations and Individuals Directory".

This network moves beyond facilitating exchange and dialogue through its thematic Working Groups. Members may use this structure as the basis for undertaking joint actions, developing new strategies and resources, and carrying out substantive and project-focused work with like-minded activists. As of this writing, there are 2 active working groups - the Working Group on Adjudication of ESCR, and the Working Group on Women's ESCR; others are being formed.

Rights, Poverty.

Following a 2-year planning and outreach process, 250 human rights activists from 50 countries gathered at the Inaugural Conference of ESCR-Net ("Creating new Paths Towards Social Justice") to discuss collaborative strategies to advance ESCR. There, they articulated and adopted the following set of principles:

• "ESCR-Net believes that all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and is committed to the advancement of all human rights, with a specific focus on ESCR issues.
• ESCR-Net values diversity so it aims to be global, multilingual and inclusive. It seeks to promote the participation of women and marginalized groups, social movements, grassroots and social justice groups, as well as individuals and academics committed to ESCR.
• The activities of the network shall be grounded in the lived experience of people affected by ESCR violations, at all levels of the network. Thus, the network seeks to ensure the inclusion of social movements, grassroots organizations and other groups and individuals directly affected by ESCR violations and social injustice.
• The focus of ESCR-Net is on content and concrete action, and the thematic working groups are the primary bodies through which this is accomplished. ESCR-Net is open to direct participation by organizations and individuals in the work, actions and benefits of the network.
• ESCR-Net strives to achieve consensus for decision-making, and respects the autonomy of individual participants' positions."

Click here for further details about how to get involved in ESCR-Net, including how to subscribe to the various listservs and working groups that have been set up.