International Human Rights Law and Destitution: An Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Perspective

This book explores destitution from the perspective of international human rights law and proposes a new human rights-based definition of destitution,composed of two parts: the rights that must be realized and the level of realization that must be met to avoid destitution. It applies this definition to a UK case study to highlight the relationship between government policy and destitution,illustrate how destitution manifests itself,and make recommendations to address it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted phenomenon of destitution, shedding light on its intricate relationship with international human rights law, particularly focusing on economic, social, and cultural rights. The experience of destitution arises from the failure to realize a diverse array of these rights, creating a profound gap between individuals and their societal entitlements. Regrettably, destitution has not been adequately defined from this human rights perspective, leading to a lack of recognition within academia, policy, and practice. This book aims to rectify this oversight by explicitly addressing the nexus between destitution and the denial of economic, social, and cultural rights.

To accomplish this, the book presents a novel human rights-based definition of destitution, comprising two essential components. The first part outlines the specific rights that must be realized for individuals to avoid destitution, encompassing areas such as access to food, housing, healthcare, education, and employment. The second part establishes the minimum level of realization of these rights that is necessary to prevent destitution, ensuring that individuals are not left vulnerable to extreme poverty and deprivation.

By adopting a human rights-based approach, this book offers a fresh perspective on destitution, unveiling its connections to government policies, social structures, and cultural norms. Through a case study of the United Kingdom, it illustrates the diverse manifestations of destitution, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals and communities. Based on the principles of gender equality, social inclusion, and human dignity, the book proposes recommendations aimed at addressing destitution and promoting the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights.

This book holds significant relevance for a wide range of stakeholders, including anti-poverty advocates, policy makers, researchers, academics, and students specializing in human rights law, poverty studies, and social policy. Its insights and recommendations provide valuable guidance for addressing the complex challenges posed by destitution and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032074726