The Right to the Continuous Improvement of Living Conditions: Responding to Complex Global Challenges

The right to the continuous improvement of living conditions in Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is a legal standard that can be used to address global problems of poverty, inequality, and climate destruction. The book explores how this right can be interpreted and given practical value, and how it relates to human rights more generally. It includes chapters from renowned and emerging scholars working across disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The right to the continuous improvement of living conditions is a fundamental principle enshrined in Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It holds immense significance in shaping social change and addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate destruction. This right is often overlooked or underdeveloped, yet it possesses the potential to bring about transformative outcomes.

In this book, the authors delve into the meaning and implications of the right to the continuous improvement of living conditions. They explore how this underdeveloped right can be interpreted and applied as a legal standard to provide practical assistance to individuals whose living conditions are inadequate. The book situates the right within broader philosophical and political debates, assessing the challenges and barriers to its realization. It also examines how the right relates to human rights more broadly, including issues of gender, care, and the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The contributors to this book offer deep insights into the meaning of living conditions, suggesting that they encompass more than the basic rights to housing, water, food, and clothing. They explore various dimensions of living conditions, such as access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, social protection, and cultural rights. Through grounded analysis and imaginative interpretation, the chapters provide a range of doctrinal, historical, and philosophical engagements.

The book features contributions from renowned and emerging scholars working across disciplines from around the world. Their expertise and perspectives contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the right to the continuous improvement of living conditions and its potential for social change.

With a foreword by Sandra Liebenberg, a former Member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, this book offers valuable insights into the legal and philosophical dimensions of the right to the continuous improvement of living conditions. It serves as a resource for policymakers, activists, scholars, and anyone interested in promoting social justice and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the right to the continuous improvement of living conditions is a powerful tool for social change. This book highlights its significance and provides a comprehensive exploration of its meaning and implications. By interpreting and applying this right as a legal standard, we can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509947874