Progressive Realization of Socio-Economic Rights: Nonsense on Stilts?

Abstract

Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the primeval rights essential for the improvement of human persona and have acquired global appeal over time. They are the rights which enable a person to chalk out his own life in the manner he/she likes best. Societies world over are cognisant of the direct linkage between human rights and dignity of the person. Ours is a constitution of ideals which provides for the national values and principles of governance which include amongst other things, human dignity for achievement of social justice. This paper focuses on progressive realization of socioeconomic rights. It argues that the progressive nature of realization of rights is the stumbling block towards the fulfilment of socio-economic rights. Further, that without concrete joint efforts of the international community and individual states, socioeconomic rights will remain to be aspirations. It proposes among other things that for us to have a transformative society, timelines for realization of socio-economic rights ought to be introduced in Article 2 of the ICESCR.

Keywords: Progressive, realization, socio-economic, rights