Switzerland: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals

How complementary are economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015? Which mechanisms exist to monitor their implementation? What is the role of UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs? Which lessons can be learned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period?

This training course explores the relationship between ESCR and SDGs, and provides participants with practical tools to include ESCR and the SDGs in their work. Themes covered include: the rights to health, food, water, sanitation, housing, education, work, and social security, and the SDGs related to these rights.

Participants will observe a session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and have the opportunity to engage with international human rights experts.

Programme

The course covers the following issues:

• Human rights-based approaches to development
• ESCR and the MDGs: lessons learned for the SDGs
• The inclusion of human rights in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Focus on specific SDGs and ESCR: the rights to health, education, water and sanitation, food, housing, work, and social security
• SDGs 1 to 17: towards the full realization of ESCR for all?
• No one will be left behind: the end of inequality and discrimination?
• Gender, ESCR and SDGs
• Collection of disaggregated data and indicators
• Accountability at the international level: the High-Level Policy Forum on Sustainable Development and beyond
• National ownership of the implementation and monitoring of ESCR and the SDGs
• The role of UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs (Human Rights Council, special procedures, and treaty bodies)
• Visit to the CESCR, and discussion with key experts based in Geneva

Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be:

• Familiar with human rights-based approaches to development
• Able to identify the main achievements and weaknesses of the MDGs from a human rights perspective
• Familiar with the content of specific ESCR and related SDGs, in particular the rights to health, education, water and sanitation, food, housing, work, and social security
• Able to identify the main differences and similarities between ESCR and the SDGs
• Aware of the challenges to the full realization of ESCR and the SDGs
• Knowledgeable about data collection and indicators to monitor ESCR and the SDGs
• Aware of the role played by UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring ESCR and the SDGs, in particular the Human Rights Council, special procedures, and treaty bodies
• Cognizant of the obstacles faced by international and national mechanisms responsible for monitoring ESCR and the SDGs
  Able to integrate tools for implementing and monitoring ESCR and the SDGs in their work

Methodology

The course is interactive and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives on the issues. The training sessions include lectures and discussions with experts, as well as practical examples and case studies. Sessions are designed to enhance knowledge exchange with peers and facilitators.

Audience

This training course is designed for staff of NGOs, development and human rights institutions, UN bodies and other international organizations, as well as representatives of governments and members of academia.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the training course receive a certificate of participation from the Geneva Academy.

Accommodation

Participants may request on-campus accommodation when applying. Due to the limited places available, accommodation is not guaranteed. Participants seeking on-campus accommodation are encouraged to request this as soon as possible.

Practical Information

Language of instruction: English

If you have any questions, please email escrtraining@geneva-academy.ch

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online application form.

If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us: escrtraining[at]geneva-academy.ch