Article 11

Definition

Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) recognizes the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing, and housing. This article highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals have access to the resources necessary for a dignified life, emphasizing the state's obligation to take steps towards achieving these rights progressively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 11 emphasizes not only the right to adequate food but also encompasses the right to clothing and housing as essential components of an adequate standard of living.
2. The article requires states to implement measures that are aimed at eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for all citizens.
3. States are obligated to take steps towards realizing Article 11 through national policies and programs focused on poverty alleviation.
4. Article 11 also recognizes the importance of improving living conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women and children.
5. The implementation of Article 11 relies on the cooperation between governments, civil society, and international organizations to promote sustainable development.

Review Questions

• How does Article 11 address the relationship between economic resources and the right to an adequate standard of living?
  • Article 11 explicitly connects the right to an adequate standard of living with the availability of economic resources. It emphasizes that states must not only recognize this right but also actively work towards creating conditions that enable individuals to enjoy it fully. This includes taking legislative and practical measures to ensure access to adequate food, clothing, and housing while acknowledging that realization depends on a state's available resources.
• Discuss the significance of progressive realization in the context of Article 11 and how it affects state obligations.
  • Progressive realization in Article 11 signifies that while states are required to work towards fulfilling the right to an adequate standard of living, they can do so gradually based on their available resources. This means states have a responsibility to create realistic strategies and allocate resources appropriately over time. The principle recognizes that full realization may not be immediate but calls for consistent efforts and accountability in advancing these rights.
• Evaluate the impact of Article 11 on vulnerable populations and its role in promoting social equity.
  • Article 11 plays a crucial role in promoting social equity by specifically recognizing the needs of vulnerable populations. By mandating states to focus on improving living conditions for groups like women, children, and marginalized communities, it addresses systemic inequalities. The commitment to eradicate hunger and ensure access to basic needs reflects a broader objective of fostering social justice and equality within societies, ultimately leading to more inclusive development outcomes.

Related terms

Right to Food: The right to food is the entitlement of every person to have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

Housing Rights: Housing rights refer to the legal guarantees that ensure individuals have access to adequate housing, which is secure, habitable, and affordable.

Progressive Realization: Progressive realization is the principle that states should take deliberate steps to achieve economic, social, and cultural rights over time, given their available resources.