A new monograph by Dr Amanda Cahill-Ripley is published today by Bristol University Press. Entitled 'Socio-Economic Rights in Times of Crisis and Normality- Article 4 Limitations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.'
This groundbreaking book explores the under examined nature and scope of Article 4 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which governs permissible restrictions on these rights.
Challenging the assumption that such limitations apply only during crises, it analyses their application in diverse contexts, from financial crises and public health emergencies, to situations of armed conflict. Through doctrinal and empirical analysis, the book offers a comprehensive examination of UN and state practice, highlighting the need for clarity, specificity and authenticity. It provides recommendations for developing a legal framework that promotes the optimal protection of ESCRs during normality and crisis alike.
Presenting at the Global Justice Academy
Amanda will be presenting central arguments from the book at the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Meeting, as part of a expert panel on 'Non-Retrogression and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights' at the Global Justice Academy, University of Edinburgh Law School. This is part of a 2-day event hosted in conjunction with the Annual Platform Meeting on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the Council of Europe and the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and hosted this year by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Parliament.
UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Expert Group Meeting
Based upon her expertise on economic, social and cultural rights in times of crisis, particularly in conflict-affected settings, last week Dr Cahill-Ripley was invited to participate in the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Expert Group Meeting on 'The Application of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Times of Armed Conflict' hosted by the Geneva Academy of Interntional Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. This is the 3rd expert meeting to be held to date, established with the aim of advising the UN Committee in their drafting of the new General Comment on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Armed Conflict.
Amanda said, "It is a pleasure to participate in this initiative and I look forward to continuing this work over the next year, not least as I have been working on these issues for several years and recommended that such a General Comment be adopted back in 2018."
This work supports efforts to meet SDG16 – a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal – on peaceful, justice and strong institutions.
Launching alongside a Network Workshop
A book launch will take place later this year alongside the next AHRI Northern Human Rights Network Workshop which will be hosted by the International Law and Human Rights Unit (ILHRU) in the School of Law and Social Justice. The date is to be confirmed.
Testimonials
“An essential, insightful and rigorous study on limitations of socio-economic rights in crisis and normality—conceptually sharp, doctrinally vital.” – Ludovic Hennebel, Vice-President of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Director of the Institute for International Humanitarian Studies, Law School of Aix-en-Provence
“Human rights are not written with emergencies in mind. Yet we live at a time of multiple and overlapping crises. Amanda Cahill-Ripley provides a superb analysis of ESCR obligations in ever more ordinary extraordinary situations. This book is necessary today like never before.” – Koldo Casla, University of Essex
(Testimonials courtesy the Bristol University Press website)
Find out more
- View Amanda Cahill-Ripley's staff profile page
- Visit the International Law and Human Rights Unit (ILHRU)
- Access the book on the Bristol University Press website
- View the European Network National Human Rights Institutions
- Register for the Annual Platform Meeting on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the Council of Europe
- Visit the Scottish Human Rights Commission website