Using Human Rights Law
to End Social & Economic Injustice
Together with partners around the world, we work to achieve
a world in which every person and community lives in dignity
and in harmony with nature.
We are constantly looking for innovative ways to advance social and economic justice, gender equality and human dignity.
We see our work as a cycle, an upward spiral of iterative and cumulative change in which local and global actions influence and benefit each other.
GI-ESCR’s Theory Of Change
We are a small and agile organisation. Our theory of change focuses on our capacity to shape the larger ecosystem that determines decision-making. GI-ESCR identifies concerns and issues that fall within our mandate and tools that add value.
On The Ground
Latest News
Contribution to the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Together with the Right to Education Initiative (RTE) we provided input to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the optional...
Completing our Capacity-Building at the 2025 International Tax Justice Academy
From 15 April to 7 May 2025, our Programme Officer Africa, Aya Douabou, participated in the advanced level of the International Tax Justice Academy (ITJA), marking the completion of a 3-level pilot...
Guaranteeing Transparency and a Seat at the Table for Those on the Frontlines of the Climate Emergency
Together with 140 organisations, we have formally asked the Brazilian government to bake a 12‑point package of human‑rights and transparency clauses into the Host Country Agreement (HCA) that will...
Bringing Tax Justice to the Discussion on Strengthening Global Health Governance
We participated in the International Symposium Addressing the Growing Influence of Private Actors in Global Health, which was held from 22 to 24 April 2025. The event was co-convened by the United...
GI-ESCR Releases Position Paper on FfD4 First Draft
We have published our position paper on the current draft of the outcome document for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). While recognising positive elements...
Board Announcement: Appointment of Camila Barretto Maia as Executive Director
The Board of the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Camila Barretto Maia as Executive Director, effective immediately....
New Input to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development: Developing Women and Girls Through a Care Society
Echoing the call of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development for his 2025 report on the nexus between gender equality and the right to development, this April we prepared a collective...
Public Education is a Right, Not a Commodity: Global Dialogue on Education and Privatisation
On 16 April, in line with our mission to challenge harmful narratives and defend public education against the growing threat of privatisation, we took part in the Political Learning Session on...
We Submitted a Contribution on Water and Energy to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Water and Sanitation
We submitted a contribution to the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, titled 'The Water and Energy Nexus: the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and...
Our Joint Submission to the UN Rapporteur on Climate and Human Rights Sheds Light on Fossil Fuels
We joined 24 other organisations in the Human Rights and Climate Change Working Group to contribute to 'Fossil Fuels-Fueled Loss and Damage, the Right to Remedy and the Polluter Pays Principle', a...
Launch of 'Women on the Frontlines of the Energy Transition: A Vision from Bikita, Zimbabwe'
On 9 April, at the foot of Hanyanya Mountain in rural Bikita, Zimbabwe, a powerful gathering brought together women from the Vatombe community, activists, researchers, and allies to launch our...
Our Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development Calls for Rights-Based, Public Financing
As part of our commitment to engaging with human rights mechanisms, we submitted a written contribution to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development’s upcoming report on 'Financing for...
Women's Rights
Latest video
We believe public services are essential for ensuring the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. We monitor the impacts of privatisation and commercialisation on these services, expose abuses when they occur, demand that those responsible are held accountable, and promote alternative arrangements aligned with human rights.
Our Work
Latest Publications
Taxpayers’ Rights and the UN Tax Convention: Addressing the Weaponisation of Privacy and Confidentiality to Reinstate Tax Transparency in Favour of Tax Justice
This publication argues that the UN Tax Convention offers a vital chance to shift global tax governance towards greater transparency and justice, aligning taxation with human rights obligations....
FfD4: GI-ESCR’s Position Paper on the First Draft
Our position paper on the first draft of the FfD4 outcome document critiques its limited ambition in tackling systemic inequality and promoting human rights-based development. It calls for stronger...
FfD4: GI-ESCR’s Position Paper on the Zero Draft
This position paper presents our analysis and recommendations regarding the Zero Draft of the outcome document for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). While the...
The Right Forum: A New Era in International Tax Cooperation
'The Right Forum: A New Era in International Tax Cooperation' highlights the negotiation of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation as a major shift away from...
Women on the Frontlines of the Extraction of Transition Minerals - A Vision for a Just Future in Bikita, Zimbabwe
This report examines the gendered impacts of lithium mining in Bikita, Zimbabwe, focusing on the Vatombe community of Hanyanya Mountain. It highlights the adverse effects of expanding lithium...
The UN Tax Convention: A Powerful Tool For Equality and Human Rights
The UN Tax Convention seeks to address global tax abuse, depriving nations of essential resources for public services and human rights. The framework aims to replace the OECD-dominated tax system...
Boosting Ambition Through International Obligations: The Added Value of Integrating Human Rights to the Climate Financing Discussion
This publication discusses the need to enhance climate financing by grounding it in international human rights obligations, especially economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). It underscores...
Review of Legal Frameworks and Recommendations for the Energy Transition: Brazil, Chile, Colombia & Mexico
This report presents a review of the current state of regulations and public policies for the energy transition in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. The report focuses on regulatory and public...
Legal Framework for the Energy Transition in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico
The publication 'Legal Framework for the Energy Transition in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico: Assessment of the Current Situation and Recommendations for a Fairer Future' presents a detailed...
Energy Transition Legal Framework in Mexico
The publication 'Energy Transition Legal Framework in Mexico' examines the country's legislative and regulatory framework supporting a transition to sustainable energy, highlighting the country’s...
Energy Transition Legal Framework in Chile
The publication 'Energy Transition Legal Framework in Chile' explores the country’s legal and policy framework for a fair and inclusive energy transition, rooted in commitments to climate justice,...
Energy Transition Legal Framework in Colombia
The publication 'Energy Transition Legal Framework in Colombia' provides an extensive overview of the nation’s efforts to develop a sustainable, inclusive energy transition rooted in both policy and...
Events
Upcoming Events
Our work
Priority Areas
We identify concerns and issues and work on them, assembling evidence and arguments that lead to new narratives. Transformative narratives together with broad social coalitions have the power to strengthen the institutional human rights framework, influence public and institutional attitudes, and change thinking.
Most of our activities and programmes are intersectional and cross-cutting.
Public Services & Private actors
Strengthening ESC rights frameworks
Addressing the climate emergency
Public finance and Tax reform
Gender equality and women´s ESC rights
Public Services & Private actors
Public finance and Tax reform
Strengthening ESC rights frameworks
Gender equality and women´s ESC rights
Addressing the climate emergency
Where we are
With our partners, we think and act, globally and locally, where our work at one level is enriched by, and strengthens and supports, our work at other levels.
We are present in
Where we worked in
Take action
Support us
If you enjoy our work, please consider making a donation!
No amount is too small. Your contribution will help us fight for transformative change to end endemic problems of social and economic injustice.
No amount is too small. Your contribution will help us fight for transformative change to end endemic problems of social and economic injustice.
Contact
We would like to hear about your concerns, initiatives and resources that we can help develop to establish economic, social and cultural rights as an essential point of reference for reforming the institutions that govern our societies.
Volunteering
We are always looking for volunteers. Whether you have a background in legal work, communications, translation or design, join the movement. To inquire about volunteering with us email: info@gi-escr.org
Partner with us
We value relationships and partnerships highly. They are at the core of GI-ESCR’s methodology and are critical to establishing and realising human rights.
