Areas of work
This is a moment of change. Against a background of rapid and potentially irreversible ecological destruction, the neoliberal paradigm is increasingly questioned. It has promoted an aggressive free-market agenda of deregulation, privatisation and trade liberalisation that has undermined the State’s role in the provision of services that are essential to human security. In many parts of the world, inequality has become so extreme that societies are unsustainable, while extractive economic models have led to ecological breakdown. Moreover, the same economic system has perpetuated inequalities between the Global North and South.


These are therefore challenging times for human rights. Globally, we face a perfect storm: a global pandemic that is exacerbating structural and intersectional inequalities, the threat of climate and environmental catastrophe, and the spread of authoritarian regimes that close down democratic space.
At the same time, there are reasons to stay hopeful. A growing number of people and social organisations are realising that ESC rights are of paramount importance and that solidarity, both national and international, is essential to face societal challenges. Human rights, as a set of democratically sanctioned societal goals, provides a compass that we can use to transform our political, economic and social institutions towards a fairer future for all.
Priority areas

Public Services & regulation of Private actors

Strengthening ESC rights framework and institutions

Addressing the Climate Emergency

Public Finance and Tax Reform

Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Additional Working Areas

Chile’s constitutional process
GI-ESCR’s action in Chile aims to promote rights-respecting, gender inclusive and climate-sensitive alternatives for Chile’s constitutional process and economic policy debates.

Housing

Water and sanitation
