The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966, and in force from January 3, 1976. It commits states parties to work toward the granting of economic, social, and cultural rights to individuals.

It was introduced as a second generation human rights treaty developing some of the issues contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at the same time as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Although the ICESCR was signed by United States President Jimmy Carter in 1977, the U.S. Congress has thus far failed to ratify it.

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Text of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_cescr.htm

United Nations | Human rights instruments | 1976 in law

Internationaler Pakt über Wirtschaftliche, Soziale und Kulturelle Rechte | Pacte international relatif aux droits économiques, sociaux et culturels | Internationaal Verdrag inzake Economische, Sociale en Culturele Rechten | 经济、社会、文化权利国际公约