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ALLIANCE signs joint letter marking 50 years of ICESCR in the UK

  • Area of Work: Policy and Research
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 20th May 2026

The letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.

50 years ago, the UK ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This treaty sets out a wide range of everyday rights, including rights to health, an adequate standard of living, work, education and participation in cultural life. These rights are not abstract ideals: they are the foundations of a fair society.

Despite the time since the treaty was ratified, ICESCR rights are yet to be fully incorporated into law. This means that there is limited scope for accountability and redress where people’s rights are breached, which has had damaging consequences for millions of people. The ALLIANCE has therefore joined a coalition of 76 organisations led by Just Fair, in writing to the Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy MP, urging the UK Government to commit to a clear timescale for incorporation.

Action on ICESCR rights is urgently needed, as the most recent review by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights set out over 90 recommendations. These include reversing the effect of austerity measures on social security and other key areas, gender-responsive budgeting approaches to guarantee women’s rights, and increasing the availability of affordable housing.

You can read the full letter on the Just Fair website here.

In addition to incorporation by the UK Government, the ALLIANCE have consistently advocated for the Scottish Government to incorporate ICESCR into Scots law as part of a wider Human Rights Bill. We hope to see this bill progressed as a priority by the newly elected Scottish Parliament.

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