
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL &
CULTURAL RIGHTS
KNOWLEDGE HUB
Explore comprehensive resources, practices, and insights for promoting and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights worldwide.
Featured Product
Discover insights and innovations in the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights

Guidance Framework for creating a Human Rights City
October 31st, 2025 marks the 11th World Cities Day. OHCHR's Guidance Framework for creating a Human Rights City provides a comprehensive roadmap for cities seeking to integrate international human rights norms and standards into local governance. Recognizing cities as critical actors in advancing human rights, the guidance framework outlines foundations, structures, and tools for embedding human rights into all aspects of urban governance. Key actions include making formal commitments to human rights, establishing local human rights bodies and oversight mechanisms, adopting participatory and inclusive decision-making processes, and aligning local laws, policies, budgets and programmes with international human rights law and principles. The guidance framework urges local governments to adopt rights-based approaches to public service delivery, including adequate housing, health care, education and the protection of public safety, thus addressing inequalities and strengthening social cohesion.
Gateways to Excellence
Explore areas of economic, social, and cultural rights through our expertly curated gateways

Practices
Examples of practices and technical know-how – such as laws, policies, programmes, case studies and reforms – to inspire and support action for the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the context of addressing inequalities.
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Knowledge Products
Policy briefs, guidance documents, factsheets, videos, infographics and other user-friendly materials to support stakeholders in building capacities and advocating for the promotion and protection of ESCR.
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ESCR Actors
Relevant actors working for the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights.
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Human Rights Economy
Economic, social and environmental policies anchored in human rights norms and standards

A human rights economy centres people and the planet in economic, social, and environmental policies, plans and programmes and aims at ensuring that all economic, industrial and trade policies, investment decisions, consumer protections and choices, as well as business models, are firmly guided by human rights norms and standards.
About the ESCR Knowledge Hub
What we do
Mandated by Human Rights Council Resolution 54/22, the ESCR Knowledge Hub is “dedicated to technical assistance and capacity-building, to consolidate best practices and know-how in promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities” for Member States and relevant stakeholders in a user-friendly manner.
Technical assistance
OHCHR provides technical assistance including through advisory services, policy recommendations and grants, to States for the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights at regional, national and local levels.


Capacity-building
OHCHR provides tailored in-person training and other capacity development opportunities, including training courses, policy dialogues and peer learning events, on promoting and protecting ESCR.
Practices
OHCHR consolidates practices and technical know-how to inspire action and encourage multi-stakeholder engagement and partnerships for the promotion and protection of ESCR.

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Receive periodic, curated updates, news and resources on economic, social and cultural rights—designed for human rights professionals, advocates, practitioners, and change-makers worldwide. Subscribe to be notified of new resources and stay connected with a global community.
What you'll receive:
New knowledge products and research
Practices from around the world
Training events and collaboration opportunities