The Nordic Journal of Human Rights, in their special issue Volume 27, No: 1, 2009, published eight articles on the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Available here for download, these articles address various perspectives on this new complaint and inquiry procedure.
The Optional Protocol to the ICESCR was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 2008. The Optional Protocol will be open for signing by Member States on 24 September 2009. The Optional Protocol will enable the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to receive and consider communications by or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals claiming to be a victim of a violation of any of the economic, social and cultural rights set forth in the Covenant by that State Party.
The articles in the special issue are:
Malcolm Langford
Closing the Gap? An Introduction to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Pius Langa
Taking Dignity Seriously. Judicial Reflections on the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR
Bruce Porter
The Reasonableness of Article 8(4). Adjudicating Claims from the Margins
Christian Courtis and Magdalena Sepúlveda
Are Extra-Territorial Obligations Reviewable under the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR?
Beth A. Simmons
Should States Ratify? Process and Consequences of the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR
Stein Evju
Should Norway Ratify the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR? That is the Question
Inge Lorange Backer
Ideals and Implementation: Ratifying Another Complaints Procedure? A Reply to Evju
Martin Scheinin and Malcolm Langford
Evolution or Revolution? Extrapolating from the Experience of the Human Rights Committee
Legal Materials
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights