European Social Charter

Overview

The European Social Charter is a treaty established by the Council of Europe to protect and promote social and economic rights. It was first adopted in 1961 and revised in 1996. The Charter sets out a broad range of everyday human rights related to employment, housing, health, education, social protection, and welfare. The Charter is a legally binding instrument which has been ratified by 43 of the 47 Council of Europe member states.

History

The European Social Charter was conceived in the aftermath of World War II, as part of a broader movement to promote social rights in Europe. The Charter was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1961, and came into force in 1965. It was revised in 1996 to include additional rights and to strengthen the monitoring system. The revised Charter came into force in 1999.

Rights Protected by the Charter

The European Social Charter protects a wide range of social and economic rights. These include the right to work, the right to just conditions of work, the right to safe and healthy working conditions, the right to fair remuneration, the right to organize and bargain collectively, the right to social security, the right to social and medical assistance, the right to benefit from social welfare services, the right to vocational guidance and training, the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion, and the right to housing.

Monitoring Compliance

Compliance with the Charter is monitored by the European Committee of Social Rights, an independent body established by the Council of Europe. The Committee examines the national reports submitted by the states parties on a regular basis and publishes its conclusions. It also hears collective complaints about violations of the Charter.

Impact and Significance

The European Social Charter has played a significant role in promoting social and economic rights in Europe. It has helped to establish a social dimension to the European integration process and has influenced the development of social policy at both the national and European levels.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its achievements, the European Social Charter has also been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that the Charter's monitoring system is weak and that the Committee's conclusions are not legally binding. Others claim that the Charter does not go far enough in protecting social and economic rights.