Spain has become the first European country to become party to a new UN Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which will provide for a complaints mechanism in relation to infringements to various rights under the Convention, including the right to adequate housing, food, water, health and education, amongst others.
The Protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly by consensus on 10 December 2008 and was opened for ratification in September 2009. It can only come into force after 10 countries have ratified it. In addition to Spain, Ecuador and Mongolia have ratified the Protocol, whilst 32 other countries have taken the first step by signing it, therefore indicating a willingness to be bound by it. These include Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).Eight other EU states- Belgium, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia- have signed the Protocol, although Ireland has not yet to date. It is hoped that Spain's declaration of commitment to realising economic and social rights will not only set an example but will also be followed by many other countries, including Ireland, and encourage them to ratify, or at the very least sign the Protocol.