5. Accountability Under The International Covenant On Economic, Social And Cultural Rights

We have seen how the state obligations under the Covenant can be used to identify the shortcomings of governments. In fact by becoming a party to the Covenant - that is, by signing the treaty - governments have committed themselves to do their own analysis of the human rights situation and to report publicly on a regular basis to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

These reports are expected to be frank and comprehensive and take account of the views of the entire population.

Reporting thus becomes one of the vehicles to hold governments accountable for the realization of human rights.