The General Comments

In addition to examining governments' periodic reports, the Committee interprets the intent, meaning and content of the Covenant through the production of "General Comments". These Comments clarify the norms embodied in the Covenant and are a rich source of interpretation of international law as it applies to economic, social and cultural rights.

To date the Committee has made General Comments on the following themes:

  • Reporting by state parties
  • International technical assistance
  • The nature of state parties' obligations
  • The right to adequate housing
  • Persons with disabilities
  • The rights of older persons
  • Forced evictions
  • Economic sanctions
  • Domestic application of the Covenant
  • The role of national human rights institutions
  • Plans of action for primary education
  • The right to adequate food
  • The right to education
  • The right to an adequate standard of health
  • The right to water