The EU attaches the same importance to economic, social and cultural rights as it does to civil and political rights. To promote and protect them worldwide, it is active in multilateral fora, raises the issue during policy dialogues and works with civil society organisations.

The EU supports the work of the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent Experts and Special Rapporteurs, who work on issues such as rights to education, adequate housing, physical and mental health, food, and access to drinking water and sanitation.

The EU also works to strengthen the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which gives it the opportunity to raise major cases of labour standards violations. During policy dialogues the Union also encourages non-EU countries to ratify and implement ILO conventions on labour standards.

As is the case for political and civil rights issues, the EU also raises economic, social and cultural rights during EU human rights dialogues and consultations with non-EU countries, as well as during meetings with relevant civil society groups.