Despite their formal legal recognition in a number of international instruments since 1945, economic, social and cultural rights have long been marginalised and ignored as a category of human rights. This is particularly apparent with respect to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which was intended to form part of the `International Bill of Rights' alongside its sister covenant `The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights'. This study represents the first detailed examination of the origins and development of the ICESCR, drawing in particular upon the work of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The author addresses in detail particular aspects of the Covenant such as the role of the Committee in the supervision process, the nature of state obligations, the principle of non-discrimination, and the rights to work, to join and form Trade Unions, to housing, and to food.

This original and scholarly work offers a timely examination of an increasingly significant human rights instrument, and will be of value to all those interested in Human Rights and International Law.