Social Rights

To strengthen the knowledge of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Equality Bodies on the reporting procedure of the European Social Charter and enhance their participation in this process, the Council of Europe’s Department of Social Rights is organising a dedicated online training session on 14 February 2025. The event is part of the annual training sessions designed for NHRIs and Equality Bodies.  

The session’s key objectives include:

• Presenting the questions on the first group of Charter provisions circulated to States for the 2025 reporting cycle.
• Exploring opportunities for NHRIs and NEBs to submit comments to the ECSR.
• Sharing experiences from NHRIs and NEBs on collecting, presenting, and submitting additional information to the ECSR.

The reporting procedure plays a vital role in promoting social rights and fostering regular dialogue between States, civil society, and human rights institutions. In 2025, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) will assess state reports covering the provisions of Group 1 of the European Social Charter. In accordance with ECSR’s long-standing practice and Rule 21A of its Rules, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), National Equality Bodies (NEBs), trade unions, employer organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are invited to submit comments on national reports by 30 June 2025.

To support this engagement, the Department of Social Rights has updated its guide on How NHRIs and NEBs Can Engage with the European Committee of Social Rights. Further details are available on the European Social Charter’s website.