Statements of interpretation of the European Committee of Social Rights

The Committee’s statements of interpretation are an authoritative source of interpretation that add detail to the rights and obligations set out in the European Social Charter. They provide important guidance on the scope and nature of State duties in terms of different Charter provisions and how they apply in relation to specific issues or contexts.

The Committee’s statements of interpretation are usually published in the General Introduction to the Committee’s periodical conclusions emerging from its statutory reporting process. This page, seeks to provide easy access to those who wish to delve deeper into the Committee’s work.

Statement of interpretation on social rights and cost-of-living crises

In 2020, th ECSR issued a statement of interpretation on the right to protection of health (Article 11 of the European Social Charter) in times of pandemic, the endorsing many measures adopted by states in response to COVID-19: “testing and tracing, physical distancing and self-isolation, the provision of adequate masks and disinfectant, as well as the imposition of quarantine and ‘lockdown’ arrangements.

Conclusions 2023 - Statement of interpretation on Article 17 (child poverty)

Conclusions 2023 - the Committee adopted the following statement of interpretation under Article 17 (child poverty):

The prevalence of child poverty in a State Party, whether defined or measured in either monetary or multidimensional terms, is an important indicator of the effectiveness of state efforts to ensure the right of children and young persons to social, legal and economic protection under Article 17 of the Charter. Consistent with its approach in relation to the conceptualisation and measurement of poverty adopted by the Committee in terms of Article 30, the Committee‘s consideration of child poverty for the purposes of Article 17 reflects an understanding of both income and multi-dimensional understandings of poverty (Statement of interpretation, 2013, Article 30). This understanding is reflected in the indicators and elements the Committee takes into account when assessing State Party compliance with Article 17. For the States that have not accepted Article 17, child poverty will be addressed under Article 30.

The EUROSTAT data and the EU-27 rate of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion is used as key point of reference and indicator of state compliance with Charter rights by the Committee. The Committee will also have regard to disimprovement in terms of the rate of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion in a State Party. Furthermore, the Committee also takes into account non-monetary measures adopted at reducing child poverty and social exclusion such as ensuring access to quality and affordable services in the areas of health, education and housing. When assessing State conformity with Article 17, the Committee will also take into account the extent to which child participation is ensured in work directed towards combatting child poverty and social exclusion.