Social Rights

The complaint was registered on 29 June 2026. It was lodged by the European Social Action Network (ESAN).

The complainant organisation alleges that France is not in conformity with Articles 23 (the right of elderly persons to social protection), 30 (the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion) and E (non-discrimination) of the Revised European Social Charter.

In particular, the complainant organisation alleges that former ministers of religion, former members of religious congregations and religious communities, as well as members of Catholic associations of the faithful, are subject to discriminatory treatment with regard to social security and pension rights. It alleges that the rules governing affiliation to, and the operation of, the social security scheme for ministers of religion (CAVIMAC) result in inadequate social protection and pension entitlements for the persons concerned.

The complainant organisation further alleges that the French authorities have failed to take the necessary measures to ensure effective protection against poverty and social exclusion for persons leaving religious institutions, particularly with regard to access to employment, housing, social protection and information concerning their social rights.

European Social Action Network (ESAN) v. France