Committee proposes the wording it wants inserted in the Constitution

The ICJP proposes the following wording for the four socio-economic rights it would wish to see inserted in the Constitution:

The Right to Adequate Housing

All persons have the right to have access to adequate housing for themselves and their dependants and if necessary to assistance in housing. The enjoyment of this right should in the first place be ensured by the initiative and efforts of each person. The State shall endeavour to supplement and give reasonable aid to private and corporate initiative in the provision of housing, including assistance in housing where necessary.

Where persons or their dependants are unable adequately to exercise or enjoy the right to shelter or to house themselves and their families with dignity, the State shall ensure that this right is adequately respected and protected.

As guardian of the common good the State shall take reason- able steps to promote the general and progressive enjoyment of this right in view of actual conditions, resources and standards.

The Right to Health

Each person had the right to health including the right to emergency medical assistance. The enjoyment of this right should in the first place be ensured by the initiative and efforts of each person. Where individual persons or their dependants are unable adequately to exercise or enjoy the right to health, the State shall ensure that this right is respected and protected.

The State shall take reasonable steps to promote the general and progressive enjoyment of this right, in view of actual conditions, resources and standards.

Adequate Nourishment

Each person has the right to the nutrition necessary to a dignified existence. The enjoyment of this right should in the first place be ensured by the initiative and efforts of each person. Where persons are unable adequately to exercise the right to adequate nourishment the State shall ensure that this right is adequately respected and protected.

As guardian of the common good the State shall take reasonable steps to promote the general and progressive enjoyment of this right, in view of actual conditions, resources and standards.

Adequate Standard of Living

All persons have the right to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families. The enjoyment of this right should in the first place be ensured by the initiative and efforts of each person. The State shall endeavour to supplement and give reasonable aid to private and corporate initiative in this regard.

Where a person's means prove inadequate to met his or her needs or those of his or her dependants, the State, as guardian of the common good, shall defend and vindicate this right as far as practicable, in accordance with the principles of social justice, through appropriate legislative and other means, including the provision of social security and social assistance.

The State shall take reasonable steps to safeguard and promote the general and progressive enjoyment of this right in view of actual conditions, resources and standards.