The Irish Human Rights Commission has added its voice to calls by more than 20 non-governmental organisations urging the Government to sign a new optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The Government has said it does not intend to sign the protocol when it opens for signature tomorrow at the UN headquarters in New York.
The covenant encompasses a wide range of economic and social rights, such as the right to adequate housing, to a high standard of health and to education. The new protocol will allow individuals or groups working on their behalf to seek UN assistance if their rights under the covenant are violated.