Challenges facing International Institutions in the Protection of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Abstract

In recent years we have witnessed a great increase in knowledge and technology worldwide which is available to all. However, despite this progress, we still have the same international institutions and mechanisms that we designed after the Second World War. These institutions are characterized by fragmentation, structural dysfunctions such as corruption, lack of resources and a lack of institutional capacity. The objective of this book is to evaluate the challenges facing international institutions and mechanisms in the protection of Economic, Social and Cultural rights. More specifically, it seeks to detect different patterns in two types of actors that include international financial institutions and institutions of the universal system, such as the UN Refugee Agency. The methodology includes a methodological design of comparative documentary research and case study evaluation. This includes an evaluation of several cases that analyze the role of international mechanisms and international financial institutions and their interaction with human rights. Trying to find common patterns in different structures and processes gives us some indication, an image of the type of problems these institutions currently face. The cases studied in this research reveal a series of challenges facing international mechanisms and institutions that range from strengthening organizational and strategic aspects to overall strengthening institutional capacity. However, the main challenge encountered is the development of intentional institutional reflexivity. This implies the adoption by the institutions of a new orientation to principles and values.