Social rights in the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Abstract

This chapter traces the historical development of social rights protection in the case law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. While the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR) only contains one provision that refers to economic, social and cultural rights, the Inter-American Court has progressively interpreted this provision and in 2017 arrived at the direct justiciability of social rights. The chapter reflects the most relevant contributions that the IACtHR has made to the protection of social rights. It also seeks to be a starting point for further reflections on the future of the jurisprudence of the Inter-American system in this regard, which will be crucial in a region in which – and at a time when – there is still so much to be done as regards equality, and protection of a decent life for the most vulnerable groups.