Standards
International Standards for Social Development


     The United Nations Charter clearly vests the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council with power to develop and agree international standards for social development. Many standards or principles relating to social development have already been agreed by those bodies or by other elements within the UN system. Some of them are legally binding and some have quasi-binding status, while others are merely aspirational.

     First, there is a clear need to improve the profile, status and effective implementation of some of these existing standards. This would be assisted if those of special value and importance were included, without renegotiation, in a special new framework of International Standards for Social Development.

     It could be agreed that, under the overall supervision of ECOSOC, special priority will be given within the UN and national government systems to monitoring and enforcing implementation of these Standards. It could also be explicitly agreed that the Standards are binding on all intergovernmental organisations, whether or not part of the UN system.
Standards which would be appropriate for inclusion in this category include, for example, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

     Second, there is a clear need to supplement some existing agreements before their inclusion within the category of International Standards for Social Development. This could involve, for example, developing supplementary, more specific standards for application at regional level in relation to matters such as basic social security standards.

     Third, it is essential to recognise that economic policies and practices frequently have a profound impact on social development. Accordingly, International Standards for Social Development should cover key aspects of issues such as taxation, financial regulation, and business conduct which have substantial social impacts. The recent World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle demonstrates the need for a broad and balanced range of concerns and expertise to be taken into account in the development of such standards.

     ECOSOC has both the legal power and responsibility to oversee the development and observance of International Standards for Social Development. It could do so by nominating intergovernmental organisations (individually or jointly) to prepare draft Standards in specified areas for submission to and final authorisation by ECOSOC itself. This would provide a flexible framework within which, for example, standards in an area which impacts on trade, the environment, labour and basic human needs can be drafted and finalised in a cooperative and balanced manner.

     The World Bank and International Monetary Fund recently requested ECOSOC to develop agreed sets of principles and practices for social policy. This strengthens the case for ECOSOC to take the initiative in developing and overseeing a framework of International Standards for Social Development. It is essential, however, that the Standards recognise legitimate scope for variation according to national circumstances and that they are accompanied by an Anti-Poverty Pact which guarantees provision of resources and other support from wealthy countries.

     ICSW urges governments to support progressive development by ECOSOC of a broad-based framework of International Standards for Social Development which addresses key aspects of both economic and social policy and practice.