Access to food, water and sanitation, health services, education or housing are essential human rights. They are enshrined in international, regional and domestic instruments as prerogatives which everyone is entitled to on the basis of the recognition of human dignity. The United Nations (UN) as well as regional organizations, such as the African Union, Council of Europe and the Organization of American States have developed specific mechanisms to promote and protect these rights. Numerous developments at national level complement the standards and procedures established internationally.

The Professional Trainings on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights run by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights have made it their aim to bring these instruments and mechanisms in the reach of human rights advocates, NGOs and national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, members of legislative bodies, the judiciary, governments and diplomats, journalists, staff of UN bodies and other international organizations, as well as members of the academia.

The Professional Trainings on ESC Rights are tailored to respond to varied training needs and interests. For participants who are beginning a career on ESC Rights, the Geneva Academy proposes the Training on Understanding Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. For professionals with a solid background on ESC Rights, it offers an Advanced Training on Monitoring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 

The Geneva Academy also offers a new Training Course on the Rights of Peasants. This training will provide participants with a broad understanding of the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas and in-depth knowledge on how to promote these rights in their work.