Yes, indeed, Socio-economic rights do play a vital role in sustaining peace as rights are the cornerstone of any democratic society. That is the reason UDHR, ICCPR & ICESCR are the universal bill of human rights promulgated by the UN in 1948, 1966 and beyond. They encompass all the civil and Political Rights which were later developed into various other individual and Gender based rights also. It was the scourge of war that triggered the UN to introduce these Rights worldwide for peace and prosperity.
Yes, socio-economic rights are vital for peace because access to food, health, education, and dignity reduces inequality and conflict, creating stability and harmony.
Som Niroula In my opinion, socio-economic rights absolutely play a vital role in sustaining peace. When individuals and communities experience inequality, poverty, and lack of access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and housing, it often leads to social unrest, grievances, and, in extreme cases, violence or conflict. Socio-economic rights ensure that all citizens have access to the resources necessary for a dignified life, fostering a sense of fairness, inclusion, and stability.
Countries that invest in socio-economic rights typically see more cohesive societies, where citizens are less likely to resort to violent methods to address their grievances. A strong foundation in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity contributes to social mobility and reduces the divisions that can fuel conflict.
For example, Nordic countries that prioritize socio-economic equality tend to have high levels of peace and social trust, suggesting that strong socio-economic rights are linked to long-term peace. Conversely, countries with deep socio-economic divides often struggle with civil unrest and violence. Therefore, to sustain peace, socio-economic rights are essential for promoting equality, justice, and social harmony.
Yes, social and economic rights play a vital role in sustaining peace, as they constitute one of the fundamental pillars of internal stability and sustainable development. First, ensuring these rights contributes to social justice, reducing citizens’ feelings of discrimination and marginalization that could lead to internal conflicts. Second, providing equal economic opportunities, such as employment, education, and healthcare, creates a strong foundation for communities capable of addressing developmental challenges, thereby enhancing social harmony. Third, economic and social rights are closely linked to political legitimacy, as citizens perceive the state as capable of fulfilling its obligations toward them, which increases trust in institutions and reduces the likelihood of social unrest. Fourth, failure to realize these rights often results in widespread dissatisfaction, poverty, unemployment, and youth migration, all of which may perpetuate armed conflicts or local disputes. Fifth, state investment in these rights fosters a sense of belonging and citizenship, strengthens social cohesion, and enhances the community’s capacity to manage conflicts peacefully. Sixth, in post-conflict contexts, social and economic rights ensure reintegration mechanisms for affected populations and provide incentives to rebuild state institutions and strengthen cooperation among local and international actors. Seventh, integrating these rights into development and peace strategies constitutes a prerequisite for any sustainable political process, as fragile peace cannot be achieved without a fair and comprehensive economic and social foundation.
Thank you so much for your response and it will help me to shape my research. I am pursuing my MPhil in Conflict, Peace and Development from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. If you consult in any literature in this areas please recommend for the reading إبراهيم خليل البلعزي Aftab Haider Prashant Kumar Chauhan
لحقوق الاجتماعية والاقتصادية ليست ترفًا أو مطلبًا ثانويًا بعد تحقيق السلام، بل هي عنصر بنيوي في صُلب عملية بناء السلام واستدامته، لأنها تعالج الجذور العميقة للنزاعات وتوفر بيئة اجتماعية عادلة تحمي المكتسبات السياسية والأمنية.