Credit: Edinburgh Law School

Economic, social, and cultural (ESC) rights are fundamental human rights that are necessary to live a dignified life that is free from fear and want. They are centred in the notion of social justice and necessary for the fulfilment of a fair and equitable society. However, the study of ESC rights is often neglected in academic studies, with only a handful of postgraduate courses available in the UK. We are proud to be the first University in the UK to offer a dedicated course for undergraduate students.

The course is being delivered by Dr Luis F Yanes, Guest Lecturer at Edinburgh Law School and the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s expert on ESC rights. Dr Yanes brings a wealth of experience, with more than 16 years of legal and academic practice in field of ESC rights across the globe.

Director of the Global Justice Academy at Edinburgh Law School, Dr Kasey McCall-Smith, said: “In light of the Scottish government’s recent decision to renege on its years’ long commitment to introduce incorporation legislation that would have seen ESC rights finally protected in law, this course is a crucial field of knowledge for future lawyers.

“Delivering ESC rights will require many distinctive private and public legal considerations to negotiate the nexus between the distinctive fields of legal practice. Dr Yanes’ experience of embedding ESC rights into policy and practice, and holding governments to account, offers an excellent learning opportunity for our students. It will ensure that future generations of lawyers understand the value of securing these rights, particularly for those most marginalised and vulnerable people in our communities.”

Dr Yanes commented: “I hope this builds the foundations of a new generation of lawyers that recognise the legal value of economic, social and cultural rights, willing to challenge those in power to ensure all can live a dignified existence, at home and abroad.

“Given the high levels of homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, destitution, and unequal access to health care in the country, strong education on ESC rights has never been more important.”