What is the ad hoc report procedure?

 Following a 2022 decision from the Committee of Ministers, which spearheaded the 2022 reform of the European Social Charter, States Parties can be asked to submit ad hoc reports for analysis or review by the European Committee of Social Rights. Such reports may be requested when new or critical issues arise with a broad or transversal scope or with a pan-European dimension.

 

Important deadlines

 Following the above-mentioned decision, in 2023, the European Committee of Social Rights and the Governmental Committee have decided to request an ad hoc report on the cost-of-living crisis to all States Parties to the European Social Charter.

 Questions to State Parties on ad hoc reports concerning the cost of living crisis.

The subject and timing of ad hoc reports is decided by the European Committee of Social Rights and the Governmental Committee.

How does the ad hoc reporting procedure work?

As set out in a 2022 decision from the Committee of Ministers, the European Committee of Social Rights is invited to examine the information provided by the States concerned, following which it may provide a general overview of the situation and a broad legal analysis from a Charter’s perspective (such comments may include Statements of Interpretations). However, the European Committee of Social Rights may not issue Conclusions on the conformity of the situation with the Charter, in the context of the ad hoc reporting procedure.

As per Rule 21A of the European Committee of Social Rights’ Rules, other organisations, institutions and entities may submit comments on ad hoc States’ reports: trade unions and employers’ organisations, (I)NGOs national human rights institutions and national equality bodies. Please note that whether and how such comments are taken into account is entirely within the discretion of the European Committee of Social Rights.

Follow-up should involve dialogue with the States Parties and should associate relevant civil society organisations as well as relevant national human rights institutions and national equality bodies, in order to identify what action may be required, to ensure compliance with the obligations arising from the Charter. In addition, the Governmental Committee of the European Social Charter may propose that additional guidance or general recommendations be addressed to all Council of Europe member States.

Where to find documentation relevant to ad hoc reporting procedure?

The ad hoc reports submitted by the States Parties can be found at the Country profiles webpage on the website of the European Social Charter. 

 

 The implementation of the European Social Charter by States Parties is supervised by the European Committee of Social Rights through the collective complaints procedure and the reporting system. 

Through its complementary supervisory procedures, the European Committee of Social Rights monitors compliance with the European Social Charter by States Parties and provides insight into the full implementation of the social rights dimension of human rights.

 

Department of Social Rights

Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law
Council of Europe
1, quai Jacoutot
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex

Tél. +33 (0)3 90 21 55 23

www.coe.int/socialcharter

@social_charter

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