The Working Group to Examine the National Reports Envisioned in the Protocol of San Salvador (WGPSS) on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (ESCER) held its eighteenth session virtually on October 18, 2024. During this session, the Group elected María José Méndez, Governmental Expert from Paraguay, as its new Chair and Santiago Guayasamín, Governmental Expert from Ecuador, as Vice-Chair.
The WGPSS is responsible for evaluating the reports submitted by the 18 States Parties to monitor progress on the rights set forth in the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, also known as the Protocol of San Salvador. To date, the Group has evaluated 31 reports. The OAS Department of Social Inclusion (DSI), as Technical Secretariat of the WGPSS, has facilitated this process, providing technical and strategic support.
During the sessions, opportunities were also identified to provide training to civil society organizations and consolidate the technical assistance offered by the WGPSS, with the aim of promoting and strengthening ESCER rights in the region.
The Organization of American States (OAS) permanently monitors the actions of member states to ensure the exercise of the ESCER of the population. The WGPSS plays a key role in monitoring compliance with this Protocol by the 18 States Parties.
The WGPSS, through the analysis of national reports, continues to be a key driver in the monitoring and advancement of ESCER, providing States with essential tools to strengthen public policies and ensure the effective protection of these rights in the region.
Reference: E-083/24
