For several decades, social rights lacked proper recognition in international law, being qualified as aspirational goals rather than rights, and therefore not enjoying the same level of protection or status as other human rights. This comprehensive Research Handbook provides a comparative overview of the history, nature and current status of social rights at the universal and regional level. Tracing their evolution from rather modest beginnings, to becoming the category of rights responding most accurately to the 21st century's policy objectives of poverty eradication and equitable resource allocation, this Research Handbook assesses the mechanisms used to enhance the implementation and enforcement of social rights. Offering in-depth discussion of current debates in the field of social rights and international law, expert contributors analyse the ability of these rights to act as a tool to fight inequality, as well as to protect and ensure diversity. In so doing, they examine how social rights now play a central role in the shift from a state-centred to a value-based global order. This Research Handbook will be a useful resource for students and academics working on social rights in international human rights law and other fields of public international law. It will also be of value to lawyers, NGOs and state officials concerned with the enforcement and implementation of social rights. Contributors include: V. Bilkova, C. Binder, J.P. Bohoslavsky, D.M. Chirwa, A. Constantinides, J. Cortez da Cunha Cruz, E. De Brabandere, M. de Carvalho Hernandez, E. Dermine, M. Dobri , E. Ferrer Mac-Gregor, M. Goldmann, M. Gongora-Mera, J.A. Hofbauer, D. Ikawa, P. Janig, Z. K dzia, A. Kendrick, T. Kleinlein, E. Lopez-Jacoiste, K. Lukas, S. McInerney-Lankford, A. Mkhonza, M. Morales Antoniazzi, A. Muller, Y. Negishi, M. Nowak, K. Olaniyan, L.C. Pautassi, F. Piovesan, E. Schmid, J. Schoensteiner, F. Seatzu, A. Ubeda de Torre, F. Viljoen, R. Wilde, I.T. Winkler

The Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights is the most comprehensive reference work in the field of international human rights protection. Comprising over 340 entries, presented alphabetically, and available online and in print, the Encyclopedia addresses the full range of themes associated with the study and practice of human rights in the modern world. Topics range from substantive human rights to the relevant institutions, legal documents, conceptual and procedural issues of international law and a wide variety of thematic entries. The Encyclopedia has a distinct focus on international human rights law but at the same time is enriched by approaches from the broader social sciences, making it a truly unique and multi-disciplinary resource. The Encyclopedia boasts an incredibly diverse author team, featuring contributions from close to 300 scholars and practitioners from more than 65 countries, representing all regions of the world. Contributors include leading experts in their respective fields - among them current and former UN Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts, renowned academics, judges of national, international and regional (human rights) courts, members of universal and regional human rights bodies, members of the International Law Commission, as well as legal advisors of foreign offices and international and non-governmental organizations. Key Features: Over 340 entries Entries organized alphabetically for ease of navigation Fully cross-referenced Entries written by practitioners and scholars from around the world World class editorial team