UNIT 31

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Points for discussion: economic rights

Explore the existing situation of economic rights: the right of ownership and market competition. Can foreigners acquire property and under what conditions? Do molopolies exist? What is the extent of foreign investment?

Points for discussion: social rights

Unemployment, working conditions, social security, formation of trade unions. How does government cope with unemployment?

Points for discussion: cultural rights

Situation in education, science, healthy environment.

Is there a need for improvement? In what direction?

Economic rights

Entrepreneurial freedom and the market-based regulation of economic relations – backbone of successful economies

Role of the state

The state must ensure that certain rules are upheld in market competition

All enterpreneurs should enjoy equal legal position on the market

The state should prevent abuse of monopolies

Monopoly

Results in the elimination of market relations and leads to the preclusion of market competition

May exist in certain industries (railways, electricity, water management)

State instruments in economic policy

Market – imperfect mechanism of social regulation

Modern states use different instruments to intervene in market relations: taxes, customs, subsidies, state investments

In circumstances of crisis – such role of state particularly emphasized

Market freedom

Market and other economic activities should be conducted in full freedom and under equal conditions

The focus of responsibility – individual citizens, while the state retains its role of ensuring respect for the rules of free market competition, using its economic policy measures only for limited interventions

Workers’ rights

State interventions imply the obligation to create and expand the possibilities and conditions for citizens to exercise their right to work

Workers – entitled to fair remuneration which may be claimed either individually or through trade unions and other organizations

Social rights

The right of employees and their families to social security, formation of trade unions and the protection of families, children and persons with disabilities – among the most important social rights

Cultural rights

Right to education, scientific, cultural and artistic creativity, sports

Environmental rights

Right to a healthy life with an emphasis on the protection of public health, nature and a healthy environment

Legal terms

EnterpreneurOne who organizes, owns, manages and

assumes the risks of a business; one that organizes, promotes, or manages an enterprise or activity of any kind; poduzetnik

EnterpreneurialOf or relating to an entrepreneur

Legal terms

Market competitionStriving for a greater share of the market;

tržišno natjecanjeMonopolyOwnership or control that permits

domination of the market in a business; a commercial monopoly is where the supply of a certain commodity is controlled by one manufacturer, trader, or group

Legal terms

SubsidyA grant of money made by governmentRemunerationSalary or compensation; naknada, plaća,

honorar

Define the following

Enterpreneurial freedomRegulatory powersMonopolistic situationMarket relationsSocial insurance