ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: The government is examining the 1976 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for ratification.

Officials informed Dawn that a state signatory to the UN Covenant would strive to achieve the full realization of economic, social and cultural rights of individuals through technical, vocational guidance, training programmes, policies and techniques. The individual will achieve steady economic, social and cultural development and productive employment under conditions safeguarding fundamental political and economic freedoms.

The Covenant makes it binding on the states to recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work, which ensure in particular remuneration, equal value without distinction of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work; equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in his employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence; rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for public holidays.

After ratification, each signatory of the Covenant shall submit a yearly report on the status of implementation of the Covenant to the UN secretary general, who shall transmit copies to the Economic and Social Council for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the Covenant.