Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Protocol of San Salvador), 14 November 1988.

This document contains major provisions of the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (the Protocol of San Salvador) adopted by the Organization of American States on November 14, 1988. The rights set forth in this protocol are to be exercised in a nondiscriminatory manner. The right to work requires states to adopt measures to achieve full employment. The right to social security is manifested through old-age protection, disability protection, and maternity benefits. The right to health requires states to provide primary health care, including universal immunization, prevention and treatment of diseases, health education, and special attention to high-risk groups and the poor. The right to education requires states to institute free and compulsory primary education, accessible secondary education and higher education. People who have not received or completed primary education should have their basic education needs met. Special programs should be established for the handicapped. The right to formation and protection of families includes maternal health measures, adequate child nutrition, protection of the development of adolescents, and special programs of family training. Children have the right to protection, to be cared for by their parents (except in judicially-recognized circumstances), and the right to education and training. The elderly have the right to special protection including that afforded by suitable housing and care, appropriate work opportunities, and social organizations.