The present report is submitted to the Human Rights Council pursuant to its resolution 4/1, in which the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit to the Council an annual report on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights.

In the report, the Secretary-General highlights the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. He then focuses on the opportunity to recover better following the crisis, and to create more resilient, more equitable and more sustainable societies. In particular, he highlights that addressing inequalities, renewing the social contract to strengthen universal health coverage, social protection and education, anchoring human rights in economic policies and respecting planetary boundaries will be vital to such efforts. He concludes with recommendations to States and other stakeholders to guide them in ensuring that human rights are at the centre of efforts to recover better.