It is submitted that that ratification by Norway of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) may have undesirable effects for Norway, particularly since the individual complaints mechanism may in reality encroach upon the legislature’s assessment of how best to achieve the aims of the Covenant and other societal goals. In the author’s view, many of the arguments advanced in favour of ratification do not stand closer examination.

Keywords: United Nations, Human Rights, Economic, social and cultural rights, Justiciability, Complaints Procedures, Norway.