committees. 23. Very few academics had focused on the subject of economic, social and cultural rights. The mere handful of international experts on the Covenant included Dr. Philip Alston, Australia's nominee to serve on the Committee. Greater publicity of the Committee's work might kindle the interest of jurists, social scientists and non-governmental organizations. 24. Since a number of reports remained outstand­ ing, a close watch would have to be kept to ensure that a serious backlog did not develop. It might be useful to offer training courses to assist Governments with limited resources in preparing their reports. 25. The role of the Economic and Social Council would continue to be one of promoting system-wide 70 Economic and Social Council-First Regular Session, 1986 co-ordination in upholding economic, social and cultural rights. 26. Mrs. ALVAREZ (France) said France attached great importance to the in~e~dependen~e of ~ll hu­ man rights and had participated actively m the Working Group. In 1985, it had presented its report under articles 13 to 15 of the Covenant, and at the most recent session of the Working Group, experts had had praise for its report on articles 6 to 9. 27. Her country had made every effort to ensure that its legislation was in conformity with the articles of the Covenant. Social rights had been affirmed in the French Constitution as early as 1946, and had been restated in 1958. The right to work and women's rights were guaranteed under French law, despite an economic situation that had at times been unfavourable. France had traditionally dispatched officials of the respective ministries to explain its social legislation, and to reply to questions raised by members of the Working Group. 28. Her delegation particularly appreciated that the Group of Experts had taken into account the ~ifficul­
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the United Nations' Economic and Social Council and its role in promoting economic, social, and cultural rights. It mentions reports, committees, and the work of experts, indicating a focus on human rights and international cooperation.

**Category**
Human rights, Employment