The resolution has been adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council, which marks the initial step toward a deep-rooted shift on a global scale in redressing human rights violations by transforming economy-centered systems to be humanistic. It also showcases a new shift in concern and policy formulation by the international community where economy-centered policies are no longer simply focused on financial metrics but rather, people and planetary wellbeing.
The UN has moved forward in a historically unprecedented fashion.
The human rights council of the UN was able to reach a consensus in adopting a resolution addressing ‘the realization in all countries of economic, social, and cultural rights’ on 3rd April in Geneva, Switzerland. The emphasis on development financing towards the realization of the rights has made this year’s text novel.
Core problems in global economics are the focus of the discussion under the resolution’s two pillars: cross-border fiscal partnerships, or regimes for tax cooperation, and the prescriptive requirement on states to grant and protect certain fundamental human rights, or debt-to-rights. It finally provides a comprehensive perspective on the international cooperation gaps by inclusion and cooperation framework resolving all-inclusivity.
A Unified Voice: States Come Together for Justice
The broad participation of UN member states in negotiating the resolution and its subsequent adoption by consensus demonstrates the resolution’s recognition stems from widespread importance. In its statement to the Council, Human Rights Watch also pointed out the importance of this consensus, underscoring the ability of states to reach an agreement on human rights and economic justice in times of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Beyond Marginal Fixes: A Call for Structural Change
The resolution does not only seek marginal changes. It seeks to fundamentally transform the international financial architecture by requiring basic human rights safeguards as prerequisites. For instance, the resolution states, “the importance of ensuring that commitments arising from public and foreign debt do not impede states’ abilities to meet their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.” This shift in perspective challenges the traditional view of debt as a financial issue, framing it in the light of human rights.
Tax Cooperation: A Path Towards Inclusive Economies
An additional significant feature of the resolution is the part where “promoting inclusive and effective international tax cooperation” was highlighted. It has been suggested that states “continue to engage constructively in the process towards developing a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation,” which gives priority to the economic, social, and cultural rights of people. This reflects the understanding that equitable and fair taxation systems enable public services, as well as the fulfillment of human rights, to be financed.
Building Human Rights Economies: A Growing Movement
This resolution is in tandem with the movement of building ‘human rights economies,’ which have been emerging recently. This was articulated as part of a collective approach spearheaded by Honduras on behalf of a cluster of countries during the session at the Council, which places the people and the planet at the heart of economic considerations when crafting policies. It indicates paradigm shifts in the obsessive pursuit of profits at all costs.
The Following Actions: Advocacy on Rights Issues at Global Spaces
While the acceptance of the resolution signifies another important milestone, the ultimate outcome hinges on its actual application. This article concludes with stressing the emphasis that advocates need to push the principles set in the resolution within the framework of intergovernmental meetings during the course of the year, which include the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (June), the Second World Social Summit for Social Development (November) and COP30 (also in November). By these means, the states can fulfill their pledges towards the advancement of a just global economic order by advocating human rights in these forums.
