The UN High Representative for Human Rights defended that “this latest measure alone could generate about $300 billion annually to combat climate change, inequality and poverty.”
He added: “I hope that these initiatives will serve as another catalyst for the real transformation required, and work together to put human rights at the heart of all economic decisions.”
In his recent trips abroad, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva imposed taxes on huge wealth as a kind of banner for his foreign policy and G20 presidency. Last week, at the G7 summit and in a speech at the International Labor Organization, the Brazilian insisted on defending the proposal.
On Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General also pointed to specific cases around the world of how inequality and lack of reform of the international system are creating conflicts and taking away rights.
“Although Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic situation has improved, the effects of the economic crisis, coupled with the associated austerity measures, are disproportionately affecting the poorest and already marginalized groups,” he said. Between 2021 and 2023, the poverty rate doubled from 13.1% to 25.9%, and is expected to remain at these levels in the coming years.
“During my recent visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, I learned about the radical impact that debt servicing is having on public spending on social services, including social infrastructure, social protection programmes, healthcare and education,” Türk said.
Finally, he highlighted the crisis in Argentina. He added, “The recent measures proposed and adopted threaten to undermine the protection of human rights.”
“This includes cuts in public spending that particularly affect the most marginalized groups, the announced closure of state institutions dedicated to women’s rights and access to justice, and instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend participation in all events abroad related to the 2030 Agenda.” In reference to Javier's policies, he added:
