Human Rights and the Global Economic Downturn

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the threat that the global financial and economic crises pose on the realization of human rights and development goals. Adopted by a vote of 31 for, none apparently against, and 14 abstentions, the resolution called for an equitable, transparent, and democratic system to broaden developing nations’ participation in decisions regarding the international economy. The 47-member body, meeting in its 10th Special Session, also expressed grave concern that the twin crises could jeopardize progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight ambitious anti-poverty targets by the deadline of 2015.

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