Guiding principles on human rights impacts assessments of economic policy reforms

Abstract

In his report to the UN General Assembly on 28 February 2019, the United Nations Independent Expert on Debt and Human Rights presented Guiding Principles on Human Rights Impact Assessments of Economic Reforms (UN Doc. A/HRC/40/57). These set out the human rights principles and standards that apply to States, international financial institutions and creditors when designing, formulating or proposing economic reforms. Based on the existing human rights obligations and responsibilities of States and other actors, the Guiding Principles underline the importance of systematically assessing the impact of economic reforms on the enjoyment of all human rights before decisions are taken to implement such reforms, as well as during and after their implementation. Economic policymaking must be anchored in and guided by substantive and procedural human rights standards, and human rights impact assessments are a crucial process that enables States and other actors to ensure that economic reforms advance, rather than hinder, the enjoyment of human rights by all.