Human rights based approach to recovery from the global economic and financial crises, with a focus on those living in poverty 2011, para. 36
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Reductions in public expenditure are likely to take the form of decreased spending on social services, which has the potential to significantly undermine the effective and efficient functioning of basic health and education services and social protection systems. These services are crucial for providing minimum essential levels of enjoyment of human rights and to protect the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. While the human rights framework does not exclude the possibility of States adopting austerity measures, it is clear that, in many instances, these reductions in expenditure could have grave consequences for the enjoyment of human rights, particularly for those living in poverty who continue to suffer from the cumulative effects of the crises.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights