Debt and human rights

When governments of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) spend more on debt repayments than they do on health and education combined, it is clear that debt denies the world’s poorest people some of the most basic human rights.

Similarly, many of the rights enshrined under the Convention on the Rights of the Child are threatened or denied by debt, including the right to life itself (Article 6). All articles that relate to the provision of basic or essential services to children are threatened in countries that face high levels of debt. Article 24 for example, highlights the right to good quality health care, clean water and nutritious food while Article 27 refers to the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet physical and mental needs and Articles 28 and 29 relate to the right to an education. All of these rights are likely to be denied if governments have to pay off debts rather than invest in their country’s children.

For further information on the Convention on the Rights of the Child click here