Workers’ rights are human rights, and we have a moral and legal obligation to protect them. No one should be allowed to exploit workers simply to run a more profitable or efficient business. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Economic and Social Rights.
We have long known that poverty is rooted in power, yet traditional power-blind approaches to poverty remain predominant. Can a human rights lens and the traditional tools of the movement—rights, courts, lawyers and activists—address underlying issues of power and make a real difference on poverty
Recent research reveals the impact that international covenants could have on government taxation and expenditures. Based on civil society organization (CSO) campaigns around the world, human rights law—coupled with budget analysis—can be a powerful tool to hold governments to account for how thei
Socialism—even social democracy—is in retreat as capitalism reigns triumphant. But if we care about political freedom, we have to care about economic freedom too: without means, civil and political rights are empty. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Economic and Social Rights. Franç
The overlapping and interdependent nature of human rights suggests efforts to protect only some rights in law are misguided. The reason for legalizing economic and social rights is not only to make them justiciable in court; it is to create the political and societal impetus to make rights a reali
What would happen if Israeli progressives and their supporters demanded an end to the military court system, or called for freedom of movement for Palestinians? A lot more than you might think. From the openGlobalRights debate, Human rights: mass or elite movement?
Pentecostal Christianity is one of the fastest growing religious forces in the world. Although many secular human rights activists view Pentecostalism as retrogressive, this dynamic religion could become a significant ally in human rights protection worldwide. A contribution to the openGlobalRight
Human rights advocacy in the field is a powerful tool, consistently underestimated by UN officials. The new High Commissioner must strengthen his Office’s role on the ground, but he can’t be the only ‘bad cop’. Other UN agencies in the field must defend human rights. A contribution to the openGlob
Promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights requires a secure Internet, but states misuse cyber security scares to threaten individual liberties. The High Commissioner can be a powerful voice promoting a right to cyber security while defending expression and privacy rights. A contribution to
Making social and economic rights part of a country’s constitution does not help the poor, and may even hurt. An evidence-based response to Saiz’s and Yamin’s plea for the indivisibility of human rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Emerging Powers and Human Rights. Español
Youth form a crucial constituency for the High Commissioner, and - to overcome their growing disenfranchisement - he should lead in the development of a specific framework that sets out and champions their rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on the New High Commissioner of Human
Amidst many priorities, the High Commissioner must focus on the problem of ensuring companies respect human rights, at a moment when a hard fought consensus on how to do so is at risk of unravelling. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on the New High Commissioner of Human Rights. Españo
