Alternatives to Austerity: a human rights framework for economic recovery
This article argues that the effects of the crises themselves are being compounded rather than relieved by the measures that many governments are taking in response. These are seriously threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of the poorest people, and are having a devastating effect on their enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR). While the human rights framework does not prohibit austerity measures per se, in many instances these have had grave consequences for the enjoyment of human rights, particularly for those living in poverty.