Side event on “Human Rights Economies within Planetary Boundaries: How can Human Rights Support Sustainable Development for All” on the sidelines of the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council
On 2 July 2024, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN in Geneva, together with the Human Rights Watch organised a side event on “Human Rights Economies within Planetary Boundaries: How can Human Rights Support Sustainable Development for All”, on the sidelines of the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council. The event was also cosponsored by Chile, Gambia, Panama and Spain.
The objective of the event was to explore how human rights can support sustainable development for all. It provided an opportunity for governments to reflect on their experience of using human rights to advocate for international financial architecture reforms and changes to economic policies necessary for the realisation of rights and sustainable development.
The Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Dato Nadzirah Osman delivered the opening remarks in which she highlighted the need of systemic reform and total reset of the global institutions. She also shared national initiatives that drive sustainable and inclusive development, ensure good governance, and transition to green economy, in order to ensure the benefits of the economy are shared equitably among all Malaysians.
Panellists who spoke at the event were Ms. Sara Saadoun, Senior Researcher on Poverty and Inequality at Human Rights Watch; Mr. Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights; Mr. Todd Howland, Chief of Branch, Development, Economic, Social Rights of the OHCHR; and Mr. Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.
In essence, the panelists expressed concerns that the current economic model was unable to reduce poverty and inequality while also operating beyond the planetary operating limit. Recognizing that focusing solely on the GDP growth do not translate into the real benefits for people on the ground, States were encouraged to adopt the Human Rights Economy framework to ensure people enjoy the benefits of the economy. They also deliberated how States could democratically transition into an approach that center on national debt restructuring and forgiveness, to shift away from growth-oriented economy, and improve the participation of disadvantaged groups.
The event received high a turnout rate, where it was attended by more than 85 delegations from a cross regional group.
Malaysia’s active involvement at the side event is a testament to its strong commitment in championing the issue of Human Rights Economy, especially in sharing efforts for sustainable and inclusive development through the Economy MADANI framework. It also demonstrated Malaysia’s constructive engagement with the UN and civil society organisations in driving this important initiative for the benefit of a more equitable world.
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