Austerity measures and the right to social security

In 2008, the world suffered the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s. Many countries, particularly in Southern Europe, experienced further difficulty during the second phase of the global crisis in 2011.

States introduced austerity measures aimed at curbing public deficits, revitalising the economy and gaining financial market confidence. These measures included contractionary fiscal policies, cuts in public expenditure, selective tax hikes, pension reforms and reductions in labour protection. A decade later, the measures still haven’t achieved their stated aims. Developing countries face continuous uncertainty and diminished growth prospects. Developed countries struggle to counter the economic damage suffered.

Most vulnerable are most adversely affected

Austerity measures raise important concerns regarding the enjoyment of economic and social rights. The most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society have been hit the hardest by these measures. Women, children, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities, older persons, youth and the poor suffer from fewer job prospects and social welfare programmes. Food, housing, water, medical care and other basic needs are less affordable.

Key advocacy messages

Below are some of the key messages we developed to address the impact of austerity measures in the wake of the economic crisis. These messages take a human rights approach, with a specific focus on the right to social security.

• International human rights law provides a legally binding framework for the exercise of State power in the context of economic policy-making.
• State parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) have an immediate core obligation to ensure the satisfaction of minimum essential levels of all economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to social security
• States adopting austerity measures must demonstrate that all other alternatives have been exhausted, and provide safeguards to protect human rights, particularly the rights of the most vulnerable
• Measures must be temporary, necessary, proportionate, respectful of minimum core obligations, and non-discriminatory
• States should submit prospective polices to the public for broad scrutiny and inclusive consultation, particularly by those most likely to be affected.

Read all key advocacy messages on austerity measures and the right to social security