A new report published by the Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) finds that Ireland has ignored its obligations under international human rights law in its handling of the economic crisis. ???Mauled by the Celtic Tiger: Human rights in Ireland???s economic meltdown??? shows how recovery measures implemented since the recession first hit have severely undermined economic and social rights, such as the rights to education, health and housing, with a particular impact on disadvantaged sectors of the population.
The report presents detailed statistical evidence of the deteriorating economic and social rights situation since the onset of the crisis, including sharp increases in rates of unemployment, child poverty and homelessness. Official figures on material deprivation have risen dramatically since 2007, with almost a quarter of the population unable to meet the cost of basic needs such as adequate meals and clothing.
CESR???s analysis explores both the causes and consequences of Ireland???s economic meltdown from a human rights perspective, with a particular focus on policy measures and budget cuts undertaken in response to the crisis in recent years. Evidence shows that consistent cuts in social spending, including health and education, since the onset of the crisis have had a disproportionately harsh impact on women, children, older persons, Travellers, migrants and people with disabilities.
The report finds that budget and tax policies implemented since the crisis have not complied with Ireland???s obligation to devote the maximum of available resources to fulfill economic and social rights progressively, and to guard against retrogression (backsliding), even in times of scarcity. Ireland??s low tax take has deprived the public coffers of the resources needed to maintain social spending and protection programs. Its inequitable tax regime grants generous tax rates and exemptions to businesses and high income earners while placing a disproportionate burden on poorer households by relying heavily on indirect taxation (such as value-added tax). Ireland, which has among the lowest levels of tax revenue in the EU, also has among the highest levels of income inequality in the region. Discriminatory fiscal policies are fuelling inequality and the deterioration in economic and social rights brought on by the crisis.
CESR finds that Ireland??s responses to the crisis have failed to take into account its legal obligations as a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the directive principles of social policy enshrined in its Constitution. It also concludes that inter-governmental bodies such as the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund, which have played a key role in shaping Ireland??s responses to the crisis, may also be in breach of their international human rights obligations where their lending and debt policies impede economic and social rights protection in Ireland. CESR calls on the Irish government to safeguard the basic economic and social rights of all people in the country by:
??? Designing and implementing a revised National Recovery Plan in line with the human rights principles, to include progressive, non-discriminatory reforms to tax and social spending.??? Guaranteeing effective social protection programs and measures to ensure the rights of sectors particularly jeopardized in the context of the crisis.
??? Strengthen human rights accountability and oversight in all relevant states institutions, including more effective regulation of the financial sector.
For the full report, see: Mauled by the Celtic Tiger: Human rights in Ireland???s economic meltdown.
For further information, please contact: Luke Holland - Communications Officer, CESR ???+91.448.3921 (T) +34.687.317.139 (M) or lholland@cesr.org