In her report on the Reform of the international debt architecture and human rights, the Independent Expert on the consequences of external debt and related international financial obligations of States for the full enjoyment of all human rights, especially human rights economic, social and cultural aspects of the United Nations Organization referred to the Principles for Human Rights in Fiscal Policy.

The report highlights that, to respond to the unfolding debt crisis, any reform must prioritize social justice, equity and human rights. In this framework, noting the centrality of human rights in the reforms of the debt architecture, the Independent Expert includes the Principles for Human Rights in Fiscal Policy among the existing guiding principles that clarify the primacy of human rights standards over debt service, among other things (par. 37).

In addition, the report, highlighting that it is essential to show greater transparency to solve and address debt problems, transcribes Principle VII of the Principles of Human Rights in Fiscal Policy, according to which “fiscal policy must be transparent, participatory and accountable. People have a right to fiscal information”. In accordance with the text of the Principles, the report notes that “States must ensure that debtrelated decision-making processes and agreements are open to informed and inclusive public debate, including the participation of groups historically excluded from political representation in debt and fiscal decision-making processes”(par. 48).

The full report is available here.