New York:Bangladesh has called for centering human rights in economic policymaking and governance, emphasizing the need to measure progress not just by economic growth but by its contribution to equality, human dignity, and fundamental rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Zubaida Khan, made this appeal during a high-level dialogue titled "The Political Economy of Human Rights" held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Khan stressed the importance of equitable taxation, affordable development financing, debt sustainability, and reforming international financial structures to ensure that economic progress also advances human rights.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk highlighted concerns over growing concentrations of economic and political power, increased military spending, mounting debt, and widening inequalities, all of which pose threats to human rights.
Participants in the dialogue called for a fairer international tax system, equitable debt restructuring, accountable economic governance, and meaningful civil society engagement to address structural inequalities and protect vulnerable communities.
The discussions explored how conflicts, high debt-servicing costs, and reduced development assistance hinder investments in education, healthcare, social protection, and sustainable peace.
The event, jointly organized by the permanent missions of Bangladesh, Morocco, South Africa, and Uruguay, brought together several ambassadors and human rights experts. It underscored the importance of embedding human rights principles in international economic governance and development frameworks beyond 2030.