Human Rights Economy
A human rights economy places people and the planet at the centre of economic, social and environmental policies, plans and programmes. It ensures that economic, industrial and trade policies, investment decisions, consumer protections and business models are guided by human rights norms and standards.
Promoting a human rights economy is a central element of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ vision and one of the six strategic directions of the UN Human Rights Management Plan.
UN Human Rights has developed pilot projects at regional and country level to support human rights-based economies, working closely with governments, UN Country Teams, civil society, local communities, experts and international financial institutions. The Office has also developed tools and knowledge products available through the UN Human Rights Knowledge Gateway.
Our work on Human Rights Economy
UN Human Rights Europe engages closely with EU institutions, UN partners, civil society organizations and National Human Rights Institutions to promote a human rights-based EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The MFF is a key tool for the European Union and its Member States to invest in people and build an inclusive economy that promotes and protects human rights, without discrimination, and in a spirit of accountability and participation.
Our work in this area focuses on the following priorities:
- Leveraging the 2028–2034 EU budget to advance human rights
- Promoting a human rights-based approach to EU economic and financial policies
