Publicly Funded Inequality
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- Written by Kemal Dervis/Project Syndicate
- Category: Analysis
One of the factors driving the massive rise in global inequality and the concentration of wealth at the very top of the income distribution is the interplay between innovation and global markets. In the hands of a capable entrepreneur, a technological breakthrough can be worth billions of dollars, owing to regulatory protections and the winner-take-all nature of global markets. What is often overlooked, however, is the role that public money plays in creating this modern concentration of private wealth.
New Study on European FTT: revenues higher than expected
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- Written by DIW Germany
- Category: Analysis
The German DIW just published a new study on the European Financial Transaction Tax. Its revenues are higher than expected, even with a 75 % reduction of turnover! What follows is the executive summary in English of the analysis:
The present study examines the effects of the introduction of a financial transaction tax along with enhanced cooperation across 11 European Union member states. In particular, based on the tax concept of the European Commission, the tax revenues for four participating countries, Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, are estimated.
Read more: New Study on European FTT: revenues higher than expected
World Misses its Potential by Excluding 50 % of its People
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- Written by Thalif Deen/IPS
- Category: Analysis
According to the United Nations, over 1,100 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and more than 8,600 representatives have registered to participate in this year’s session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
“This is a reality check on the part of the member states." -- Mavic Cabrera-Balleza of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders
Described as the primary intergovernmental body mandated to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, the 45-member CSW will hold its 59th sessions Mar. 9-20.
Read more: World Misses its Potential by Excluding 50 % of its People
Human Rights are Central to Alleviating Poverty
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- Written by Nyembe, Belalba, Nase
- Category: Analysis
STATISTICS presented at the World Economic Forum recently reminded us about the scale and effect of poverty. According to Oxfam, by next year, more than half of the world’s wealth will sit in the hands of the top 1%. Closer to home, the two richest men in SA have wealth equal to the poorest 26.6-million people (according to Forbes). About half of SA’s population lives in poverty.
The 2015 Declaration: Meeting Great Expectations (Maybe)
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- Written by B. Adams and G. Luchsinger/Global Policy Watch
- Category: Analysis
The most recent step in the post-2015 negotiations was the 17-20 February debate in New York on the Declaration, meant to be the framework political statement. Despite strong emphasis on transformation and high aspiration, traditional lines were drawn between (mostly) Northern and Southern positions.
At the same time, the debate was rich and nuanced, reflecting the increasing diversity of developing country concerns and their willingness to engage substantively on issues that will be critical to transformation. The process continues to suggest there is historic potential for redressing some of the longstanding imbalances driving deep social and economic disparities, and the impending collision with planetary boundaries. The notion that post-2015 is supposed to universally apply to every country and person in the world is unprecedented—never before has there been a development agenda this broad in scope.
Read more: The 2015 Declaration: Meeting Great Expectations (Maybe)
REDEFINING AID: IS IT GOOD, BAD OR UGLY?
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- Written by Marina Ponti/Social Watch
- Category: Analysis
The concept of Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSD) is being promoted as an alternative to the current Official Development Assistance (ODA). Is this going to put more money on the table or just a “creative accounting” way to meet the commitments made by developed countries without paying?
Is the concept of Total Official Support for Sustainable Development TOSD) good news?
SDGs and Post-2015: Perspectives from the South
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- Written by Bhumika Muchhala/Social Watch
- Category: Analysis
The United Nations General Assembly negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda have kicked off with Member States putting forward the broad contours of what they envision for the next 15 years of international development cooperation.
At the first of a series of meetings on 19-21 January at the UN headquarters in New York, the Group of 77 and China (G77) asserted that the post-2015 development agenda must be framed by guiding principles and international law, including that of Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Rio Principles on Environment and Development.
In particular, the Group stressed, there must be recognition that the international community's pursuit of sustainable development must be based on common but differentiated responsibilities, and that poverty eradication is the ultimate imperative for sustainable development.
WHY IT IS CRUCIAL TO STRENGTHEN EXTRA-TERRITORIAL HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS
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- Written by Claudio Schuftan/PHM
- Category: Analysis
Despite the universality of human rights, many states still disregard their extra-territorial obligations and apply human rights only within their own borders.
1. Human rights specialists have only relatively recently begun to give serious attention to the issue of extra-territorial obligations (ETOs), so the terminology relating to it has not yet sufficiently sunk-in. In the past, we have mostly referred to the external obligations of states. But the key point now is that states have responsibility for actions taken by themselves and also for actions taken by others --e.g., corporations-- outside their borders, especially but not only, when they have actual or potential control over them. (G. Kent)
Read more: WHY IT IS CRUCIAL TO STRENGTHEN EXTRA-TERRITORIAL HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS
European Parliament's tax evasion investigation kicks off
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- Written by Sven Giegold, MEP
- Category: Analysis
The European Parliament special committee to investigate tax evasion and dumping in Europe today met for the first time, agreeing on its structure and key posts at its constitutive meeting (1). The special committee will operate on the mandate proposed by the Greens/EFA group as the basis for an inquiry committee. Commenting on the occasion, Greens/EFA spokesperson on the special committee Sven Giegold said:
"We are glad that this investigation is finally starting its work, after months of obstruction by EU Parliament president Schulz and the leaders of the EP's bigger political groups. This special committee must swiftly ramp up its investigation of tax dumping and evasion in Europe with a view to preparing a proper legislative follow-up at EU level. We will make sure that the committee aggressively investigates those who are behind and have profited from aggressive tax practices in Europe and we sincerely hope the other political groups will also work to this goal. Greens urge whistleblowers and experts to support the inquiry with original information documenting tax dumping and the complacency of states and EU insitutions."
Read more: European Parliament's tax evasion investigation kicks off
World Bank and IMF: Year in Review
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- Written by Bretton Woods Project
- Category: Analysis
The Bretton Woods Project published its 'year in review' (2014) on the World Bank and the IMF: the key issues and developments with a perspective on the years to come.
Unequal Europe - Recommendations for a more caring Europe
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- Written by Friendsof Europe
- Category: Analysis
'Friends of Europe' just published a report on a new social pact for the European Union. The report was written by Professor Frank Vandenbroucke, former social-democrat minister of social affairs in Belgium, in collaboration with a group of employers, one German trade union and one NGO (for homeless people). Global Social Justice will come back to these ideas in the coming days but wants to present the report to its readers already.
