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February 18, 2009
MMC’s Radhika Balakrishnan to Present Report on Macro Economics and Human Rights
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Contacts:
Manny Romero, Director of Communications & Publications, Marymount Manhattan, (212) 517-0451, mromero@mmm.edu
Janvieve Williams, Director of Communications, U.S. Human Rights Network, (404) 610-2807, jwilliams@ushrnetwork.org
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Radhika Balakrishnan, Ph.D.
| | (New York, NY) Among the risks posed by the current global economic crisis, the potential for human rights violations against the world’s most vulnerable populations is especially acute. A new report, “Rethinking Macro Economics from a Human Rights Perspective,” argues that protecting and promoting universal human rights even in the most difficult times is not only compatible with sound economic policy, but necessary to ensure a just society. Authors Radhika Balakrishnan, Ph.D., Diane Elson and Raj Patel will present the report from 12:30 – 3 p.m., Feb. 20, at the Church Center, 777 U.N. Plaza (across from the United Nations).
Balakrishnan is a professor of economics and international studies at Marymount Manhattan College. She earned a Ph.D. in economics from Rutgers University and has worked at The Ford Foundation as a program officer in the Asia Regional Program. She is also currently on the boards of Women’s Edge Coalition and the U.S. Human Rights Network.
The report begins with a simple and clear introduction to the human rights framework and macro economic theory. Using case studies from the United States and Mexico over the past several decades, the report then demonstrates how macro economic policy and human rights intersect in the areas of government spending, taxation, monetary and trade policies, and regulation of the private sector.
Following the authors’ presentation, a series of speakers will further explore the topic of economics and human rights. The speakers include:
Larry Cox, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA
Ajamu Baraka, Executive Director, U.S. Human Rights Network
Jorge Romero Leon, Executive Director, Fundar
Clara Jusidman, President, INCIDE Social (Mexico)
Heather Grady, Director of Policy and Strategy, Realizing Rights
Manuel Montes, Chief, Policy Analysis and Development, UNDESA
Speakers will be available to meet with the media at 12:30 p.m. In addition, authors will be available for interviews during the week. To set up an interview or for more information, please contact Janvieve Williams with the U.S. Human Rights Network.
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