Government austerity policy a breach of international human rights, says UN report

By Caroline Mortimer

The British Government’s austerity policies are a breach of international human rights, a new report by the UN has warned.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has expressed “serious concerns” about growing inequality in the UK following six years of austerity policies under the current Conservative Government and the Coalition which preceded it.

Based on evidence provided by charities and campaign groups, the body concluded that the regressive nature of policies such as universal credit and the “bedroom tax” meant they breached the UK’s international human rights obligations.

The review is the first of UK policy since 2009, making it the first time Conservative policy has come under scrutiny.

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