October 6, 2020 -- GCE-US calls on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to immediately stop promoting austerity around the world, and instead advocate policies that advance gender justice, reduce inequality, and decisively put people and planet first.
More than 500 organizations and academics from 87 countries, including GCE-US, have issued a statement today calling on the IMF to stop promoting austerity and instead support policies that advance gender justice, reduce inequality, and put people and planet first.
The IMF has already begun locking some countries into long term austerity-conditioned loans, while encouraging countries to take such recovery measures through its short-term, front loaded emergency financing packages. Such policies will further entrench gender and economic inequality and undermine any chance of an inclusive recovery, especially as many countries in the Global South are expected to need more long-term financing in the near future
The statement comes ahead of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings slated to begin next week (12-18 October).
“GCE-US urges the IMF to stop promoting austerity around the world. Investment in human rights, including education, is crucial for society to come back stronger after COVID-19.” -- Jennifer Rigg, Executive Director, Global Campaign for Education-US