United Nation Human Rights (UNHR) independent expert on the effects of foreign debt on human and social rights, Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky said that the implementation of the fiscal adjustment program imposed on Greece by its creditors was a massive violation of human rights. In a press conference in Brussels, Friday, the independent expert expressed concerns regarding the shift in policy the EU had adopted by placing disproportionate emphasis on fiscal adjustment and undermining its previously balanced approach that ensured economic stability, equality and social cohesion.

Bohoslavsky said that Greece needed policies that would guarantee respecting minimum human rights. ‘It is unacceptable that some people do not have the ability to buy food, lose access to basic healthcare or are unable to have a roof over their head’, said the UNHR expert. He underlined that upholding human rights was the responsibility of everyone, including financial institutions and EU member-states implementing fiscal adjustment programs.

Commenting on the Greek debt, he said that the proposals by the creditors were ‘too little too late’. He said that it was widely accepted that a debt relief was necessary, adding that it was time for action in this direction. Bohoslavsky said the package of measures passed by the Greek government recently under the pressure of its lenders would have medium and long term effects on human rights in the country.