Seven organisations, including the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, have published a new briefing outlining the concept of a human rights economy and its importance in ongoing global debates. As calls grow stronger for economic systems to better uphold human rights, this briefing arrives at an important moment, responding to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' appeal for 'a life-changing vision – and concerted action to follow up'.

Amid ongoing and emerging crises that threaten economic justice, the briefing offers a clear framework based on existing international human rights law. It advocates for transitions toward economies that prioritise people's rights, sustainability and fairness.

Central to this approach is the belief that all economies should guarantee essential rights, including food, health and education. Highlighting positive local experiences from Colombia, The Gambia and Spain, as well as problematic policies promoted by global institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, the briefing stresses the urgent need for systemic reforms. These reforms would realign international financial institutions, national budgets and laws with human rights principles.

The organisations urge states to immediately integrate the human rights economy concept into relevant resolutions at Human Rights Council sessions and key international negotiations, including the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the UN Tax Convention, the Second World Summit for Social Development and COP meetings.