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	Ensure everyone pays their fair share to build a society where no-one is left behind by EU Tax Observatory, Oxfam, GI-ESCR, CESR   June 2024   A blueprint for a coordinated minimum effective taxation standard for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, by Gabriel Zucman. (EU Tax Observatory)   This report presents the proposal for an internationally coordinated standard ensuring an effective taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In the proposal, individuals with more than $1 billion in wealth would be required to pay a minimum amount of tax annually, equal to 2% of their wealth.   This standard could be flexibly implemented by participating countries through a variety of domestic instruments, including a presumptive income tax, an income tax on a broad notion of income, or a wealth tax.   The report presents evidence that contemporary tax systems fail to tax ultra-high-net-worth individuals effectively, clarifies the case for international coordination to address this issue, analyzes implementation challenges, and provides revenue estimations.   The main conclusions are that (i) building on recent progress in international tax cooperation, such a common standard has become technically feasible; (ii) it could be enforced successfully even if all countries did not adopt it, by strengthening current exit taxes and implementing “tax collector of last resort” mechanisms as in the coordinated minimum tax on multinational companies;   (iii) a minimum tax on billionaires equal to 2% of their wealth would raise $200-$250 billion per year globally from about 3,000 taxpayers; extending the tax to centimillionaires would add $100-$140 billion; (iv) this international standard would effectively address regressive features of contemporary tax systems at the top of the wealth distribution;   (v) it would not substitute for, but support domestic progressive tax policies, by improving transparency about top-end wealth, reducing incentives to engage in tax avoidance, and preventing a race to the bottom; (vi) its economic impact must be assessed in light of the observed pre-tax rate of return to wealth for ultra-high-net-worth individuals which has been 7.5% on average per year (net of inflation) over the last four decades, and of the current effective tax rate of billionaires, equivalent to 0.3% of their wealth.   http://www.taxobservatory.eu/publication/a-blueprint-for-a-coordinated-minimum-effective-taxation-standard-for-ultra-high-net-worth-individuals/ http://www.theguardian.com/news/article/2024/jun/25/international-scheme-to-tax-billionaires-wealth-technically-feasible-study-finds http://inequality.org/great-divide/a-practical-prescription-for-taxing-our-worlds-richest/ http://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/future-of-social-democracy/a-political-vaccine-against-the-extreme-right-7643/ http://clubmadrid.org/former-heads-state-government-call-president-biden-fellow-g20-leaders-back-global-deal-tax-ultra-rich/ http://www.taxobservatory.eu/publication/global-tax-evasion-report-2024/   May 2024   Civil Society recommendations on International Taxation to G20 Finance Ministers   For the first time, the G20 Finance Track has directly received recommendations from civil society organizations, marking a historic moment in international tax policy discussions.   At the G20 International Tax Symposium, civil society organizations presented to Brazil's Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad. These recommendations aim to guide G20 Finance Ministers towards more equitable and just international tax policies.   The initiative, led by Brazil’s G20 presidency, invited civil society to contribute directly to the dialogue on international taxation which took place in Brasilia on May 22 and 23, 2024, to discuss issues such as the building of a United Nations Convention on Tax, and an international approach to tax wealth.   The recommendations were developed collectively by over 40 national, Latin American, and international civil society organizations, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for inclusive and fair tax systems.   María Emilia Mamberti, from the Center for Economic & Social Rights: “This signifies an important milestone in the efforts of the human rights movement to connect tax and rights. It moved debates in the right direction to understand taxation not as a technical issue only pertaining to “tax payers”, but as a key instrument to enhance living standards for all rights holders”.   Recommendations include:   Support the creation and implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (UNFCITC). Ensure civil society participation in tax debates and decision-making processes. Incorporate human rights, socio-environmental, and climate obligations as general principles to guide tax decision-making.   Adopt criteria and measures that promote equity among countries, jurisdictions, and regions, and compensate for development disparities and power imbalances. Incorporate a gender and race/ethnicity approach in tax policies to combat inequalities.   Include the establishment of a global minimum tax on high wealth individuals in the UN framework convention on international tax cooperation (UNFCITC). Create a Financial Transactions Tax under the UNFCITC.   Promote international tax cooperation to facilitate a just and equitable climate transition, particularly through fairer global trade and investment. Support multilateral taxes to finance climate, environmental, and social justice.   Redirect resources from fossil fuel tax incentives to combat hunger, climate change, poverty, and inequality, and to promote climate justice and a just energy transition.   Strengthen efforts in information exchange and tax transparency, and work towards establishing a Global Asset Registry under the UNFCITC.   The event organized by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance is a milestone in the fight for tax justice, demonstrating civil society's commitment to influencing public policies significantly and responsibly.   Civil Society Recommendations on International Taxation for G20 Finance Ministers:   http://cesr.org/cesr-and-civil-society-allies-present-historic-taxation-recommendations-to-brazils-finance-minister-and-g20-authorities http://cesr.org/sites/default/files/2024/g20-recommendations-on-international-taxation.pdf   June 2024   Our future is public, and tax justice can get us there, by Carolina Rodrigues Finette for the Tax Justice Network   Public services form the backbone of a healthy, functioning society. They include essential services such as healthcare, education, transportation and social security. These services are vital for ensuring that all members of society, regardless of their economic status, have access to basic needs and opportunities for personal and professional growth. High-quality public services contribute to social stability, reduce inequality and promote well-being.   Despite their importance, many public services are underfunded. Governments around the world have increasingly resorted to austerity measures, which involve cutting public spending to reduce budget deficits. These cuts often hit the most vulnerable populations hardest, leading to overcrowded hospitals, under-resourced schools and inadequate social support systems.   In these scenarios, privatisation is often presented as a solution to the funding gaps in public services. However, privatisation poses significant risks. One of the risks associated with eliminating public, free access is the potential for a vicious downward spiral, where reliance on out-of-pocket services increasingly extorts more expenditure. As fees are hiked, individuals may find themselves trapped in debt, especially in worst-case scenarios within the healthcare sector.   Privatisation processes often prioritise profit over people, leading to reduced quality and accessibility of services. Those who benefit most from privatisation are typically private corporations and wealthy individuals rather than the general public. The interests of the rich are often at odds with the need for high-quality public services, as privatisation can lead to higher costs for users and lower wages for workers.   It is crucial to have a reliable and adequate funding mechanism to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of public services. This involves creating a tax system where those with the most contribute the most. Progressive taxation ensures that wealthy individuals and multinational corporations contribute a fair share of their income to the public good. Such a system can generate the necessary revenue to support and improve public services, benefiting all members of society.   Tax justice is our social power and a critical component in addressing the funding challenges public services face. By ensuring that the wealthy and corporations pay appropriate taxes, governments can secure the resources needed to fund essential services without resorting to austerity or harmful privatisation measures.   Tax justice can:   Expand revenue, ensuring that the tax system generates sufficient revenue to fund public services adequately. Promote redistribution by using progressive taxation to reduce inequality by redistributing wealth from the rich to the rest of society.   Reprice products to discourage harmful activities (like pollution) and encourage beneficial ones (like renewable energy investments) by adjusting taxes.   Support representation by ensuring that all citizens, especially those in marginalised communities, have a voice in how tax revenues are spent, promoting transparency and accountability. Promote reparation by using tax policy to address historical injustices and colonial legacies.   Our future is public, and ensuring tax justice is pivotal for the sustainable provision of high-quality public services. By adopting a fair and progressive tax system, we can generate the necessary funds to support healthcare, education, infrastructure and social security. It fosters a sense of community, ensures that everyone pays their fair share, and helps to build a society where no one is left behind. By embracing tax justice, we can lay the foundation for a more equitable future where public services are the cornerstone of a just and inclusive world.   http://taxjustice.net/reports/the-fiscal-social-contract-and-the-human-rights-economy http://taxjustice.net/all-latest-activity   June 2024   Public Service Day: Advocating for the Essential Role of Public Services, by Magdalena Sepulveda (Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: GI-ESCR)   Public Service Day, observed annually on 23 June, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 to celebrate the value of public service, highlight its role in development and recognise the work of public servants.   In the face of ongoing global challenges such as increasing privatisation and austerity measures, robust public services are crucial for social protection, good governance and addressing global challenges like poverty and climate change.   Public Service Day serves as a critical reminder of their importance in building a fairer and more sustainable society, and reinforces the necessity of protecting these services from private sector encroachment.   Advocating for Public Services Through Our Publications   Public services are the bedrock of a just and equitable society, ensuring that essential needs like education, healthcare and social protection are accessible to all, regardless of income or background. However, the increasing trend towards privatisation threatens to undermine these foundations by prioritising profit over public welfare.   Robust public services stand as a crucial counterbalance to inequality and exclusion, promoting social justice and human rights.   Recognising their importance, GI-ESCR has created several publications that dive deep into the current state of public services and make proposals to enhance their effectiveness and accessibility.   'Build Us More Schools! - The Quest for Quality Free Education in Mabatini and Ngei Wards of Mathare, Nairobi', our latest publication, reveals that despite the presence of private and low-cost schools, the quality and accessibility of education remain inadequate for many children, especially in informal settlements. The proliferation of private schools has led to significant disparities in education quality, with many children unable to afford school fees and related costs. This publication highlights the urgent need for government intervention to address these inequities and fulfil its constitutional mandate to provide free and compulsory basic education for every child.   'Access to Healthcare in Cote d'Ivoire: A Participatory-Action Research' reveals that public healthcare provision plays a vital role in ensuring that the right to health is accessible to all, especially the most marginalised groups. Unlike private healthcare, which often remains fragmented, expensive and inaccessible to low-income individuals, public healthcare facilities offer more affordable and specialised care. However, the research also underscores that public healthcare services in Côte d'Ivoire are severely underfunded and understaffed, necessitating urgent investment and support. This reinforces the importance of robust public services in realising fundamental human rights and reducing inequalities in healthcare access.   'Transformative Policies to Realise Universal Access to Medicines', which GI-ESCR published early in the year, underscores the crucial need for public services in the realm of healthcare. This policy brief highlights the limitations of commercial approaches to pharmaceutical innovation, which often prioritise profit over public health, leading to high medication prices and neglect of diseases that require treatments that are not lucrative. Instead, the brief advocates for policies such as knowledge commons and public options for pharmaceuticals, demonstrating that public ownership and open science can effectively address global health inequalities. By ensuring that essential medicines are accessible to all, without discrimination, these public options uphold the fundamental right to health.   'The Commons and Public Services: A New Way Forward or an Alternative to Human Rights?' underscores that the commercialisation of these services has led to a loss of democratic control, particularly harming the most disadvantaged. When these services are privatised, the focus shifts from public welfare to profit, often resulting in adverse outcomes for vulnerable populations.   GI-ESCR's exploration of the Commons model suggests that enabling local communities to manage resources collectively can offer a more equitable and inclusive approach, challenging the profit-driven models and promoting a fairer distribution of resources.   'A Care-led Transition to a Sustainable Future', our first publication of the year touching upon the topic, emphasises the critical necessity for public services to address the intertwined crises of care and climate. Public services are essential to ensure equitable access to care, mitigate the impacts of climate change and uphold human rights. The publication argues that the privatisation of care services exacerbates inequalities, as only wealthier households can afford private care, leaving low-income families and marginalised groups without essential support. Public investment in care services, regulated and funded by the state, ensures that care is a collective responsibility and not an individual burden.   This approach supports caregivers, predominantly women, and promotes gender equality and social justice, making societies more resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change and other global challenges.   Insights into the Perception of Public Services   GI-ESCR has commissioned a series of studies on the perception of public services, taking place in India, Nigeria and Latin America. These studies, conducted by the market research and public opinion agency 'Lexia', aim to shed light on the critical state of public services, focusing primarily on education and healthcare. The studies reveal a complex landscape of perceptions across different regions, emphasising the urgent need for policy interventions to address disparities and improve service quality.   In Latin America, the studies highlighted significant disparities in the access to and quality of public services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as those facing multidimensional poverty and gender-based inequalities. The data emphasised the urgent need for policies that address these disparities to ensure that public services fulfil their role in promoting social justice and human rights. Click here to read more.   In Nigeria, the research underscored the severe challenges faced by the public sector, particularly in education and healthcare. The public's perception was marked by a lack of trust in the quality and reliability of government services, with many preferring private alternatives despite the higher costs.   This situation was compounded by systemic issues such as corruption and inadequate infrastructure, which severely undermined the effectiveness of public services.   In India, the study revealed a nuanced view of public services. While there was recognition of the improvements made in recent years, particularly in healthcare, significant challenges remained. The public sector was seen as essential for providing affordable services, but it struggled with issues of quality and efficiency. The ambivalent perception of public services in India reflected the trade-offs that citizens had to make between cost, quality and accessibility. Click here to read more.   Commissioning these studies is an academic exercise as well as a vital part of our advocacy work. By gathering data directly from diverse communities, we can paint an accurate picture of the challenges faced by people in accessing quality public services. This evidence is necessary for formulating effective policies and advocacy strategies to ensure that public services meet the needs of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable. The reports provide the necessary data to understand public sentiment and the real-world impacts of service privatisation.   GI-ESCR remains committed to advocating for robust public services that uphold human rights and promote social justice. Our ongoing research and publications serve as critical tools in highlighting the disparities and challenges faced by communities worldwide, reinforcing the necessity of government intervention and public investment. By drawing attention to these issues, we aim to inspire action and policy changes that will ensure equitable access to essential services for all.   http://gi-escr.org/en/our-work/on-the-ground/public-service-day-advocating-for-the-essential-role-of-public-services http://gi-escr.org/en/resources/publications/the-commons-and-public-services   22 Mar. 2024   UN agrees plan for wealth tax law blueprint. (Tax Justice Network)   The UN tax committee has agreed by consensus to issue guidance on designing wealth tax laws, opening the door for countries to tax extreme wealth. It is estimated that there is more than twice as much wealth hidden offshore beyond the rule of law than there are printed dollars and euros in circulation today.   The UN guidance will provide countries with a blueprint to implement at home, giving countries both the technical know-how and political backing to tax the wealth of the richest members of society – something that most countries have shied away from under fierce lobbying pressure.   Approval for the drafting of a model law included in the guidance was briefly delayed following requests from some countries for minor changes, including relabelling the “model law” as an “example law”.   Nonetheless, the agreement on the guidance signals a historic shift in global consensus on taxing extreme wealth and is the latest demonstration of the UN’s ability to push the needle on tax reform at a globally inclusive scale.   Contrary to expectations, the OECD and other objectors who had voiced opposition to the model law in previous committee sessions did not make a decisive intervention during Thursday’s meeting. Analysts at the Tax Justice Network suspect that the recent prioritisation of wealth taxes by the G20, championed by Brazil, was a factor behind the lack of pushback. The transparency and public scrutiny of UN discussions, compared to the closed-door opacity of OECD processes, may also have reduced the willingness to take blocking positions.   Alex Cobham, chief executive at the Tax Justice Network said: “This is another victory on tax secured at the UN through the leadership of global South countries, but for the benefit of people everywhere. Enhancing the technical and political space for national governments to pursue progressive tax measures will, over time, allow countries to generate greater revenues to invest in inclusive public services, while at the same time tackling the extreme wealth inequalities that damage all of our societies. We’re starting to see a consistent pattern, where the transparency of tax discussions at the UN leads to much better outcomes. The concurrent process to negotiate a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation offers the world an unprecedented opportunity to lock in that dynamic, and finally to fix the international tax rules that cost us all so much.”   http://taxjustice.net/press/un-agrees-plan-for-wealth-tax-law-blueprint/ http://taxjustice.net/2024/05/28/litany-of-failure-new-briefing-sets-out-oecds-manifold-shortcomings-in-international-tax-talks/ http://taxjustice.net/reports/the-fiscal-social-contract-and-the-human-rights-economy http://taxjustice.net/all-latest-activity http://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/wealthy-countries-push-back-as-un-moves-ahead-with-global-tax-plan/   The Forbes 2024 Billionaires list reports that the number of worldwide billionaires grew by 141 in the past year, with 2,781 people holding wealth that exceeds $1 billion. These people own combined assets of $14.2 trillion, exceeding the gross domestic product of every country in the world except the U.S. and China.   Their collective wealth has risen by 120% in the past decade, at the same time as billions of people across the world have seen their living standards decrease in the face of inflation and the cost of living crisis.   Taxing windfall profits of fossil fuels and financial companies. (ActionAid, Oxfam)   In the two years running up to June 2023, 36 companies (14 in fossil fuels and 22 in the banking sector), made windfall profits of US$424 billion. These are not their overall profits, these are just the profits that are above and beyond their normal profits.   In the last two years, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and high inflation and interest rates in much of the world have helped contribute to the bumper profits of fossil fuels companies and the banking sector. By applying a 90% tax on these windfall profits, close to US$382bn could be raised. This money is urgently needed to address hunger, for climate action, to protect vulnerable communities and to build resilience through improved social protection and public services.   http://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/less-8-cents-every-dollar-tax-revenue-collected-g20-countries-comes-taxes-wealth http://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621477/bp-survival-of-the-richest-160123-en.pdf http://taxjustice.net/press/un-agrees-plan-for-wealth-tax-law-blueprint/ http://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/wealth-five-richest-men-doubles-2020-five-billion-people-made-poorer-decade-division http://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/inequality-inc-how-corporate-power-divides-our-world-and-the-need-for-a-new-era-621583/   http://actionaid.org/publications/2024/taxing-windfall-profits-fossil-fuels-and-financial-companies-can-boost-climate http://actionaid.org/publications/2024/briefings-climate-justice-and-finance http://www.ipsnews.net/2024/01/worlds-richest-men-leave-women-far-behind-amid-rising-economic-inequalities/ http://www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/new-report-taken-not-earned-how-monopolists-drive-the-worlds-power-and-wealth-divide/ http://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-0 http://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/economy-and-ecology/addressing-gender-inequality-in-climate-response-7367/ http://globaltaxjustice.org/news/upholding-womens-rights-by-taxing-fairly-for-gender-transformative-care/
	Let us continue to work together to keep Humanity alive by ICRC, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies   Amid armed conflicts and violence, disasters, climate-related crises, epidemics, food insecurity and mass displacements in some of the world's most vulnerable situations, our commitment to helping others remains strong.   In these challenging times, the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems we wear are powerful symbols promising protection to people in need. Their universal recognition is crucial to help protect volunteers and staff worldwide as they carry out their life-saving work.   Upholding neutral and impartial humanitarian action is paramount and allows our teams to access the most remote, at-risk communities in crisis.   With so many global challenges competing for attention and resources, we are committed to shining a light on and addressing the forgotten crises around the world.   In a time of polarization and the dehumanization of various groups, including migrants, neighbouring communities, and even first aid workers, our Movement reinforces the basic principle of humanity, especially in the places where it is most essential to keeping Humanity alive.   Respect for international humanitarian law not only preserves the humanity of people affected by crises, it preserves our own humanity – both today and in the future.   Upholding international humanitarian law reflects the Movement's core values and is essential for ensuring the well-being and dignity of all people in need.   Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff are often the first to respond to to a crisis or disaster. From the most remote corners of the globe and the most challenging contexts, our volunteers and staff are pillars of hope.   Every day, they keep humanity alive, providing comfort to people in desperate need – sometimes paying the highest price in the process. This World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we honour their service, bravery and sacrifice.   Beyond borders and amidst our diverse backgrounds, the unity of our Movement lies in our shared commitment to humanitarian action.   Our work is rooted in the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Even in the darkest moments, every act of kindness is a beacon of hope, promising a brighter tomorrow.   On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we fondly remember our colleagues who have died while supporting our humanitarian mission and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones. We also have immense gratitude to all Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff for their unwavering dedication.   Let us continue to work together to keep Humanity alive.   http://www.icrc.org/en/document/message-world-red-cross-and-red-crescent-day-2024 http://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/contemporary-challenges-for-ihl/respect-ihl http://www.icrc.org/en/media-room http://www.ifrc.org/press-releases/all Visit the related web page
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