In @hrw's World Report 2021 we highlight that #inequality is a serious human rights concern. As countries engage in Covid recovery efforts, building towards a more just economy that works for all of us is key. #Rights2021 w/ @sarah_saadoun & @Komala_chandra https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/essay/fighting-inequality-as-we-beat-back-covid

Covid has highlighted inequalities and made them worse. While 9% of the world’s population may experience extreme poverty during the pandemic, the combined wealth of global billionaires has already reached new heights.

The level of economic pain caused by Covid largely depends on a country's commitment to protecting economic rights and the use of relief funds. While the Netherlands covered most of people's lost wages, in the US 1/2 households had trouble paying for expenses like food or rent.

Countries will have to take action to build towards a more just and rights-based economic recovery that confronts, not exacerbates, inequality. This means investing in public services & social protection and introducing/ strengthening progressive taxation to fund public services.

Most importantly, it means investing in neglected communities and avoiding harmful fiscal austerity. International actors like the @WorldBank and @IMFNews should support countries in establishing adequate social protection floors and progressive tools for raising revenue.