Don't cut aid due to downturn, UN body urges

By Robert Evans

GENEVA (Reuters) - Rich nations should not cut back their aid to the world's poor because of the global financial crisis, the United Nations' Human Rights Council said on Monday.

It also said it was time to set up a fairer international economic system.

In a resolution that failed to win the support of Western powers, the 47-member council urged all states "to refrain from reducing international financial resources for development, including official development assistance and from imposing protectionist measures".

It backed recent calls to boost participation of developing countries in international economic decision-making, such as on the boards of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

The resolution passed with 31 in favour, 14 abstentions and two absent at the end of a two-day special session on the effects of economic woes on human rights, which was called at the initiative of Brazil and Egypt on behalf of African states.

The resolution said the council "expresses deep concern that the universal realisation and effective enjoyment of human rights are challenged due to multiple and inter-related global economic and financial crises".

But developed countries -- including European Union members, Canada and Japan, with backing from Mexico -- argued the resolution went too far into fields like trade which were beyond the council's remit.

Many also voiced concern that an emphasis on collective social and economic rights would distract attention from ongoing violations of individual rights, such as free speech and freedom to form labour unions.