Lena Simet
@lenasimet.bsky.social
Senior Economic Justice Researcher @Human Rights Watch | Author of Cities and Economic Inequality in Latin America @Routledge
Pinned
Lena Simet
@lenasimet.bsky.social
· May 12
1/ After nearly 3 years of research, our @hrw.org report "The Gig Trap" is finally out. It documents how companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, Favor, and Amazon Flex created a business model that undermines labor rights & deepens inequality in the US. A 🧵https://hrw.org/node/391214
Reposted by Lena Simet
This week world leaders made commitments to fulfil rights at #WSS2. But this won’t happen without money.
We’re now looking at Nairobi where the UN Tax Convention #UNTC negotiations are resuming on Monday - it could be the key to deliver on those commitments.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
We’re now looking at Nairobi where the UN Tax Convention #UNTC negotiations are resuming on Monday - it could be the key to deliver on those commitments.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
World Leaders Commit to Supporting Social Development and Rights
At the second United Nations Social Summit in Qatar this week, dozens of governments adopted the Doha Political Declaration, renewing their commitments to tackle poverty, create decent work, combat di...
www.hrw.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
This week world leaders made commitments to fulfil rights at #WSS2. But this won’t happen without money.
We’re now looking at Nairobi where the UN Tax Convention #UNTC negotiations are resuming on Monday - it could be the key to deliver on those commitments.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
We’re now looking at Nairobi where the UN Tax Convention #UNTC negotiations are resuming on Monday - it could be the key to deliver on those commitments.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Lena Simet
NEW: @oxfamamerica.bsky.social's US inequality report🧵
10 richest Americans gained $698 billion in the past year.
As tens of millions struggle to get by, Trump policies could drive US inequality to new extremes.
We dive deep on how we got here, and the change needed.
oxfamamerica.org/unequal
10 richest Americans gained $698 billion in the past year.
As tens of millions struggle to get by, Trump policies could drive US inequality to new extremes.
We dive deep on how we got here, and the change needed.
oxfamamerica.org/unequal
November 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
NEW: @oxfamamerica.bsky.social's US inequality report🧵
10 richest Americans gained $698 billion in the past year.
As tens of millions struggle to get by, Trump policies could drive US inequality to new extremes.
We dive deep on how we got here, and the change needed.
oxfamamerica.org/unequal
10 richest Americans gained $698 billion in the past year.
As tens of millions struggle to get by, Trump policies could drive US inequality to new extremes.
We dive deep on how we got here, and the change needed.
oxfamamerica.org/unequal
As the US government shutdown drags on, SNAP—the country's largest food assistance program—is set to halt benefits Saturday, cutting off benefits for 42 million people.
My @hrw.org colleague @jackspehn.bsky.social explains what’s at stake and why Congress must act.👇
My @hrw.org colleague @jackspehn.bsky.social explains what’s at stake and why Congress must act.👇
Suspending SNAP payments will put the rights of tens of millions of Americans in jeopardy. No one’s ability to eat should be vulnerable to political games.
New dispatch from @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
New dispatch from @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Tens of Millions at Risk of Hunger if US Food Assistance Lapses
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last Friday that it will stop distributing payments for essential food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) startin...
www.hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:23 PM
As the US government shutdown drags on, SNAP—the country's largest food assistance program—is set to halt benefits Saturday, cutting off benefits for 42 million people.
My @hrw.org colleague @jackspehn.bsky.social explains what’s at stake and why Congress must act.👇
My @hrw.org colleague @jackspehn.bsky.social explains what’s at stake and why Congress must act.👇
Reposted by Lena Simet
Social protection is a human right.
In a new report, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism.
Read more:
In a new report, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism.
Read more:
Welfare cuts are fuelling far right rise, warns UN expert
NEW YORK – The rolling back of protections for people living in poverty has created fertile ground for far-right movements across the world, warned the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human ...
www.ohchr.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Social protection is a human right.
In a new report, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism.
Read more:
In a new report, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism.
Read more:
This new report couldn’t be more timely as we see austerity and welfare cuts drive anger and division. UN expert @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism. 👇
My message at the United Nations General Assembly #UNGA80: "Welfare cuts are fuelling far right rise"
Press release ➡️: www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Press release ➡️: www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Welfare cuts are fuelling far right rise, warns UN expert
NEW YORK – The rolling back of protections for people living in poverty has created fertile ground for far-right movements across the world, warned the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human ...
www.ohchr.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:25 PM
This new report couldn’t be more timely as we see austerity and welfare cuts drive anger and division. UN expert @deschuttero.bsky.social warns that weakening social protection fuels the rise of far-right populism. 👇
Yet another Gen Z–led protest over #inequality, unemployment, and economic policies that fail the majority — this time in #Morocco. Demands are clear: better healthcare, education & social protection. Morocco spends billions on stadiums for the 2030 #FIFA World Cup, while social spending lags.
Moroccans are claiming their human rights and calling for an end to corruption.
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
October 17, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Yet another Gen Z–led protest over #inequality, unemployment, and economic policies that fail the majority — this time in #Morocco. Demands are clear: better healthcare, education & social protection. Morocco spends billions on stadiums for the 2030 #FIFA World Cup, while social spending lags.
Reposted by Lena Simet
📢 EU Billionaires’ wealth surges by over €400bn in first half of 2025.
That’s over €2bn a day.
🔗https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/eu-billionaires-wealth-surges-over-eu400-billion-first-half-2025
#TaxTheRich
That’s over €2bn a day.
🔗https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/eu-billionaires-wealth-surges-over-eu400-billion-first-half-2025
#TaxTheRich
October 9, 2025 at 5:27 AM
📢 EU Billionaires’ wealth surges by over €400bn in first half of 2025.
That’s over €2bn a day.
🔗https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/eu-billionaires-wealth-surges-over-eu400-billion-first-half-2025
#TaxTheRich
That’s over €2bn a day.
🔗https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/eu-billionaires-wealth-surges-over-eu400-billion-first-half-2025
#TaxTheRich
Reposted by Lena Simet
Morocco's youth have clear-cut demands for better healthcare, education & end to corruption. If the government can fund state-of-the art stadiums, it can afford to fund its healthcare.
Calls for reform should not be met with repression, lethal force @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Calls for reform should not be met with repression, lethal force @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Morocco: Protests Met with Repression, Violence
Moroccan authorities have cracked down on youth-led protests demanding sweeping reforms to public services, resulting in deaths and mass arrests.
www.hrw.org
October 15, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Morocco's youth have clear-cut demands for better healthcare, education & end to corruption. If the government can fund state-of-the art stadiums, it can afford to fund its healthcare.
Calls for reform should not be met with repression, lethal force @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Calls for reform should not be met with repression, lethal force @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Happening today!
Join us in person at @hrw.org's DC office — or online — for a discussion on Alternatives to Austerity, held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
🕔 5pm ET
📍 RSVP to join in person: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
💻 Join online: bit.ly/494BZ51
Join us in person at @hrw.org's DC office — or online — for a discussion on Alternatives to Austerity, held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
🕔 5pm ET
📍 RSVP to join in person: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
💻 Join online: bit.ly/494BZ51
October 15, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Happening today!
Join us in person at @hrw.org's DC office — or online — for a discussion on Alternatives to Austerity, held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
🕔 5pm ET
📍 RSVP to join in person: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
💻 Join online: bit.ly/494BZ51
Join us in person at @hrw.org's DC office — or online — for a discussion on Alternatives to Austerity, held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
🕔 5pm ET
📍 RSVP to join in person: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
💻 Join online: bit.ly/494BZ51
Low tax revenues helped drive Sri Lanka to economic crisis. New report by @hrw.org’s @sarahsaadoun.bsky.social on how tax policies favoring companies & the wealthy have for decades been undermining human rights, including to education www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
October 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Low tax revenues helped drive Sri Lanka to economic crisis. New report by @hrw.org’s @sarahsaadoun.bsky.social on how tax policies favoring companies & the wealthy have for decades been undermining human rights, including to education www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Lena Simet
Today, @hrw.org released the 1st major report on tax, documenting how policies that favor the rich drove Sri Lanka into economic crisis & starved its public education system. UN tax treaty negotiations are historic chance to address a root cause. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Sri Lanka: Ruinous Tax Policies Stoke Inequality
Sri Lanka’s tax policies played a driving role in the country’s devastating 2022 economic crisis and have contributed to the chronic underfunding of education and other public services.
www.hrw.org
October 15, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Today, @hrw.org released the 1st major report on tax, documenting how policies that favor the rich drove Sri Lanka into economic crisis & starved its public education system. UN tax treaty negotiations are historic chance to address a root cause. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
As the 2025 World Bank #AnnualMeetings open today, a new @hrw.org report finds IFC-backed microfinance in #Cambodia has driven millions—mostly people living in poverty—into debt through predatory lending, leading to land loss, child labor, and debt-driven suicides.
www.hrw.org/report/2025/...
www.hrw.org/report/2025/...
October 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
As the 2025 World Bank #AnnualMeetings open today, a new @hrw.org report finds IFC-backed microfinance in #Cambodia has driven millions—mostly people living in poverty—into debt through predatory lending, leading to land loss, child labor, and debt-driven suicides.
www.hrw.org/report/2025/...
www.hrw.org/report/2025/...
Reposted by Lena Simet
I am reading reports that the German coalition has agreed the main parts of its welfare "reform" package. Details still emerging.
This shift toward a more punitive logic and harsher sanctions will come at the cost of human rights.
I explain more in this recent piece.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
This shift toward a more punitive logic and harsher sanctions will come at the cost of human rights.
I explain more in this recent piece.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Rights Should Guide Welfare ‘Reform’ Debate in Germany
The partners in Germany’s governing Christian Democrat-Social Democrat coalition have been sparring over the contents of a planned replacement of the Citizen’s Income social security benefit, with a “...
www.hrw.org
October 9, 2025 at 10:03 AM
I am reading reports that the German coalition has agreed the main parts of its welfare "reform" package. Details still emerging.
This shift toward a more punitive logic and harsher sanctions will come at the cost of human rights.
I explain more in this recent piece.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
This shift toward a more punitive logic and harsher sanctions will come at the cost of human rights.
I explain more in this recent piece.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Lena Simet
The German government's plan for social security "reform" is bad news for #humanrights.
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
October 9, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The German government's plan for social security "reform" is bad news for #humanrights.
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Lena Simet
One to watch for the ESCR nerds out there.
The first complaint from Germany to the UN CESCR, since the country relatively recently (Apr 2023) accepted the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR.
Focused on withdrawal of benefits from some asylum-seekers.
⬇️
The first complaint from Germany to the UN CESCR, since the country relatively recently (Apr 2023) accepted the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR.
Focused on withdrawal of benefits from some asylum-seekers.
⬇️
Keine Sozialleistungen für Geflüchtete? Wir reichen die erste Beschwerde aus Deutschland beim UN-Sozialpaktausschuss ein: Der Beschwerdeführer bekommt keine Leistungen mehr & ist obdachlos. Wir fordern schnelle Hilfe & die Abschaffung des Leistungsausschlusses: freiheitsrechte.org/existenziell...
October 2, 2025 at 6:54 AM
One to watch for the ESCR nerds out there.
The first complaint from Germany to the UN CESCR, since the country relatively recently (Apr 2023) accepted the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR.
Focused on withdrawal of benefits from some asylum-seekers.
⬇️
The first complaint from Germany to the UN CESCR, since the country relatively recently (Apr 2023) accepted the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR.
Focused on withdrawal of benefits from some asylum-seekers.
⬇️
Reposted by Lena Simet
The new rush on minerals carries massive human rights risks and has already caused harm to people and planet.
Colombia’s initiative at #UNEA7 is a chance to change course. With 50+ partners, we @hrw.org encourage Colombia to pursue its goal for a global binding agreement on mineral supply chains.
Colombia’s initiative at #UNEA7 is a chance to change course. With 50+ partners, we @hrw.org encourage Colombia to pursue its goal for a global binding agreement on mineral supply chains.
September 25, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Reposted by Lena Simet
Germany’s government is set to make major social security cuts, and replace the only recently-created “Citizen’s Income” with a more punitive “New Income for Jobseekers”.
These plans will increase poverty.
Human rights can help guide the debate back to what matters.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
These plans will increase poverty.
Human rights can help guide the debate back to what matters.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
September 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Germany’s government is set to make major social security cuts, and replace the only recently-created “Citizen’s Income” with a more punitive “New Income for Jobseekers”.
These plans will increase poverty.
Human rights can help guide the debate back to what matters.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
These plans will increase poverty.
Human rights can help guide the debate back to what matters.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
New Jersey's proposed rule codifying the ABC test is a critical step toward addressing worker misclassification - including in the platform economy, where millions are denied their rights.
@hrw.org strongly supports the rule by @njlabordept.bsky.social. Read our letter: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
@hrw.org strongly supports the rule by @njlabordept.bsky.social. Read our letter: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
August 5, 2025 at 5:27 PM
New Jersey's proposed rule codifying the ABC test is a critical step toward addressing worker misclassification - including in the platform economy, where millions are denied their rights.
@hrw.org strongly supports the rule by @njlabordept.bsky.social. Read our letter: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
@hrw.org strongly supports the rule by @njlabordept.bsky.social. Read our letter: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
Reposted by Lena Simet
Whether they perform surgery, pick fruit or tobacco, teach children, play music, or pack meat, immigrants' hands deserve dignity: not human rights violations.
#ConEstasManos #WithTheseHands
HRW shares this video in solidarity: www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXq...
#ConEstasManos #WithTheseHands
HRW shares this video in solidarity: www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXq...
With These Hands / Intro
YouTube video by SEIU California
www.youtube.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Whether they perform surgery, pick fruit or tobacco, teach children, play music, or pack meat, immigrants' hands deserve dignity: not human rights violations.
#ConEstasManos #WithTheseHands
HRW shares this video in solidarity: www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXq...
#ConEstasManos #WithTheseHands
HRW shares this video in solidarity: www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXq...
Reposted by Lena Simet
⚖️ Justicia laboral para los trabajadores de plataforma.
Cada día, millones de trabajadores en EEUU se conectan a aplicaciones como @Uber, @DoorDash y @AmazonFlex para ganarse la vida, sin saber cuánto se les pagará, cómo se asignan los trabajos o si pueden ser expulsados
www.hrw.org/es/news/2025...
Cada día, millones de trabajadores en EEUU se conectan a aplicaciones como @Uber, @DoorDash y @AmazonFlex para ganarse la vida, sin saber cuánto se les pagará, cómo se asignan los trabajos o si pueden ser expulsados
www.hrw.org/es/news/2025...
Un nuevo proyecto de ley podría frenar la explotación laboral en el trabajo a través de plataformas en EE. UU
La economía gig se rige por reglas ocultas. Cada día, millones de trabajadores en Estados Unidos se conectan a aplicaciones como Uber, DoorDash y Amazon Flex para ganarse la vida, sin saber cuánto se ...
www.hrw.org
July 29, 2025 at 5:53 PM
⚖️ Justicia laboral para los trabajadores de plataforma.
Cada día, millones de trabajadores en EEUU se conectan a aplicaciones como @Uber, @DoorDash y @AmazonFlex para ganarse la vida, sin saber cuánto se les pagará, cómo se asignan los trabajos o si pueden ser expulsados
www.hrw.org/es/news/2025...
Cada día, millones de trabajadores en EEUU se conectan a aplicaciones como @Uber, @DoorDash y @AmazonFlex para ganarse la vida, sin saber cuánto se les pagará, cómo se asignan los trabajos o si pueden ser expulsados
www.hrw.org/es/news/2025...
The gig economy runs on hidden rules. A new bill in the US Congress could help change that and start protecting the workers powering platforms like #Uber, #DoorDash & #AmazonFlex.
Read more @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2025/07....
A 🧵
Read more @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2025/07....
A 🧵
July 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
The gig economy runs on hidden rules. A new bill in the US Congress could help change that and start protecting the workers powering platforms like #Uber, #DoorDash & #AmazonFlex.
Read more @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2025/07....
A 🧵
Read more @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2025/07....
A 🧵
Check out @nelp.org's new piece on #AmazonFlex's labor model - yet another reminder of what happens when platform workers are misclassified and subject to algorithmic management: sub-minimum wages, inadequate benefits, and virtually no job protections.
www.nelp.org/insights-res...
www.nelp.org/insights-res...
July 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Check out @nelp.org's new piece on #AmazonFlex's labor model - yet another reminder of what happens when platform workers are misclassified and subject to algorithmic management: sub-minimum wages, inadequate benefits, and virtually no job protections.
www.nelp.org/insights-res...
www.nelp.org/insights-res...
Reposted by Lena Simet
As the #UCBill (without PIP) returns to UK Parliament for its third (and final?) reading, my post for @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
The watered-down version of the Bill will still negatively affect many with disabilities and long term health conditions. The government should scrap it.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
The watered-down version of the Bill will still negatively affect many with disabilities and long term health conditions. The government should scrap it.
Revised UK Social Security Bill Still Harms Rights
The UK government’s draft law to cut spending on disability-related social security triggered major opposition from within the ruling party, forcing the government to roll back some of the legislation...
www.hrw.org
July 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
As the #UCBill (without PIP) returns to UK Parliament for its third (and final?) reading, my post for @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
The watered-down version of the Bill will still negatively affect many with disabilities and long term health conditions. The government should scrap it.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
The watered-down version of the Bill will still negatively affect many with disabilities and long term health conditions. The government should scrap it.
Reposted by Lena Simet
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" 🍽️.
Why is #FFD4 important for human rights - and how can human rights contribute to reshaping global economic rules to make it fairer?
Our very own @mcconnell_m makes it very clear just 1️⃣ minute below.
Why is #FFD4 important for human rights - and how can human rights contribute to reshaping global economic rules to make it fairer?
Our very own @mcconnell_m makes it very clear just 1️⃣ minute below.
July 3, 2025 at 5:51 PM
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" 🍽️.
Why is #FFD4 important for human rights - and how can human rights contribute to reshaping global economic rules to make it fairer?
Our very own @mcconnell_m makes it very clear just 1️⃣ minute below.
Why is #FFD4 important for human rights - and how can human rights contribute to reshaping global economic rules to make it fairer?
Our very own @mcconnell_m makes it very clear just 1️⃣ minute below.
40% of Guatemalans don’t have running water in their homes. Our new @hrw.org report shows deep inequalities in access, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. A water law is a first step toward tackling the crisis—& advancing justice 👉 www.hrw.org/report/2025/...
July 3, 2025 at 1:23 PM
40% of Guatemalans don’t have running water in their homes. Our new @hrw.org report shows deep inequalities in access, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. A water law is a first step toward tackling the crisis—& advancing justice 👉 www.hrw.org/report/2025/...