Sylvain Aubry
@sylvainaubry.bsky.social
Demanding climate and economic justice & quality public services
Deputy Director Economic Justice & Rights @Human Rights Watch
Teaching @sciencespo
Formerly @GIESCR @RTE
Fr/Eng
Deputy Director Economic Justice & Rights @Human Rights Watch
Teaching @sciencespo
Formerly @GIESCR @RTE
Fr/Eng
The 2nd round of UN Tax Convention talks starts today in Nairobi, Kenya, potentially unlocking trillions of dollars. Holding these negotiations in Africa itself is a key step towards decolonizing international law. With nearly 100 CSO representatives , the world is watching!
November 10, 2025 at 8:39 AM
The 2nd round of UN Tax Convention talks starts today in Nairobi, Kenya, potentially unlocking trillions of dollars. Holding these negotiations in Africa itself is a key step towards decolonizing international law. With nearly 100 CSO representatives , the world is watching!
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 Sylvain Aubry
🚨Human Rights Watch just published a new 101-page Sri Lanka report 'Tax Giveaways, Struggling Schools'.
A panel of experts will discuss the findings from 16:00 local time in Colombo (12:30 CET), with an introduction by @fborello.bsky.social.
Live-stream⤵️
www.facebook.com/neelantiruch...
A panel of experts will discuss the findings from 16:00 local time in Colombo (12:30 CET), with an introduction by @fborello.bsky.social.
Live-stream⤵️
www.facebook.com/neelantiruch...
October 15, 2025 at 9:59 AM
🚨Human Rights Watch just published a new 101-page Sri Lanka report 'Tax Giveaways, Struggling Schools'.
A panel of experts will discuss the findings from 16:00 local time in Colombo (12:30 CET), with an introduction by @fborello.bsky.social.
Live-stream⤵️
www.facebook.com/neelantiruch...
A panel of experts will discuss the findings from 16:00 local time in Colombo (12:30 CET), with an introduction by @fborello.bsky.social.
Live-stream⤵️
www.facebook.com/neelantiruch...
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
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...
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
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 Sylvain Aubry
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 Sylvain Aubry
Learn more about the UK Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Network here. It may be relevant to your work and something for you or your organization to join.
🌱 Poverty is rising, rights are under pressure, but change is possible when we act together.
The UK ESCR Network brings 190+ members fighting for housing, health, food, and social security as rights.
Read our new blog about why you should join!
justfair.org.uk/stronger-tog...
The UK ESCR Network brings 190+ members fighting for housing, health, food, and social security as rights.
Read our new blog about why you should join!
justfair.org.uk/stronger-tog...
Stronger together: how the UK ESCR Network drives change | Just Fair
Across the UK, poverty is rising, inequality deepening, and rights protections are under pressure. If you’re committed to turning this around, not just in principle but in practice, the UK Economic, S...
justfair.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Learn more about the UK Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Network here. It may be relevant to your work and something for you or your organization to join.
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
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 Sylvain Aubry
🚨🧵 @hrw.org on Trump's #UNGA80 speech: -- He made too many false claims about world affairs to seriously address them. What is serious is Trump’s obvious lack of respect for international organizations that promote human rights, like the UN, which the US played a central role in creating. 1/x
September 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
My thoughts: the US Congress shld question why women shld have to shoehorn their claims into a narrow understanding of membership of a particular social group & thereby have less consistent or predictable protection than racial, religious, nationality & political groups. www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
US Should Fix the Gender Gap in Refugee Protection
In a recent decision denying asylum to a Salvadoran woman being stalked by gang members, the Board of Immigration Appeals — the highest administrative body for interpreting U.S. immigration law — foun...
www.hrw.org
August 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
My thoughts: the US Congress shld question why women shld have to shoehorn their claims into a narrow understanding of membership of a particular social group & thereby have less consistent or predictable protection than racial, religious, nationality & political groups. www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
Submission from @hrw.org to UN CESCR on Germany, covering:
- ESC rights protections
- international cooperation on taxation
- Supply Chains Due Diligence Act
- the social security system
- low-wage work
- the gender pay and pension gaps
- the right to cultural artefacts
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
- ESC rights protections
- international cooperation on taxation
- Supply Chains Due Diligence Act
- the social security system
- low-wage work
- the gender pay and pension gaps
- the right to cultural artefacts
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
Human Rights Watch Submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Germany: List of Issues 78th Session
We write in advance of the 78th Session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) regarding its preparation and adoption of a list of issues in advance of the full review of Ger...
www.hrw.org
August 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Submission from @hrw.org to UN CESCR on Germany, covering:
- ESC rights protections
- international cooperation on taxation
- Supply Chains Due Diligence Act
- the social security system
- low-wage work
- the gender pay and pension gaps
- the right to cultural artefacts
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
- ESC rights protections
- international cooperation on taxation
- Supply Chains Due Diligence Act
- the social security system
- low-wage work
- the gender pay and pension gaps
- the right to cultural artefacts
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
The global rules of finance must serve human rights—not undermine them.
🎥 Watch highlights from our joint side event at #FfD4
youtube.com/watch?v=SoLb...
With @mariaronbalsera.bsky.social, @liznelson13.bsky.social, @sylvainaubry.bsky.social & more
Thank you @taxjustice.net for the video!
🎥 Watch highlights from our joint side event at #FfD4
youtube.com/watch?v=SoLb...
With @mariaronbalsera.bsky.social, @liznelson13.bsky.social, @sylvainaubry.bsky.social & more
Thank you @taxjustice.net for the video!
Rights-Based Development Finance: A post-Seville agenda
YouTube video by Tax Justice Network
youtube.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The global rules of finance must serve human rights—not undermine them.
🎥 Watch highlights from our joint side event at #FfD4
youtube.com/watch?v=SoLb...
With @mariaronbalsera.bsky.social, @liznelson13.bsky.social, @sylvainaubry.bsky.social & more
Thank you @taxjustice.net for the video!
🎥 Watch highlights from our joint side event at #FfD4
youtube.com/watch?v=SoLb...
With @mariaronbalsera.bsky.social, @liznelson13.bsky.social, @sylvainaubry.bsky.social & more
Thank you @taxjustice.net for the video!
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
Excited to share this new piece on why @hrw.org is calling for gender apartheid to be recognized as a crime under international law. This comes after long & careful discussion w/many colleagues about if there is need for such a law and any potential downsides. www.justsecurity.org/116780/gende...
Gender Apartheid Should Be an International Crime
All States should ensure the inclusion of gender apartheid in international law, including in the draft crimes against humanity treaty.
www.justsecurity.org
July 14, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Excited to share this new piece on why @hrw.org is calling for gender apartheid to be recognized as a crime under international law. This comes after long & careful discussion w/many colleagues about if there is need for such a law and any potential downsides. www.justsecurity.org/116780/gende...
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
Here's @pollardtom.bsky.social from @neweconomics.bsky.social busting myths and undoing mischievous "reporting" about social security, disability, illness, and minimum wage... making crucial points that many people on minimum wage also receive Universal Credit, and many who work can & do receive PIP
Why shouldn't someone assessed by DWP as too unwell to work & facing significant extra costs due to disabilities & poor health receive state support at least around the rate of a minimum wage salary?
I spoke to Ian Collins on TalkTV earlier about (misleading) reports today on this subject
I spoke to Ian Collins on TalkTV earlier about (misleading) reports today on this subject
July 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Here's @pollardtom.bsky.social from @neweconomics.bsky.social busting myths and undoing mischievous "reporting" about social security, disability, illness, and minimum wage... making crucial points that many people on minimum wage also receive Universal Credit, and many who work can & do receive PIP
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
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 Sylvain Aubry
📣 TRIBUNE- Alors que les dirigeants mondiaux sont réunis à Séville sous une chaleur écrasante, + de 3️⃣0️⃣ organisations de la société civile dont @350.org appellent à changer le système économique mondial.
Finis les petits pas. La 🇫🇷 doit se tenir du côté des peuples luttant pour leur futur.
#FFD4 👇
Finis les petits pas. La 🇫🇷 doit se tenir du côté des peuples luttant pour leur futur.
#FFD4 👇
La 4ᵉ Conférence des Nations unies sur le financement du développement est une occasion unique d’engager de vraies réformes contre l’appauvrissement continu des pays du Sud
La tribune d'un collectif d’ONG dont Action contre la faim, Oxfam France ou le Réseau action climat 👇
La tribune d'un collectif d’ONG dont Action contre la faim, Oxfam France ou le Réseau action climat 👇
Le sommet de Séville doit changer le système économique mondial
www.liberation.fr
July 2, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
L'avenir de la finance est en train de se décider et cet avenir doit donner la priorité aux droits humains.
Human Rights Watch participe à la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement à Séville, en Espagne.
@mattcconnell.bsky.social nous explique les enjeux ⤵
Human Rights Watch participe à la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement à Séville, en Espagne.
@mattcconnell.bsky.social nous explique les enjeux ⤵
July 4, 2025 at 1:14 PM
L'avenir de la finance est en train de se décider et cet avenir doit donner la priorité aux droits humains.
Human Rights Watch participe à la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement à Séville, en Espagne.
@mattcconnell.bsky.social nous explique les enjeux ⤵
Human Rights Watch participe à la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement à Séville, en Espagne.
@mattcconnell.bsky.social nous explique les enjeux ⤵
"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.
Global tax loopholes enable multinationals to funnel profits into tax havens, draining trillions from government funds and undermining human rights. But guess what? The Trump administration just greased the wheels. See @hrw's reaction: www.hrw.org/news/2025/0... 🌍💸🔍
How Trump Weaponized the US Budget Bill Overseas
The Trump administration has weaponized its bill to benefit the wealthiest US corporations by undermining global efforts to tax businesses fairly.
www.hrw.org
July 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Global tax loopholes enable multinationals to funnel profits into tax havens, draining trillions from government funds and undermining human rights. But guess what? The Trump administration just greased the wheels. See @hrw's reaction: www.hrw.org/news/2025/0... 🌍💸🔍
Tax reform gaining steam at #FF4, powerful internventions of @SurRuiz, @aminatatoureklk, @mariomarcelc... and @JosephEStiglitz hits the nail on the head: "No Nobel Prize needed to see why taxing the rich is crucial for maintaining our global social contract in civil societies."
July 3, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Tax reform gaining steam at #FF4, powerful internventions of @SurRuiz, @aminatatoureklk, @mariomarcelc... and @JosephEStiglitz hits the nail on the head: "No Nobel Prize needed to see why taxing the rich is crucial for maintaining our global social contract in civil societies."
Public services at #FFD4! A mix of expert and government officials dive into the big question: financing—but for what?
The answer is clear: to uphold human rights and close the inequality gap, funds must flow into quality public services like healthcare and education. 💼🏥📚
The answer is clear: to uphold human rights and close the inequality gap, funds must flow into quality public services like healthcare and education. 💼🏥📚
July 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Public services at #FFD4! A mix of expert and government officials dive into the big question: financing—but for what?
The answer is clear: to uphold human rights and close the inequality gap, funds must flow into quality public services like healthcare and education. 💼🏥📚
The answer is clear: to uphold human rights and close the inequality gap, funds must flow into quality public services like healthcare and education. 💼🏥📚
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
🇭🇹 In recent months, criminal groups have expanded beyond Haiti’s capital to cities like Petite Rivière in Artibonite. In late April, a 64-year-old street vendor and mother of seven fled her home after an attack.
Now, she and her children live in poverty. This is her story:
Now, she and her children live in poverty. This is her story:
July 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
🇭🇹 In recent months, criminal groups have expanded beyond Haiti’s capital to cities like Petite Rivière in Artibonite. In late April, a 64-year-old street vendor and mother of seven fled her home after an attack.
Now, she and her children live in poverty. This is her story:
Now, she and her children live in poverty. This is her story:
Reposted by Sylvain Aubry
1/15 🧵
Today, the UK government will ask MPs to railroad through social security legislation that makes cuts to disability-related benefits to the next stage.
@hrw.org joins 80+ other orgs asking MPs to reject the UCPIP Bill. It is bad news for human rights.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Today, the UK government will ask MPs to railroad through social security legislation that makes cuts to disability-related benefits to the next stage.
@hrw.org joins 80+ other orgs asking MPs to reject the UCPIP Bill. It is bad news for human rights.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
July 1, 2025 at 9:57 AM
1/15 🧵
Today, the UK government will ask MPs to railroad through social security legislation that makes cuts to disability-related benefits to the next stage.
@hrw.org joins 80+ other orgs asking MPs to reject the UCPIP Bill. It is bad news for human rights.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Today, the UK government will ask MPs to railroad through social security legislation that makes cuts to disability-related benefits to the next stage.
@hrw.org joins 80+ other orgs asking MPs to reject the UCPIP Bill. It is bad news for human rights.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
With the "Big Beautiful Bill," the US government is on a mission to dismantle the remnants of justice, solidarity, and rights of the majority, both at home and abroad. This isn't just policy—it's an ideological attack.
Stand up for your rights.
#FFD4
www.hrw.org/news/2025/0...
Stand up for your rights.
#FFD4
www.hrw.org/news/2025/0...
July 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
With the "Big Beautiful Bill," the US government is on a mission to dismantle the remnants of justice, solidarity, and rights of the majority, both at home and abroad. This isn't just policy—it's an ideological attack.
Stand up for your rights.
#FFD4
www.hrw.org/news/2025/0...
Stand up for your rights.
#FFD4
www.hrw.org/news/2025/0...
Impressive panel at #FFD4 discussing financial aid in the context of the right to development - arguing, in very practical terms, to rethink public development work to align with obligations of international cooperation, equity, participation, etc.
July 1, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Impressive panel at #FFD4 discussing financial aid in the context of the right to development - arguing, in very practical terms, to rethink public development work to align with obligations of international cooperation, equity, participation, etc.