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Eurodad and Covid-19

Covid-19 is a global health emergency that can only be effectively tackled by well-resourced public health systems and public policies that prioritise the vulnerable. These are issues that Eurodad has long advocated for. We are following the advice of the Belgian government to work remotely, but we will continue to collaborate with our members and partners across Europe and around the world.

News

Covid-19 and debt in the global south: Protecting the most vulnerable in times of crisis

In this blog series we analyse the impact of Covid-19 on vulnerable countries in the global south. Part 1 analyses the impact of debt burdens on health services. Part 2 discusses how the economic crisis will affect countries in the global south. Part 3 highlights the degree of vulnerability of countries in the global south to the Covid-19 pandemic. Part 4 provides a discussion on policy responses to tackle the risks posed by the pandemic.

Lebanon’s sovereign default: Turning misfortunes into opportunities

For the first time in its one hundred year history, Lebanon has defaulted on its debt. The decision not to repay a US$ 1.2 billion Eurobond, which matured at the beginning of the month has put the Lebanese economy at a crossroads. In this guest blog, Dr. Hassan Sherry, analyses the implications of the default and how the country can move forward without jeopardising basic human rights.

Using the debt crisis to advance donor-driven economic policies: the case of Ghana

Governments squeezed by unsustainable debt are more likely to accept policy prescriptions which hit the poorest the hardest. On International Women’s Day several Ghanaian CSOs took a stand, calling for improvements to gender equality in the labour market, education and health services. In his latest blog, Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer Gino Brunswijck analyses how the promotion of austerity in Ghana could change the nature of public service provision altogether. 

Reports & useful resources

Tax justice: Three reasons to oppose the arbitration mechanism proposed by the OECD

By Antonio Gambini

The OECD, under the G20, is currently negotiating major tax reform for multinationals. The text which set the stage for the negotiations allude, several times to the need for "effective and legally binding mechanisms to prevent and to settle disputes." Learn what is at stake in this overview blog. (In French)

Women are bearing the brunt of coronavirus disruption

Bloomberg Businessweek

In strictly medical terms, the new coronavirus seems to hit men harder than women. In an analysis of nearly 45,000 cases in China, the death rate was 2.8% for men, compared with 1.7% for women. But, while the illness hits men harder, women are on the front lines at work and at home.

This newsletter has been produced with co-funding from the European Union, Bread for the World and Norad. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Eurodad and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the funders.