Investing in Human rights-based care and support economy

Recent health, climate change, and conflict crises unveiled the flaws and weaknesses in our care systems. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, there has been increasing recognition among developing partners of the centrality of care and support for the well-being and prosperity of our societies and economies. Yet, the undervaluing and gendered division of care and support work, both unpaid and paid, continues to be a major driver of poverty and gender inequality.

The lack of access to rights-based care and support isolates and excludes children, younger and older adults who require care and support, and deprives them of autonomy, agency and personal development in their lives. Women and girls often face gender inequality in receiving care and support, too. Being migrants, minorities, and Indigenous Peoples, people face further discrimination both in providing and requiring care and support, often due to the impact of historical inequality and deprivation.

Opening Remarks

• Ambassador Marcos Gómez Martínez, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva
• Ms. Chidi King, Branch Chief, Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI), ILO

Speakers

• Ambassador Tovar Da Silva Nunes, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
• Ms. Ilona Alexander, Human Rights Officer on behalf of the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls.
• Ms. Afaf Abounouadar, Executive Director, Make Mothers Matter.

Closing Remarks

• Mr. Todd Howland, Chief, Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch, OHCHR
• Ambassador Francisca Méndez Escobar, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva