Recent news that the G20 will become the primary international forum responsible for addressing global economic issues underscores the need for this important grouping of nations to place human rights at the heart of their policies.

In May, as Amnesty International launched its annual “State of the World’s Human Rights” report, the organisation drew attention to the fact that the world’s most marginalised people have been those hardest hit by the Global Financial Crisis, and called on the G20 to take a leadership role in addressing the developing “human rights deficit.”

Amnesty International is now reiterating its call on the G20 to show the same kind of commitment to addressing the global human rights violations that it has shown in dealing with economic problems, and is highlighting the need for the G20 to begin by addressing human rights violations in their own counties.

“The G20 has taken on a growing leadership role in addressing the Global Financial Crisis and other world problems,” said Claire Mallinson, National Director for Amnesty International Australia.

“But when you look at the human rights situation in the G20 countries, their record is mixed and the list of abuses is long. In 2008 and continuing into 2009, it was clear that member countries of the G20 have allowed, and in some cases carried out, human rights abuses of their own people. Here in Australia, our government has yet to sign the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights” said Claire Mallinson

The organisation’s research has shown that people were subjected to unfair trials in nine of the G20 countries, arbitrary, unjustified detention without charges or trial occurred in 14 of the countries, people were tortured or gravely ill-treated during interrogation in 15, and that 78 percent of the world’s executions took place in five G20 countries - China, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Indonesia and Japan.

“If the G20 are going to lead, then this cannot continue,” said Claire Mallinson. “The world needs a new kind of leadership and not one that picks and chooses when it comes to human rights.

“World leaders have called for a coordinated response to the financial crisis. However, the consequences of the financial crisis can only be addressed with a global response with human rights at the centre.”