MJF’s Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, “We are witnessing economic growth without equality all over the world, causing distress among millions of people who have been facing inequality, discrimination, human rights violations and injustice on a daily basis. This must stop at once by adopting prudent policies that will enable all people to fully enjoy their human rights.”
MJF’s statement was sent to the Office for Intergovernmental Support and Coordination of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which sought statements from NGOs all over the world, ahead of the three-day ministerial meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF), scheduled to be held from 16 to 19 July 2019 in New York.
MJF enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2017.
Citing growing inequality in Bangladesh and elsewhere, Shaheen Anam underscored the need for coherent policy attention to disadvantaged and marginalized population.
“Inequality has the potential of creating political polarization and erosion of social cohesion leading to instability, social unrest and violence,” she warned.
She also urged to look deeper into the dynamics of not only income equality, but also other forms of inequalities across various sub-sections of populations.
“While political commitment is necessary, the implementation of various programmes through integrity, transparent and accountable governance will help to reduce inequality and develop a more inclusive society worldwide,” she added.
It may be mentioned that MJF with the support of UKAid is currently implementing Excluded Peoples’ Rights project to improve the overall condition of 1.6 million vulnerable people specially the marginalized in Bangladesh by addressing inequality, discrimination, violence, insecurity and climate change issues.