UN Expert Visits For Post-2008 Human Rights Checkup

Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, an Independent Expert on Foreign Debt and Human Rights, as appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, arrives in Iceland on Monday, to estimate the effects of the 2008 bank crash and subsequent economic measures on the realization of human rights in the country. This was reported by RÚV, based on a statement issued by the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHRC). The fact-finding mission is the first of its kind in Iceland.

Bohoslavsky’s official visit lasts for a week, until December 15. The OCHRC’s statement quotes Bohoslavsky, saying that he will focus on “how the banking crisis affects the right to work, social security, housing, health and education and particular social groups.” He also says that he intends to study efforts undertaken by the government to avert any negative social impact. Bohoslavsky is expected to share preliminary findings at a press conference at the end of his week-long visit, next Monday. Final findings and key recommendations will then appear in a report to the UN Human Rights Council in 2015.

According to the statement, Bohoslavsky visits at the invitation of Icelandic authorities, and will meet with the President of the Supreme Court, members of Alþingi, representatives of “the International Monetary Fund, ombudspersons, local human rights institutions, civil society and academic experts”, as well as officials from within several ministries and State institutions.

Bohoslavsky obtained a law degree in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a European Doctorate in Law in Salamanca, Spain, under the supervision of Professor Kunibert Raffer at the University of Vienna. Bohoslavsky did postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public law and International Law, in Heidelberg, Germany. In 2009 he was appointed Professor at the University of Rio Negro, Argentina, and an Independent Expert on Foreign Debt and Human Rights, by the UN Human Rights Council earlier this year. The mandate of appointed experts covers all countries. Bohoslavsky’s titles includeMaking Sovereign Financing and Human Rights Work“, which he co-edited and was published earlier this year.