Debt and child rights

GRADE was used to analyse the potential if governments had additional revenue equivalent to their external debt service in 2024  (Debt Justice) for 121 countries, as a percentage of government revenue.

The findings for all countries are summarised,, showing the sum of the numbers who would have access to critical services and the average percentage of those who currently do not have access. For example, on average, 18% of those without access to basic water would gain access if the external debt service were cancelled and many millions would benefit from a reduction in external debt.

See our working paper: O’Hare B and Hall S 2024. An analysis of the impact of debt service on human rights →

For the country by country analysis see our debt briefs

GRADE estimates were used in the Debt Justice 2024 campaign which is ongoing →

The Debt Justice campaign featured in the Guardian →

Dr Bernadette O’Hare from the University of St Andrews said:

There is the potential for huge increases in welfare in highly indebted countries if debt was reduced to sustainable levels. These countries are often extremely vulnerable to climate change and many governments must reallocate resources after extreme climate events.

GRADEs work was used by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) Reforming the Global Financial Landscape

GRADE simulations were used in an open letter writted on behalf of commissioners and experts contributing to Healthy Debt on a Healthy Planet, The UNSG’s Expert Review on Debt, and The Jubilee Report. 

This letter featured in the Guardian in an article entitled

Urgent calls for debt relief as study shows health and education cuts in developing world