Human Rights, Neoliberalism, and the UN's Balancing Act

ABSTRACT: Parallel to the UN's advancement of global human rights norms and initiation of "the age of rights," neoliberalism emerged as a rival global norm. This study discusses the danger posed by neoliberalism in its two forms/phases, "neoliberalism for austerity" and "neoliberalism for human rights." It elucidates how "neoliberalism for human rights" appropriates and distorts human rights discourse and objectives through the delineation of its three mantras: "diversity and inclusion," "multistakeholders," and "public-private partnership." Noting the UN's engagement of corporations and the pervasive influence of neoliberalism, the article raises concerns about the human rights impact of the UN's delicate balancing act.