Mbabane: Swaziland will host the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) Task Force on Illicit Financial Flows, Poverty and Human Rights towards the end of the month. The organisation will hold the multi-stakeholder consultation meeting in the country on the 24th . According to information posted on its website, the meeting is meant to gather regional perspectives on issues related to mineral taxation policies, illicit financial flows and their impact on poverty as well as the realisation of social and economic rights.

The conference will be moderated by Sternford Moyo who is former President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, IBAHRI Co-Chair and also a member of the task force. The meeting will take place during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Lawyers Association Annual General Assembly in the country. In addition, the IBAHRI will hold side meetings with stakeholders in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Participants have been urged to register in order to be able to attend the SADC AGM. The IBAHRI convened a task force on illicit financial flows, poverty and human rights to analyse how illicit financial flows, and specifically the proceeds of tax evasion, impact on poverty and subsequently affect the enforcement of economic-socio and cultural rights (ESCR).

The IBAHRI Task Force will provide conclusions and recommendations for governments and legal professionals on how the international community can enhance international tax cooperation and develop public policy on corporate taxing rights for developing countries, as well as the right for citizens to benefit from these policies through basic public services such as food, health and education.

Terms of reference for the meeting:

*  to investigate linkages between illicit financial flows, human rights and poverty and in particular to examine the extent to which illicit financial flows and commercial tax evasion impact on poverty and subsequently affect the implementation and enforcement of economic-socio and cultural rights;

*  to analyse human rights norms and international regulations applicable to tax matters;

*  to examine any relevant related matters, including the responsibilities of all stakeholders;

*  to write and publish a book containing the findings of the Task Force, with recommendations.

Goals and Objectives

*  to publish an innovative report containing findings and a set of recommendations on the interaction between illicit financial flows, poverty and human rights;

*  to widely disseminate the report with the view of pushing the issue of tax evasion and human rights onto global policy agendas, and sustaining discussion thereafter;

*  to incite multi-level policy changes in the area of tax evasion and ECSR adjudication to help end global poverty.