Protecting Fundamental Rights During Financial Crisis

The financial crisis throughout Europe has led many countries to adopt austerity measures, some of which have imposed harsh costs on citizens. Fundamental rights provide one framework for assessing the impact of both the economic crisis and the austerity measures. Several studies have documented the effects of the crisis and austerity measures on fundamental rights, in particular economic and social rights such as the right to work, to social security, to housing, health and education, but also civil and political rights including the right of access to justice, and the freedom of assembly and expression. 1