| Art: Daniela Hernández
Resolution for inclusive tax cooperation will have its most important discussion at the UN today
Civil society is calling for building a fairer, more inclusive and effective tax system that allows countries, as a whole, to fight tax abuses that take away funds needed to promote human rights and address climate crises.
Por: Dejusticia | November 22, 2023
In the upcoming United Nations General Assembly scheduled for this week, a discussion and potential vote will take place in the Second Committee, responsible for international economic cooperation matters, regarding a resolution project aimed at establishing a treaty among countries to enhance international fiscal cooperation.
The potential adoption of this treaty could signify a historic milestone in the global tax system, enabling a more stringent approach to addressing fiscal abuses committed by multinational corporations and the existence of tax havens.
It is crucial to note that existing international tax agreements lack global support, underscoring the pivotal role of the UN as the only truly universal and open organization. Therefore, the negotiation of this fiscal treaty represents an unprecedented opportunity to build bridges between governments and promote more effective global cooperation.
However, some countries, such as those in the European Union, are hindering the initiative, as evidenced the Tax Justice Network in this note: World to vote next week on strongest option for historic global tax shakeup – Tax Justice Network.
In this context, we call for overcoming differences and joining the majority of the world’s least developed countries. We urge these nations to vote in favor of coming together at the same table to devise joint tax policy strategies. It is crucial for all countries to actively collaborate in addressing global fiscal challenges and building a more equitable and sustainable system.
In the Colombian case, progress toward this goal requires the implementation of specific actions. This includes initiating negotiations to establish a framework or instrument for tax cooperation. It is suggested to leverage the expertise and previous efforts developed in organizations such as the OECD and other entities, in a process that is inclusive and universally applicable.
Therefore, Dejusticia, along with other civil society organizations, has endorsed a letter to encourage countries to approve the resolution Project.