OFiP Day 3 - Open Session 3: Towards an Independent Commission on Public Services

Given the existential threat of the climate crisis (not to mention the threats of inequalities, discriminations, etc.) and the continued erosion of democratic and public spaces, we need bold propositions for the future.

The idea of establishing an independent body, or commission to promote and defend public services was discussed at a global civil society workshop held in November 2021 following the ‘Enough is Enough’ event which convened UN Special Rapporteurs working on different human rights portfolios to discuss the challenges of weakened public services. This recognised the crucial role of public services in advancing economic, social and cultural rights. An Independent Commission on Public Services could provide a sustained space to advance and refresh the case for public services.

The proposed purpose of the Independent Commission on Public Services is to expose the myth of private finance (and those who benefit from it) that has blocked progress on the fulfilment of human rights and undermined the achievement of both the MDGs and the SDGs. The Commission will re-make the case for sustainable public financing and public control of public services - with particular urgency for doing this coming from the climate crisis.

We propose to discuss the potential of such a Commission in the Open Session, based on a draft concept note. This outlines some initial learning and ideas for how a Commission on Public Services could work. We hope that the conference can put in motion a process to set up such a commission.

Objectives

To share the initial concept note for a possible Independent Commission on Public Services and to work towards consensus about:

• How to frame the work of the Commission – especially tightening the focus

• How to structure and support such a Commission

• The steps necessary to set up such a Commission

• Key people to approach as possible Chairs / Commissioners