A/HRC/17/34 98. International financial institutions have played a vital role in providing financial and institutional support to many developing countries during the crises and in their aftermath; however, onerous conditionalities raise several human rights concerns. States that are members of these institutions should ensure that human rights are prioritized in all policies and measures.55 This obligation lies particularly with those States with the greatest powers of participation, voting and decisionmaking in the institutions. They must ensure that the actions of the institutions do not impede the realization of human rights.56 Moreover, States should remain committed to undertaking major reforms to the governance of these institutions to be more inclusive and representative, and to enhance transparency and accountability. 99. In their negotiations and agreements with international financial institutions, States’ obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights should be taken into account to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights are not undermined. In the context of responding to the crises, States must take care not to agree to loan conditions that might compromise their ability to meet their obligations regarding the realization of human rights. 55 56 22 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 14, para. 39. Ibid.