Newsblog

Reclaiming the right to development

Posted by: sarah-indra, 22. November 2011 - 12:54
Source: http://ourworld.unu.edu

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development.

Adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986, the Declaration defines the concept as “an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized”.

At the time of its adoption, many saw this Declaration as an outstanding political instrument and considered it a milestone in the decade and a half long struggle by developing countries for a New International Economic Order.

The Right to Development (RTD) represents a fairly comprehensive articulation of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as political rights. While the human person is identified as the ultimate beneficiary (right-holder), the RTD can nevertheless be invoked both by individuals and by peoples. And most significantly, it clearly recognizes the collective obligation of all states to create a just and equitable international environment for the realisation of the right to development.

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