Right to development

The right to development was proclaimed in 1986 by the United Nations General Assembly in the Declaration on the Right to Development.

Article 1.1, Declaration on the Right to Development - “The right to development is 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.”

Article 1.2, Declaration on the Right to Development - “The human right to development also implies the full realization of the right of peoples to self-determination, which includes, subject to the relevant provisions of both International Covenants on Human Rights, the exercise of their inalienable right to full sovereignty over all their natural wealth and resources.”

Summarily, it explores national and international dimensions of State responsibilities including in the creation of an enabling environment for development and favourable conditions for all human rights; as well as fosters relations between states, international solidarity, cooperation and assistance in areas that developing countries are in need, including technology transfer, access to essential medicines, debt sustainability, development aid, international trade and policy space in decision-making.

Further links: “Declaration on the right to Development” “The Right to Development at a glance”