Report on Right to Development

CD4PEACE – REPORT OF THE 8th MEETING, 48TH REGULAR SESSION HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (16 of September 2021)

All sources used to draft the reports on the 8th meeting can be found here Reports drafted by Amine Meharzi on September 16th, 2021.

Composition of the HRC

Mister Vice-President Yuri Borissov Sterk opened the meeting for the HC oral updates on the 16th of September at 15:00.

Special reporter/Chair of the Expert mechanism on the Right to Development (Ms. Klentiana Mahmutaj): The Chair informed that even during the pandemic they managed to achieve a great deal. She then presented the first of the five thematic studies for the discussion:

1. Operationalization of the right to development to achieve the sustainability development goals: This study stressed that the operationalization and concretization had to touch all three level of obligations of states.

1. States acting actively in cooperation with each other

2. States acting individually as they adopt and implement policies that affect people not strictly within their jurisdiction

3. States acting individually as they adopt and implement policies that affect people strictly within their jurisdiction

According to the speaker, the Sustainable Development Goals can be realized if every state cooperates and implements the policies based on the normative framework of right to development. States must help in the cooperation in order to realize the sustainability goals. Eleven recommendations to states, international organizations and development cooperation partners have been made. She noted that the Expert Mechanism tried to work with all stakeholders to find the method to operationalize the right to development and implementing the SDGs.
The Chair of the Expert Mechanism then requested the Human Rights Council to broadcast its future public sessions and to use international sign language and real time captioning in English in order to reach as many people as possible. Her second recommendation to the Human Rights Council was to enable the NGOs, civil society, grass roots and community organization to participate in the public sessions of the Expert Mechanism.

Statements by States and International Organizations

European Union: Even though the EU did initially not support the creation of the Expert Mechanism, the representative informed that the organization wanted to engage in the discussion. She noted that the EU was committed to eradicate poverty and that sustainability development was in the heart of the European values. The organization will try to fulfill the SDG goals of 2030 such as the 0.7% of EU Gross National Income (GNI), which some of the member states already realized. For the EU, a basic ground of principles on sustainability must be elaborated to discuss and find solution to the divergences between states. The core basics for the EU would be for example the interdependence of human rights, the primary responsibility of states or accepting individuals as central actors of development. Finally, the EU asked the Chair if it was possible to depoliticize discussion and how to find a common understanding of the issue in order to make real progress on the 2030 SDGs.

Pakistan on behalf of OIC: The OIC agreed that states must go further than simple rhetoric. The organization also noted that the operationalization of the right to development is important for human development and the enjoyment of several human rights. The pandemic exacerbated the inequalities, deteriorated the development attempts and undermined economic growth especially of developing states. Like the Expert Mechanism, the OIC stated the importance of working internationally and added the necessity of national efforts. The statement concluded by asking how returning stolen assets to countries of origin and halting illicit financial outflows from developing countries would contribute to the realization of the right to development.

China on behalf of a group of fifty countries: For China, the right to development is a fundamental human right and the international community should pursue people centered sustainability to advantage the citizens. China stressed the importance of the elimination of inequalities and poverty, respecting independent development and salute innovation and green development. The international community should grant unconditional support to developing countries in order to achieve the SDGs more efficiently. In conclusion, China demanded that the right to development should be prioritized.

Djibouti welcomed the special reporter's statement. The country stated the importance of an international finance system to achieve the SDGs. Djibouti showed its concern since only 64 of the 130 recommendations are related to gender issues. The statement was closed by demanding the Chair of what obstacles would pose a challenge to the gender dimension in the development and implementation of national sustainable development strategies in relation to climate change.

Palestine agreed with the report of the Chair of the Expert Mechanism. Palestine then stated that the operationalization of the right to development could not be realized if there are violations of other human rights. According to the delegate, Israel's actions constitute international law violations that hinder Palestine from achieving the SDGs. Palestine then stated that it will continue to create and strengthen cohesive partnerships and to resist Israel. The statement concluded with a question about the steps that states can take to remove obstacles for the realization of the right to development.

Indonesia appreciated the report and agreed that the public sessions of the Expert Mechanism should be webcasted. Indonesia perceived the first thematic study as an antidote to the pandemic, as it will help promote international cooperation for development and "support equitable access for vaccine".

Egypt thanked the Expert Mechanism for her report. The country stressed that there should be a deeper cooperation between the Expert Mechanism and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to make the right to development an inherent human right and a binding international instrument. Egypt also stated that it wanted to transform to an equal and equitable development society by 2030. Egypt noted the importance of vaccine distribution and the country's grief due to disparity between countries in terms of access.

Iraq thanked the Expert Mechanism and affirmed the importance of the right to development for the SDGs. The country then recalled the effects of the pandemic on sustainable development in developing states. The solution proposed by Iraq was to strengthen international cooperation between all parties. To conclude, Iraq informed that despite many challenges it tried to achieve the SDGs through its first and second national review report.

Venezuela showed its appreciation for the Expert Mechanism and considered these efforts essential for the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development. The right to development must be operational as soon as possible according to Venezuela. Venezuela showed then its interest on the effects of unilateral coercive measures and indebtedness on the right to development. In conclusion, Venezuela reiterated its continued support for the realization of the right to development, especially for the people of the Global South.

Angola communicated its support for the report. For Angola the pandemic affected all parts of society and therefore undermined the progress made on the right to development. To counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Angola informed that it will now reform its economic and social sectors to respond to the SDGs. The country also showed that it is taking part in the Global Partnership. Finally, the delegate asked the Chair of the Expert Mechanism how to achieve deepened cooperation to promote the right to development.

Kenya recognized the right to development as an undeniable human right that has national and international dimensions. Kenya shared the opinion that the vaccines should become a common public good to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on inequalities and on the right to development. The country concluded its speech by the phrase "nobody is safe until everybody is".

Cuba appreciated the points presented by the Expert Mechanism. It noted the importance of the interrelation of the right to development and the SDGs. If states do not recognize this interrelation, then efficient sustainable development could not be achieved. Finally, Cuba recommended the Expert Mechanism to encourage the identification and exchange of good practices on all levels.

Russia thanked the efforts of the Expert Mechanism and agreed with the conclusions made. According to Russia, states must cooperate to solve global problems such as the "vaccine nationalism". Russia pointed out the failed cooperation during the pandemic and even claimed that countries took advantage of the situation to unilaterally coerce others. Russia showed its interest on a study of how racism would hinder the realization of the right to development.

India appreciated the study of the Expert Mechanism. India stated that the implementation of the right to development would help recover from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country informed its efforts of achieving the SDG goals during the pandemic. Finally, India reiterated its "firm support" for the Expert Mechanism and hopes that the goals will be achieved.

Sri Lanka thanked the Expert Mechanism for its report. The country reminded of the casualties, the exacerbated poverty and inequalities caused by the pandemic. This crisis might even reverse the achievements made by the Global South. The implementation of the right to development is the only key to avoid this scenario according to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also noted the interrelationship between the SDGs and the right to development, and so the latter should be considered an obligation by the countries. Sri Lanka then proceeded in naming its national achievements for the SDGs such as its Sustainable Development Act of 2017 or its implementation to hinder the expansion of the COVID-19. To conclude, Sri Lanka reminded that 35 years after the Declaration on the Right to Development no effective implementation or results can be found on the ground.

Malaysia congratulated the efforts made by the Expert Mechanism. The country noted its dissatisfaction towards the vaccine nationalism. Malaysia also showed its interest to discuss a legally binding instrument on the right to development. According to the country, the duty to cooperate is the key for the realization and operationalization of the right to development.

Mauriania appreciated the conclusions and recommendations of the report especially those for the right to development. Mauritania stated that cooperation and responsibility were the key to achieve SDG goals and to implement efficiently the right to development. Racism and discrimination are in the way for the implementation of the right to development. To confront these issues and help vulnerable groups, Mauritania stated the creation of TAAZOUR (General Delegation for National Solidarity and the Fight against Exclusion).

Iran showed its support for the Expert Mechanism. For Iran, the right to development helps fulfilling other human rights and so all obstacles for its implementation must be removed. Realizing the right to development requires international cooperation, so unilateral coercive measures are a problem for Iran. Iran agreed with the Expert Mechanism that states must accelerate the operationalization of the right to development and stated again the need of removing all obstacles.

Statements made by UN organizations

UNDP presented its "Our Common Agenda" report that stressed the importance of global cooperation to achieve the SDGs. The organization informed that it deployed almost one billion USD to countries and territories to manage the pandemic. UNDP also informed about its partnership with the WTO. Finally, the organization stated that its core mission is to eradicate poverty and support the implementation of the SDGs.

Mister Vice-President Yuri Borissov Sterk closed the meeting for the HC oral updates on the 16th of September at 16:00 after giving countries the possibility to reply to the statements made during the SR on truth, justice and reparation.

CD4PEACE – REPORT OF THE 10TH MEETING, 48TH REGULAR SESSION HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (September 2021)

September 17, 2021: ID with SR on Right to Development

All sources used to draft the report can be found here. Report drafted by Marc Enzo Belligoi Gomis on September 17th, 2021.

Composition of the HRC

Main Report

Madame Vice-President Monique T.G. Van Daalen opened the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Saad Alfarargi, on the Right to Development on the 17th of September at 17:00pm.

Mr. Saad Alfarargi, began his statement by thanking those countries, as well as civil society organizations, which provided practical examples for the report on ways in which they have integrated the right to development into national climate action. The Special Rapporteur indicated that the present report examines the intersection of climate action and the right to development primarily looking at national level efforts.

Mr. Alfarargi stated that, as indicated in his report of 2019, climate change continues to be one of the adverse global trends that poses a challenge to the implementation of the right to development and the global climate crises, as well as the increasing number of climate disasters and new global pandemics, have the potential to undo decades of development. The Special Rapporteur continued by stating that climate change impacts have already fallen on the most vulnerable parts of the global society and those who have not yet been able to reap the benefits of development and are not able to shield themselves or adequately recover from the fires and floods aggravated by climate change are the ones who suffer the most. Indigenous peoples, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and women in vulnerable situations are among the groups disproportionately affected by climate change. Moreover, Mr. Alfarargi pointed out that the communities most effected are often those who do not participate in decision processes on actions that address the consequences of climate change.

The report also focused on the absence of adequate transparency and accountability mechanisms for potential violations and urged governments to design and implement ambitious comprehensive policies that pave the way for a real and transformative ecological transition. Mr. Alfarargi concluded by stating the need for countries to ensure the right to development by supporting development models that achieve a safe climate and meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Statements

Egypt, on behalf of the Group of Arab States, applauded the report's reference to the impact of climate change on the right to development. Egypt also stated that the Covid 19 pandemic has adversely affected development and exacerbated inequality around the world, in particular for poor and marginalized communities. Egypt concluded by emphasizing how both the global climate crisis and the increase of pandemics might undermine many developing programs.

The European Union reiterated its support to the right to development based on the principles of universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights with the individual as the central actor of the development process, and states having the primary responsibility for ensuring their citizens benefit from development. The EU also agreed with the report on the need for effective participation by indigenous peoples, minorities, women, human rights defenders, and youth in policy making regarding climate action.

Bahrein, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, welcomed the report and agreed with the statement that climate change has a direct impact on the right to development. Bahrein called for international cooperation to fight climate change and conveyed that the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council have taken the effects of climate change on human rights into account in their development arrangements.

Cameroon, on behalf of the Group of African States, thanked the Special Rapporteur for his report, in particular for the highlighting of good practices, the reviewing of challenges and ensuring the meaningful participation of rights holders. Cameroon stated that Africa, while contributing far less greenhouse emissions than other regions in the world, it is the continent which is carrying the heavier burden on the negative effects of climate change, placing constraints in the development path of the region, and exacerbating challenges of food security, access to healthcare, access to education, among many other challenges.

Bahamas stated that climate change represents one of the most critical threats to the efforts of sustainable development. Bahamas also expressed that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events poses risks to the economic growth and the lives and livelihoods of their populations. Therefore, Bahamas reaffirmed its conviction that collective multilateral partnerships are needed to compliment national efforts to truly "leave no one behind".

Sierra Leone aligned its statement to the one conveyed by the African Group. Sierra Leone stated that climate change represents a challenge to the Sustainable Development Goals and that its widespread unprecedented impacts are disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable. Sierra Leone also expressed that such a situation has the potential to undo decades of development and, therefore, climate action requires a coordinated solution and international support to help developing countries to fulfill the Paris Agreement.

Indonesia thanked the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of the report and expressed that international cooperation is instrumental to support the efforts of countries to achieve their development agendas. Indonesia also stated that it continues to contribute to capacity building initiatives for developing and the least developed countries.

Ecuador agreed with the report of the Special Rapporteur, and detailed that the country has led the call for the international community to work on negotiating a global binding agreement on marine waste and plastic pollution in order to fight climate change. Ecuador also urged all countries to accept the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the need to integrate the right to development in climate action programs and projects.

Armenia thanked the special focus of the Special Rapporteur on the response and the recovery of the Covid 19 pandemic Armenia also stated that states have the primary responsibility for the creation of an environment favorable to the realization of the right to development but that the current pandemic continues to impact the perspectives for sustainable development. Armenia concluded its statement by emphasizing that populations who have recently suffered armed conflict are in a vulnerable situation to face the impacts of climate change.

Togo welcomed the holding of the ID with the SR on the right to development but regretted that the Covid 19 pandemic has jeopardized the efforts made by countries which have the weakest economies.

There were complications with the audio of the representative of Senegal.

Bangladesh stated that the right to development is an inalienable right to all people but that the Covid 19 has deepened inequality and that climate change is threatening the development of many countries.

Egypt commended the report and its focus on climate action. Egypt also conveyed its concern on how to fight climate change. There were complications with the audio and the statement by the representative of Egypt could not be interpreted.

Iraq stated that climate change has adverse impacts on all human rights, including the right to development, and it is a challenge that needs a collective effort by the international community. Iraq also conveyed that it is one of the 5 countries in the world most affected by climate change and called for financial support to the poorer countries in order to help them implement the Paris Agreement Terms.

Venezuela expressed gratitude for the presentation of the report and agreed with the Special Rapporteur on the need for international cooperation for the promotion of the right to development. Venezuela also detailed national policies to combat the impact of climate change and reiterated its invitation to the Special Rapporteur to visit the country.

Angola stated that climate change has affected the implementation of human rights all around the world, and that in Angola severe droughts are threatening the human rights of the population living in the south of the country.

Bahrain concurred with the Special Rapporteur on the importance of establishing efficient mechanisms to implement development projects according to the Paris Agreement and the Rio Declaration. Bahrain also stated the importance of setting up national strategies and policies to combat the environmental degradation resulting from global warming and detailed its national strategy for the protection of the environment.

Cuba expressed gratitude for the presentation of the report and agreed with the Special Rapporteur for the need for states to collect and assess data linked to the environmental impact on development policies and projects. Cuba also detailed national policies promoting the conservation and the sustainable management of land and reiterated the country's support to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

Vietnam stated that it was one of the most impacted countries to the effects of climate change and that the country has worked with the international community to promote cooperation and to prioritize the issue of climate change in the HRC.

The Russian Federation stated that tying the human rights agenda with the issues of climate change is unjustified and artificial and called on the Special Rapporteur to refrain from interfering in the work of UN specialized agencies.

Morocco called for the imperative need to combat the effects of climate change and reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to the international efforts to combat climate change,

India stated that it has been taking steps to fulfill their obligations regarding the right to development and to combat climate change. India detailed its policies on inclusive and sustainable development in the country and offered to partner with other counties and with the international community to work against climate change.

Saudi Arabia expressed that it supported most recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur, especially those concerning environmental efforts. Saudi Arabia also detailed the reforms the country is doing since they adopted the Kingdom 2030 Vision and announced initiatives to combat climate change such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Malaysia stated its full support to the HRC process of developing a legally binding instrument regarding the right to development. Malaysia also stated that climate change has an impact on human rights, in particular the right to development, and detailed national initiatives to combat climate change and to promote sustainable development.

Nepal conveyed the challenges that the country is experiencing due to the severe impact of climate change. Nepal also stated that Covid 19 represented a "wake-up call" for the international community for the need to cooperate on climate action.

Namibia stated that climate change represents the greatest challenge the world is facing today and expressed concern for the effects of the climate to the fishing and the tourism industries of the country.

China welcomed the report and its focus on climate change from the perspective of the right of development. China also criticized the USA for being the largest emitter of carbon emissions in the world and criticized the previous USA administration for regressing its climate actions. China also condemned the USA for its carbon emissions due to war operations and called attention to how wars destroy the economic and social development of sovereign countries.

Mauritania stated the importance of combating climate change and expressed its awareness between climate change and development. Mauritania also detailed its policies and programs to reverse the negative impact on the people and the environment.

Iran stated that the right of development has direct impacts on the realization of all human rights. Iran also expressed its commitment to prevent foreseeable adverse effects of climate change to the country's population and make sure that those affected have the necessary means to adapt.

Oman agreed with the Special Rapporteur on the need to have clear policies intended to ensure the right of development and making them tangible and meaningful for the population. Oman also called for the need to ensure international cooperation, in particular between developed and developing countries.

Madame Vice-President Monique T.G. Van Daalen called the end of the 10th Meeting of the 48th Regular Sessions of the Human Rights Council at 18:30pm and postponed the continuation of the ID with SR on Right to Development for the 20th of September 2021.

Mister Vice-President Yuri Borissov Sterk opened the 11th Meeting of the 48th Regular Sessions of the Human Rights Council at 10:00 of the 20th of September 2021 for the continuation of the ID with SR on the Right to Development.

Algeria thanked the Special Rapporteur for the focus on practical elements to deal with the challenges of climate change. Algeria also stated that policies to combat climate change should ensure the wellbeing for all without discrimination as to ensure sovereignty over natural resources.

Chad expressed its belief that none of the targets mentioned in the report can be met without the active and informed participation of the communities affected by climate change and making sure that they participate at all levels of decision making and implementation. Chad also called for the international community to cooperate in the fight against climate change.

Azerbaijan detailed measures undertaken by its government to ensure that the country achieves the 13th Goal of the SDGs. Azerbaijan also stated that it aims to restore and promote reforestation of lands affected by climate change.

Panama stated that it is one of the three carbon negative counties in the world, however the country is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Panama also detailed national policies to mitigate the impact of climate change and how such policies integrate a gender dimension and diversity to ensure that "no one is left behind".

Burkina Faso saluted the efforts undertaken by the Special Rapporteur to identify how to integrate climate action into development programs. Burkina Faso also stressed that the negative impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights and the right to development is a reality in the country.

Cote d'Ivoire endorsed the statement by the African Group. Cote d'Ivoire also expressed concern for the frequency and intensity of climate change events and stated that, despite commitments taken by states, the international community is not undertaking sufficient efforts to combat climate change.

Laos stated that the country is working on combating climate change and Covid 19 while minimizing the impacts to the human rights of its population. Laos also called for the international community to enhance efforts to eliminate poverty around the world.

Malawi stated that climate change is the major threat of the 21st century and that Malawi, as well as other countries, while being one of the least pollution countries, still suffers the brunt of the effects of climate change. Malawi also called upon the international community, in particular major developed countries, to reduce its carbon emissions.

Marshal Islands stated that, as an island nation, climate change poses a threat not only to their development but to also to their existence.

Uganda called for countries to cooperate in order to combat climate change, which is more severe in Africa than in any other region of the world. Uganda also reminded the international community about the large population of refugees that live in the country and how they are especially vulnerable to climate change and to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Libya praised the efforts made by the Special Rapporteur and took notes of his recommendations. Libya also stated that the right to development is a crucial right in the country and that they are working to promote development for their population.

The Philippines stated that, as one of the most at-risk countries, the Philippines continues to give top priority to climate action. The Philippines also detailed national policies undertaken to tackle climate change and to promote development.

South Sudan stated that the right to development is essential, especially for newly independent countries, and that the government's current development agenda is to improve the wellbeing of every member of the society in the country.

Haiti endorsed the declaration made by the Bahamas. Haiti also stated that international cooperation and solidarity need to play a major role in pursuing the right to development. Haiti concluded its statement by stressing that Covid 19, climate change, and socioeconomic impacts are major factors that have increased inequality in the country.

Maldives stated that its government has mainstreamed climate action across all development policies and has integrated community groups into all facets of decision-making and implementation of said policies.

The South Center called for the international community to cooperate and for the need to identify those countries who will suffer the most due to climate change and to consider their needs.

Pakistan stated that analyzing the right to development within the context of climate actions at national level alone may ignore the larger context of the right to development and called for the need to mobilize the international community to combat climate change and promote development.

The written statements by non-governmental speakers can be found here.