A/HRC/36/35
processes. The Working Group subsequently adopted its agenda (A/HRC/WG.2/18/1) and
programme of work (A/HRC/WG.2/18/INF.1).
5.
During the session, the Working Group considered the report of the SecretaryGeneral and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the right to
development (A/HRC/33/31), contributions by States to the implementation of the right to
development, standards for the implementation of the right to development
(A/HRC/WG.2/17/2) and comments and views from relevant stakeholders on the draft right
to development criteria and corresponding operational subcriteria. The Working Group also
engaged in an interactive dialogue with experts on the implementation and realization of the
right to development.
III. Summary of proceedings
A.
General statements
6.
Speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, the representative of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela referred to the XVII Summit of the Movement, held in
that country in September 2016, at which the commitment to promote and protect all human
rights through constructive and cooperative international dialogue, capacity-building,
technical assistance and the recognition of good practices was reaffirmed. The Heads of
State and Government highlighted the historical significance of the adoption of the
Declaration on the Right to Development 30 years ago, which requires a profound change
in the international economic structure. The realization of the right to development was
more than ever a necessity and should be central to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development. The implementation of the agenda was dependent on an
integrated, holistic and comprehensive approach by all States and the mainstreaming of the
right to development in the policies and operational activities of the United Nations and the
international financial and multilateral trading systems. They expressed deep concern about
the challenges and obstacles within the Working Group and stated that international
cooperation was integral to the implementation and realization of the right to development,
and could help the Working Group overcome the challenges that hindered progress. They
hoped that the Working Group would be able to develop a comprehensive and unique set of
standards that would contribute to the drafting of a legal instrument that would make
development a reality for all.
7.
The European Union remained strongly committed to achieving sustainable
development and eradicating poverty; promoting respect for all human rights and
fundamental freedoms; working towards ensuring security, conflict prevention and
resolution; and encouraging good governance, gender equality, human development,
accountability and equitable globalization. The delegate reiterated the Union’s support for
the indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights, including the right to
development, the multidimensional nature of development strategies and that individuals
were the central subjects of the development process. While national development efforts
should be supported, States — acting individually and collectively — had the primary
responsibility for ensuring that their citizens benefited from development. The European
Union was not in favour of the elaboration of an international legal standard that would be
binding in nature, for, in its view, that was not the appropriate mechanism to realize the
right to development.
8.
Speaking on behalf of the African Group and expressing agreement with the NonAligned Movement, the delegate from Tunisia stated that, at that challenging time when the
world was facing a series of crises, including economic, financial, social and climaterelated crises, African States firmly believed that the realization of the right to development
was a necessity. Human development and human rights were symbiotic and reinforced each
other conceptually. An effective global partnership for development through human rightsbased policy coherence and coordination at all levels was an important foundation for
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in an equitable and sustainable manner. The
delegate called on all actors in the international community to promote international
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