A/HRC/4/WG.2/TF/2
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the structure of the criteria, and of the methodology for their application. The primary objective
of such elaboration would be to render the criteria practically applicable to assess global
development partnerships, including by actors in the relevant partnerships themselves.
Furthermore, other development partnerships could take into account the lessons learned,
particularly the gaps revealed by the assessments undertaken so far. These gaps may relate to the
content of these existing partnerships, but also to issues that justify partnerships covering areas
of MDG 8, which deserve more support and attention by international donors.
3. Follow-up to the review of global partnerships
78.
The task force considers that the right-to-development criteria must be applied to all
issues of global development partnerships, including trade, aid, debt, technology transfers,
migration, and other issues identified in MDG 8. To this end, it would be desirable to review
and apply each of these criteria to the widest possible range of issues, leading to identification of
additional global development partnerships.
79.
The preliminary results of the assessments of the three partnerships examined so far
convince the task force that follow-up work would be beneficial to the parties involved and to
the Working Group’s efforts to promote effective implementation of the right to development.
In this way, a gradual step-by-step approach would build upon the current work while lessons are
drawn from reviewing other partnerships. In light of the interest expressed by the representatives
of the initiatives reviewed in exploring how the task force’s considerations might be
accommodated, it would be useful to continue the dialogue with the three partnerships, including
maintaining contact with the relevant secretariats and monitoring developments.
80.
Having regard to its limited resources and the need to achieve demonstrable and
maximum impacts, the task force favours a strategic focus and approach in applying the criteria
to global development partnerships. Subject to the results obtained at the initial stage,
consideration should be given to extending the piloting exercise to a wider range of dimensions
of MDG 8, as analysed at its second meeting (E/CN.4/2005/WG.18/TF/3, paras. 57-79). The
central importance of trade, debt and technology transfer was noted, along with that of bilateral
arrangements. The task force devoted particular attention to the WTO and other international
trade mechanisms, including the negotiations of the Doha Round.
81.
Moreover, while recognizing the priority of the development concerns of sub-Saharan
Africa, the task force felt that, at some point in the application of criteria to assess global
partnerships from the right-to-development perspective, attention should be given to partnerships
involving other regions. In this regard, the task force considered the potential value of reviewing
relevant regional arrangements, such as the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
and the Organization of American States (OAS). The task force particularly considered ASEAN,
as an interesting example of intra-South-East-Asian cooperation, covering an expanding number
of policy areas and currently establishing cooperation with other countries in the region such as
Australia, China and the Republic of Korea. The OAS Inter-American Council on Integral
Development also constituted an interesting candidate for applying the criteria, as the right to
development is enshrined in the OAS Charter.
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