A/HRC/4/WG.2/TF/2 page 10 policy coherence in both African and OECD policies on MDGs. In his view, the Mutual Review has added value, both in terms of substance and high-level political support it enjoys. Furthermore, it can elaborate related processes in the context of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and ACP countries, the APRM and consultative processes. 40. He further pointed out that there is no evidence of human rights mainstreaming, including the right to development, in the Mutual Review, nor specific attention for the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized. However, he saw some scope for recommendations to take human rights concerns more explicitly into account and in this regard, partners could build on human rights standard-setting achievements in Africa, as well as on efforts within OECD to advance understanding on linkages between human rights and development. He concluded by saying that the explicit recognition in the Monterrey Consensus of the International Conference on Financing for Development of the importance of human rights, including the right to development (para. 11), a document which in part inspired the creation of the Mutual Review, could be an incentive to OECD countries to perceive the right to development less cautiously. 41. During the discussion on the Mutual Review, the main issues raised related to the question of how human rights, including the right to development could be meaningfully included into the process. The following considerations were raised in relation to this question: the need to move away from politicized and inaccurate perceptions of the right to development and towards operationalization; the potential of moving forward in this regard in light of general recognition of obligations for all parties involved in a partnership; and the need to “unpack the elephant”, in the sense of elaborating more clearly the specific obligations arising from the right to development and their implications for both donor and partner countries. C. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness 42. Prior to the presentation on the Paris Declaration, the WTO representative made a brief statement, addressing current trade negotiations and aid related issues. He highlighted that the interest of developing countries is at the basis of the Doha round of WTO trade talks, and that trade and development are inextricably linked, as trade can play an important role in alleviating poverty. He emphasized elements of convergence and gains stemming from the negotiations, which are at the core of MDG 8, referring to measures for free market access, transparent and simple application of rule of origins. He also underlined the stronger role being played by African countries, as reflected in areas and activities under WTO. Reference was made to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, where complaints were increasingly being filed by least developed countries (LDCs), and a commensurate increase in use of the WTO advisory centre’s services. 43. He referred to lack of resources and expertise in some countries, as shortcomings in the trade negotiation process. Measures have, however, been taken by WTO members to provide effective support and aid. In December 2006, the Director-General of WTO reported to member States that resources (approximately US$ 35 to US$ 45 million) were to be allocated in coming years. Three levels of monitoring of aid effectiveness were considered: tracking of provided funding, monitoring of activities on the ground, and monitoring at national level.

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