A/HRC/17/37 countries and countries faced with natural and other disasters; and (i) clearly define the role of parliaments and civil society. 58. Some participants felt that the scope of the guidelines was too narrow and that there was a need to broaden it to address issues such the relevance of financed projects and successful or failed projects. 59. One participant cautioned against the use of fluid terms such as macroeconomic stability. It was noted that it was possible to have good macroeconomic indicators while at the same time the poor and marginalized were unable to access basic services. 60. Another participant suggested that the term “principles” should be used in place of “guidelines” in order to bolster the influence of the guidelines. V. Asia-Pacific regional consultation A. Introduction 61. The Asia-Pacific regional consultation was held in Doha on 31 January and 1 February 2011. It was organized by OHCHR and generously co-sponsored by the Government of Qatar. The Independent Expert is grateful for this support, and for the contributions of all participants. He reiterates his special gratitude to the Government of Qatar for its generosity and continuing support for his mandate. 62. Participants in the consultation included representatives of States, parliamentarians, civil society organizations and academics. The World Bank was also represented at the consultation. 63. Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Al-Thani, Director of the Bureau of Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, delivered an opening statement on behalf of the Government of Qatar in which he noted that the hosting of the meeting was part of his Government’s efforts to consolidate international standards aimed at protecting human rights. He further stated that the regional consultation underscored the importance of improving the guidelines. B. Session I: Rationale and purpose of the guidelines 64. This session began with the Independent Expert briefing the participants on the background and rationale of the guidelines and explaining the relationship between foreign debt and human rights, including the right to development. 65. The Independent Expert’s briefing was followed by a presentation on the form and content of the guidelines. It was observed that the guidelines failed to clearly identify the legal rights at stake on the one hand, and the rights holders and duty bearers on the other. The presenter pointed to the need for a human rights-based approach which, it was contended, would offer an explicit normative framework underpinned by universally recognized moral values reinforced by legal obligations. It was noted that the voluntary character of the guidelines was a major weakness. 66. Participants stated that the guidelines should inform the economic policies of States and serve as a reminder that the realization of human rights was the primary obligation of all States. There was general consensus that the guidelines should be anchored to the existing legally binding human rights instruments as this would enhance their legitimacy. Some participants stated that the guidelines should not go below minimum international human rights standards. 13