A/HRC/13/51 security programmes. In order to incorporate human rights into social security programmes, benchmarks on human rights should be clearly formulated. In conclusion, Ms. Bras Gomes reiterated the need for the human rights community to engage in dialogue with partners in trade, climate change and all other subjects that affect human rights. IV. Conclusions and Recommendations A. Conclusions 81. The conclusions below are based on presentations and statements made during the Social Forum and its accompanying interactive debates. 82. The 2009 Social Forum welcomed the opportunity to have open dialogue with all participants on an equal footing, and encouraged increased participation of grassroots organizations working with and for the poor, as well as the poor themselves, to share their own ideas and stories and to interact with other actors. 83. It was also emphasized that the meaningful reform of the international economic and financial system as well as of international financial institutions was vital to achieve a more equitable and participatory international system, which would significantly contribute to the efforts of the international community in combating poverty. 84. It was recalled that international assistance and cooperation is enshrined in, inter alia, article 2 (1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. There was a duty to assist countries that did not have the domestic resources to achieve progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the Covenant. It was reaffirmed that human rights principles and obligations had established the foundation for effective international assistance and cooperation. 85. International assistance and cooperation played a significant role in making social security viable for all States. Donor States were urged to fulfil their ODA commitments, and States should have mechanisms in place to ensure the efficient and objective use of ODA. 86. With a proper foundation on human rights principles, trade could create an enabling environment for poverty eradication. Human rights could serve as a framework, reference and tool to evaluate the gains and losses from trade liberalization, in particular in its potential impact on the poorest and most vulnerable in society. 87. Comprehensive debt relief measures were essential for heavily indebted poor countries. These measures should take into account, among other things, affected countries’ equitable access to global markets as well as access to international debt arbitration. Debt cancellation could also be regarded as a possible form of compensation to heavily indebted economies that bear the consequences of the crisis for which they were not responsible. 88. Social security was not optional, nor was it charity. Its provision was an obligation enshrined in international human rights law. Social security systems were important in times of crisis in order to protect those who suffer from the negative effects of the crisis and to contribute to job creation and economic recovery. 89. Social security was an affordable and powerful tool for the protection of the core rights of all persons. It should also go beyond poverty reduction and protect individuals against the adverse effects of the market and economic crises. In so doing, GE.09-17229 17