A/HRC/42/29 Target 17.12 – duty-free and quota-free market access for least developed countries 51. The high-level task force on the right to development has stated its belief that States should refrain from protectionism.78 In addition to this, it has been stated that measures to create an enabling environment for the right to development included trade diversification, aid for trade, and support for trade unions and institutional capacity-building.79 52. Between 2008 and 2013, the relative preferential margin 80 enjoyed by least developed countries improved in most cases. 81 In continuing with this trend, such improvement should be followed by additional measures that empower such countries to implement the right to development. E. Systemic issues 1. Policy and institutional coherence Target 17.13 – global macroeconomic stability 53. High macroeconomic instability can adversely affect economic and social welfare. Policy coordination and policy coherence towards macroeconomic stability can be better achieved at all levels with the undertaking of social and human rights impact assessments of policies and by promoting inclusive and participatory international economic governance.82 Macroeconomic policies and their relation to the realization of all rights continue to be an area of research and advocacy for OHCHR. Target 17.14 – policy coherence for sustainable development 54. The broad scope of and multidimensional approach in the 2030 Agenda calls for a renewed focus on enhanced policy coherence. The Working Group has concluded that the progressive realization of the right to development needs a clear vision, enhanced coherence, effective coordination of policies and programmes, a credible review process, constant assessment and political commitment at the national and international levels.83 It has also recommended that Governments, in negotiating trade agreements, comply with and ensure respect for their human rights obligations. 84 An effective global partnership for sustainable development, underpinned by human rights-based policy coherence and coordination at all levels, is the best foundation for realizing the right to development. 85 Social and human rights impact assessments of trade and development partnerships are important tools to achieve such coherence and coordination.86 Treaty bodies87 and experts88 have provided recommendations and guidelines on the application of human rights impact 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 A/HRC/12/WG.2/TF/2, para. 58. Ibid., para. 23. The relative preferential margin is the difference between the preferential rate for least developed countries and the applied tariff rates applicable to least developed countries competitors in the same market taking into account the preferential tariff rates that are applicable to them. See https://stats.unctad.org/Dgff2016/annexes/def.html#RelativePreferentialMargins. See https://stats.unctad.org/Dgff2016/partnership/goal17/target_17_12.html, table 17.1. E/FFDF/2019/2, paras. 72 and 80. E/CN.4/2004/23 and Corr.1, para. 43 (h). E/CN.4/2006/26, para. 41; E/CN.4/2005/25, para. 44. A/66/216, para. 76. E/CN.4/2005/25, paras. 52–53. See also A/HRC/15/WG.2/TF/2/Add.1 and Corr.1, paras. 15–19; E/CN.4/2004/23/Add.1, para. 18 (aa); E/CN.4/2005/WG.18/2, paras. 23–24, 41–44 and 46; De Schutter, “The international dimensions of the right to development”, paras. 11, 72, 95, 97 and 113; Khan, “Promoting rights-based climate finance”, paras. 42, 144, 179. See Committee on the Rights of the Child, general comment No. 16 (2013) on State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 24, paras. 13, 17 and 38; E/C.12/LIE/CO/2-3, para. 8; E/C.12/SWE/CO/6, para. 12 (a); E/C.12/GBR/CO/6, para. 15 (a); E/C.12/CHN/CO/2, para. 12 (a); E/C.12/FRA/CO/4, para. 8. See A/HRC/40/57; A/HRC/19/59/Add.5; A/HRC/4/74; A/HRC/23/37. 13