A/HRC/39/56
F.
Standards for the implementation of the right to development
72.
The Working Group continued its discussion on the elaboration of standards for the
implementation of the right to development. In that regard, the Group had before it two
documents: the report on standards for the implementation of the right to development
(A/HRC/WG.2/17/2), which had been prepared and presented by the Chair-Rapporteur at
the Group’s seventeenth session, and the proposals by the Non-Aligned Movement on a set
of standards regarding the implementation and realization of the right to development,
which was contained in document A/HRC/WG.2/18/G/1.
73.
The delegate of the European Union noted at the start of the discussion that it would
make no change in its position. It would not comment on specific proposals and would
maintain the same proposals that it had made previously. The representative of the NonAligned Movement spoke of the set of standards proposed by the Chair-Rapporteur as a
way to move forward and fulfil the Group’s mandate. The Movement was prepared to listen
to proposals that had to be included and wanted the Working Group to work together with
the Chair-Rapporteur and the Special Rapporteur. It also referred to the content in the draft
set of standards presented by the Non-Aligned Movement. The draft contained provisions
regarding full respect for international standards and cooperation between States, the
removal of barriers, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in
particular Goal 17, the responsibility of States to cooperate to eliminate injustice, cease
unilateral coercive measures and respect for the political independence and integrity of
States and the principle of non-interference.
74.
The delegate of Japan made a reservation on the set of standards. Representatives
from South Africa and the Plurinational State of Bolivia took the floor, with contributions
by Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, speaking on behalf of the Forum of
Catholic-inspired Non-governmental Organizations, Centre Europe-tiers monde and the
Indian Council of South America. The delegate of South Africa mentioned that it would
have been useful if the topic had been discussed in the panel discussions and agreed that the
proposal by the Non-Aligned Movement and the criteria and subcriteria were equally
important for moving forward. The delegate noted that placing the right to development
into an international legal framework on par with other human rights was imperative and
added that a Convention would create new momentum and complement the current human
rights regime and was in line with the prevention mandate of the Council. The delegate of
the Plurinational State of Bolivia reiterated the need for a legally binding treaty. Civil
society organizations supported the need for a legally binding treaty and underlined that the
basic reference document in that regard was the Declaration on the Right to Development.
Civil society organizations also referred to a non-paper that they had submitted in the
previous session on standards, items to be taken into consideration and inclusion of
indigenous persons.
IV. Conclusions and recommendations
75.
At the final meeting of its nineteenth session, on 26 April 2018, the Working
Group adopted by consensus the present conclusions and recommendations, in
accordance with its mandate as established by Commission on Human Rights
resolution 1998/72.
A.
Conclusions
76.
The Working Group expressed its appreciation to all those who had
contributed to the proceedings of its nineteenth session.
77.
The Working Group welcomed the presence of the United Nations Deputy High
Commissioner for Human Rights at the session and took note of her opening remarks,
delivered on behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in which she
reiterated the full support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights for the Working Group and for the full realization of the right to
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