A/HRC/33/45
right to development. In its paragraph 63, 2030 Agenda referred to “policy space” and
“national development efforts”, and the enabling environment, which would be a challenge.
Examples were given of the Doha Development Round, of policy coordination and
coherence, and of conflicts and occupations that were all obstacles hampering the
implementation of the Agenda. Pakistan also referred to the “cherry picking” of obligations
and targets, and questioned how far a moral obligation would take the international
community.
38.
Tunisia, aligning itself with the views of the Non-Aligned Movement and the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed doubts on the practicalities of the
conceptual framework change, which it did not view as profound. Member States had
differing approaches to the economy; and while partnership for development was required
for an enabling environment, development assistance and the current economic and
financial frameworks would hinder the achievement of goals in developing countries. Cuba,
supporting the views of the Non-Aligned Movement and endorsing the statement made by
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated the view that obstacles persisted. It
referred to how the Working Group had “put the cart before the horse” by debating the
issue of indicators before agreeing on a larger agenda, and stressed that lessons could be
learned from how this had been done in the 2030 Agenda. Cuba asked the speakers how
they saw implementation going forward, and how the Working Group could contribute.
39.
Namibia, aligning itself with the views of the Non-Aligned Movement, pointed out
that international cooperation was indispensable for addressing obstacles that were beyond
the capacity of national Governments. The focus should be on development, not
benevolence, and there should be no “cherry picking”. What was needed was not a moral
obligation but a legally binding instrument to ensure that the right to development was
implemented properly. South Africa, aligning itself with the statement made by the NonAligned Movement, spoke of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda
2063: The Africa We Want, which also sought to address the triple challenge of poverty,
unemployment and inequality. The most persistent accountability deficit had been
witnessed in relation to the financial commitments to the global partnership for
development envisaged previously under Goal 8. A strengthened and revitalized Global
Partnership for Sustainable Development was thus crucial, and based on the principles of
the Declaration on the Right to Development. There was a need for the inclusion of the
principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which was highlighted by many
delegations. It also referred to the role of the private sector and business, and the need for
their accountability in relation to human rights and humanitarian violations.
40.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shared the views that the
Sustainable Development Goals were universal, that human rights were the cornerstone for
achieving them, and that national development plans incorporating a “whole of
Government” approach were required, together with partnerships to engage in best
practices to coordinate and monitor implementation. The United Kingdom was fulfilling its
commitments through development assistance, boosting partnerships and cross-government
funds. It referred to the need for global transparency standards, the “golden thread” of
which were democracy, the rule of law, property rights, a free media and open, accountable
institutions. The United States of America discussed its long-standing commitment to
human rights and development, and how human rights were integrated into its development
cooperation. It pointed out the importance of indicators and data-driven analysis.
41.
China reiterated the view that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was a
landmark in sustainable development, and mentioned the importance of poverty
eradication. It also referred to the need to tackle environmental challenges, to promote
social justice and to ensure better and sustainable development. At the international level,
partnerships and coordination were essential. China spoke of its own national commitments
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