The Declaration on the Right to Development is a document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1986. It recognizes the right of every individual and all peoples to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development.
The declaration emphasizes that development is a comprehensive process that encompasses economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. It states that the right to development is an inalienable human right and an integral part of fundamental human rights. It also highlights the interdependence between individual development and collective development at the national and international levels.
The declaration recognizes the right of individuals and peoples to determine their own economic, social, and cultural development in accordance with their national policies and priorities. It calls for equal opportunities and access to resources and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to promote development and alleviate poverty.
Additionally, the declaration emphasizes the importance of equitable distribution of benefits of development, both within and among countries. It recognizes the role of international trade, technology transfer, and financial assistance in supporting the right to development. It also encourages the establishment of a favorable international economic order that promotes development and reduces disparities between developed and developing countries.
The Declaration on the Right to Development reaffirms the commitment of the international community to promote the right to development as a universal and indivisible right. It calls upon states, international organizations, and civil society to take concrete steps to realize this right and to integrate the principles of development into their policies and practices.
It is important to note that the Declaration on the Right to Development is a non-binding document, meaning that it does not create legally enforceable obligations. However, it serves as an important framework for guiding policies and actions towards promoting equitable and sustainable development for all.