OIC/IPHRC’s Position on the Right to Development

https://www.doi.org/10.32523/2791-0954-2022-3-3-79-97

Abstract

Adoption of the UN Declaration on Right to Development in 1986 had kindled optimism within the developing world on the prospects of an equitable international economic order. Thus, generating hopes for progress on socio-economic development and eradication of poverty. Ironically, however, thirty-five years on, translating the Declaration into concrete actions has remained elusive. The divide between the global North and South is yet to be bridged; the developed world remains reluctant to shoulder its part of the responsibilities. The inalienable RtD has been held hostage to the international politics and the greed to maximize resources and technological advances for parochial national interests. 

Most of the OIC States are developing countries, facing traditional challenges of resource constraints vis-à-vis development needs. They are, therefore, important stakeholders in the issues pertaining to the RtD. This subsection of the thesis, therefore, dwells in detail on the conceptual, historical and operational aspects of the RtD. The author has also analyzed the linkage of this right with Islamic conception of human rights as well as made a sturdy effort to explain the equal importance and validity of this right for individuals, groups and countries. Concretely the subsection highlights the significance of this right for the developing countries, its legal dimensions that are in line with the conception of human rights and sustainable development goals as well as the challenges faced in its realization due to competing perspective of western countries /developed world. 

While reflecting on the divergence of views and competing perspectives, the subsection also highlights the unprecedented developments in the scientific, climatic, technological, political, security and socio-cultural arenas, which have forced people to think collectively as inhabitants of one planet who’s present and future are closely linked to each other. Accordingly, the adopted 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are seen as an expression of commitment by States to fulfilling their obligations under the Declaration on the RtD, individually and collectively.

More importantly the subsection provides the OIC/IPHRC’s perspective on RtD, which explains that while development is a State-led process, global interconnectedness and contemporary challenges warrant international cooperation in the spirit of the “collective responsibility of the international community to ensure the attainment of the minimum standards of living necessary for the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons throughout the world. Furthermore, IPHRC believes that respect for and realization of human rights through the process of development is essential to national stability and the promotion of international peace and security. A genuine understanding of this inter-dependence can overcome the perceived competitive fears and bring all countries closer in a more collaborative spirit.

While analyzing the diversity of views on this important right, current challenges and opportunities to overcome the north-south divide, the author argues that realization of this right would not be at the peril of the developed world. On the contrary, it would help equitable utilization of resources without discrimination in a just world that would not only ensure enjoyment of individuals’ economic, social and cultural rights but would also bring lasting peace and security that is a core objective of the United Nations.