Identifying and promoting good practices: Regional consultations on the practical implementation of the right to development

Background

In September 2017, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 36/9, which mandated the Special Rapporteur to conduct Regional Consultations. This series of regional consultations was held throughout 2018 to identify good practices in designing and implementing policies and programs to advance human development through a human rights-based approach.

Objectives of the consultations

• Share good practices and experiences in designing and implementing human development policies and programs that contribute to the realisation of human rights;
  
• Share methodologies to monitor and assess structure, processes and outcomes of said programs and policies;
• Share recurring obstacles and challenges to the effective implementation and integration of human rights in development programs; as well as successes and innovative approaches in overcoming these obstacles.
  

Regional Consultations

• Regional Consultation for Africa - 27 to 29 March 2018 - Addis Ababa
• Regional Consultation for the Western European and other States and Eastern European States – 11 and 12 June 2018 - Geneva
• Regional Consultation for GRULAC - 11 and 12 October 2018 - Panama City
• Regional Consultation for Asia - 12 and 13 December 2018 - Bangkok
• Concluding Expert Meeting - 10 to 11 April 2019 - Dakar
  

Outcome of the consultations

The report resulting from the regional consultations is now available (A/HRC/42/38). In this report, the Special Rapporteur presents guidelines and recommendations on the practical implementation of the right to development arising from the regional consultations on that topic held in 2018 and 2019.

As well as valuable discussions and experience sharing, a number of good practices were identified and are summarised below.

• We need comprehensive, holistic human development policies and programs aimed at advancing the realisation of human rights for everyone.
• These should be designed, implemented, monitored and assessed through an approach that is participatory, accountable, transparent, and inclusive.
• Policies and programs should be grounded on the principles of non-discrimination and equality and ensure that those who are lagging behind are given special attention to effectively participate in and benefit from them.
• Appropriate financial and economic resources from both domestic and international sources (if needed) must be allocated in such a way that reflects genuine political commitment and accountability.
• Individuals and communities should also be effective actors in the equal sharing of the benefits of said policies and programs. Any such policies and programs should include mechanisms of accountability including judicial and/or quasi- judicial mechanisms for conflict resolutions and recourse in case of violations.
• Good practices have to deliver outcomes i.e., to achieve the primary aim of improving equity, justice and well-being for all through the realisation of their human rights.