The Right to Development and Human Rights Economy

This note explains the relationship between the right to development (RTD) and Human Rights Economy (HRE).

The RTD is a human right[1] whereas HRE is a concept and strategy. Like the human rights-based approach to development, HRE is a tool and one of the means to operationalize the RTD. The RTD is broader than the HRE. The RTD provides a legal basis and normative framework to HRE, along with ESCRs and CPRs. The RTD requires peace and security, development including economy, and human rights – the three pillars of the UN as an enabling environment both national and international for development aimed at enhancing well-being of individuals and peoples. Moreover, the RTD requires the duty to cooperate and solidarity among States in removing obstacles to development. The RTD and HRE are complimentary and mutually reinforcing.

The RTD and its key principles inform the HRE concept, for example, as follows –

  • The active, free and meaningful participation in development is referred to in the HRE concept as one of its principal goals.
  • The right of peoples to self-determination and to full sovereignty over all their natural wealth and resources – HRE promotes the responsible and sustainable use and management of economic and natural resources.
  • The fair distribution of the benefits of development and equal opportunity in access to basic resources and services; the RTD should be fulfilled so as to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations equitably – HRE promotes fair and equitable distribution of resources and development benefits, to ensure the ability of both present and future generations to effectively enjoy all human rights.
  • The RTD recognizes that States have obligations at three levels: (a) internally, through the formulation of national development policies and programmes affecting persons within their jurisdictions; (b) internationally, through the adoption and implementation of policies extending beyond their jurisdictions; and (c) collectively, through global and regional partnerships.[2] States should formulate appropriate national development policies and have the duty to cooperate with each other in ensuring development and eliminating obstacles to it. While the focus of HRE is the national level, it requires global actions and cooperation to transform global economic governance.

[1] See OHCHR Factsheet No. 37 – FAQ on the RTD

https://www.ohchr.org/en/publications/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-no-37-frequently-asked-questions-right-development

[2] A/HRC/15/WG.2/TF/2/Add.2, annex.

OHCHR – 03 March 2025

https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/tools-and-resources/right-development-and-human-rights-economy