South-South cooperation and the right to development

The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 33/14.

The activities of the Special Rapporteur from September 2017 to July 2018 are outlined in his report to the Human Rights Council at its thirty-ninth session (A/HRC/39/51). Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 36/9, the Special Rapporteur is convening a series of regional consultations on the practical implementation of the right to development in 2018 and 2019. The Special Rapporteur is planning to hold consultations for the Latin American and Caribbean Group in October 2018 and for the Asian Group in December 2018.

Today, the international community is confronted with ever-increasing global challenges and crises that pose a threat to the economic, social, cultural and political development of current and future generations. Already back in 1986, the Declaration on the Right to Development (General Assembly resolution 41/128, annex) recognized that such development challenges can only be addressed if States and other relevant stakeholders join forces to find common and sustainable solutions. Acknowledging the importance of international solidarity and cooperation, the Declaration entrusts States with the duty to cooperate with each other in eliminating obstacles to development; in ensuring development and human rights for all peoples and individuals; and in creating an enabling environment for the realization of the right to development on the national and international levels. Significantly, the Declaration also underlines that international cooperation is key to overcoming historic and structural inequalities that hinder the realization of the right to development in developing countries.

As traditional forms of North-South cooperation have proven insufficient to address global development challenges and asymmetries, South-South cooperation has become a key element of the international cooperation architecture for sustainable development. Although not a new phenomenon, South-South partnerships have experienced a remarkable expansion in recent years, reflecting the accumulation of experiences, knowledge and resources in the global South. Indeed, South-South cooperation has “established itself as a distinct and innovative paradigm that has proved to be a valuable tool for building capacity and promoting development”.¹

1. “The role of South-South Cooperation in the achievement of SDGs and the BAPA + 40 Conference”, p. 2, available at www.un.org/ecosoc/sites/www.un.org.ecosoc/files/files/en/dcf/brief%204_SSC_SDGs_BAPA%2B40_DGCIN_Argentina.pdf. ↩

Recognizing the potential contributions of South-South cooperation, the internationally agreed policy documents of 2015² firmly integrate it as a complement to other forms of international cooperation for achieving inclusive and sustainable development across the globe. These policy documents provide new impetus for leveraging South-South cooperation as a means to realize the right to development.

2. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (General Assembly resolution 69/313, annex); the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (General Assembly resolution 69/283, annex II); General Assembly resolution 70/1, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”; and the Paris Agreement on climate change (see FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1, decision 1/CP.21, annex) (hereinafter referred to as the post-2015 policy framework for sustainable development). ↩

In the present thematic report, the Special Rapporteur explores the link between South-South cooperation, sustainable development and the right to development. After elaborating on the concept of South-South cooperation as well as the relevant legal and policy framework, the Special Rapporteur examines some of the key challenges to South-South cooperation from the perspective of the right to development. The report highlights that South-South cooperation policies, programmes and initiatives should integrate a right to development perspective in order to overcome these challenges. To this end, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States and other relevant stakeholders incorporate the human rights principles enshrined in the right to development into the design, financing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of South-South cooperation processes. He outlines the benefits of such an approach, noting that it enhances the potential of South-South cooperation to contribute to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right to development in the context of the implementation of the post-2015 policy framework for sustainable development. To illustrate such contributions, the Special Rapporteur highlights some concrete examples of good practices in advancing inclusive sustainable development and human rights through South-South cooperation. The report concludes with some key recommendations aimed at leveraging the full potential of South-South cooperation.

The Special Rapporteur hopes that this report will inform the discussions to be held at the Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation, to be held in Buenos Aires from 20 to 22 March 2019 on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.³

3. Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August–12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.78.II.A.11 and corrigendum), chap. I. ↩

According to the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), South-South cooperation can be understood as a “broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains”. Within this framework, developing countries seek to meet their development goals through concerted efforts.⁴

4. UNOSSC, “About South-South and triangular cooperation” (www.unsouthsouth.org/about/about-sstc/). ↩

The main objectives, as outlined in the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, are for developing countries to promote national and collective self-reliance; create a platform of exchange among themselves; enhance technological capacities; strengthen their capacity to respond to development challenges; increase and improve international development cooperation; and achieve greater participation in international economic activities.⁵

5. Buenos Aires Plan of Action (note 3 above), para. 15. ↩

In the absence of a universally accepted definition of South-South cooperation,⁶ the United Nations developed the following operational definition on the basis of the 2009 Nairobi outcome document of the High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (General Assembly resolution 64/222, annex) and other relevant sources:
“…a process whereby two or more developing countries pursue their individual and/or shared national capacity development objectives through exchanges of knowledge, skills, resources and technical know-how, and through regional and interregional collective actions, including partnerships involving Governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector, for their individual and/or mutual benefit within and across regions.”⁷

6. Various definitions are used by different international institutions and countries. In Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States region, for example, South-South cooperation is also understood as “East-East cooperation”. See UNDP, Scaling-up South-South Cooperation for Sustainable Development (2016), p. 9, available from www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/development-impact/Scaling-Up_SSC_for_Sustainable_Development.html. ↩
7. See SSC/17/3, para. 9, and A/67/39, chap. I, decision 17/1, para. 2. ↩

In the light of these documents, the Special Rapporteur wishes to recall the following elements that guide South-South cooperation and that distinguish it from the traditional North-South cooperation model:
(a) Modalities of cooperation. South-South cooperation involves two or more developing countries that cooperate on a bilateral, regional, intra- or interregional basis. It is not limited to financial aid and should not be considered as official development assistance. Instead, South-South cooperation encompasses diverse forms and methods of cooperation that enable developing countries to share knowledge, skills, technical expertise and resources. South-South cooperation is therefore multi-faceted and may include elements of trade, investment, financial and humanitarian support, technical cooperation and capacity-building, technology transfer and knowledge exchange, among others;
(b) Solidarity and ownership. The relationship between South-South cooperation partners differs from traditional donor-recipient relations. South-South cooperation should be seen as expression of solidarity among equal partners who share common experiences and objectives. As such, the South-South cooperation agenda and initiatives must be determined and driven by developing countries seeking to establish horizontal cooperation for mutual benefits. They should thus be guided by the principles of non-conditionality and respect for national ownership, sovereignty and priorities as outlined in national development strategies and plans;
(c) Multi-stockholder approach. South-South cooperation embraces a multi-stakeholder approach, meaning that it is not limited to collaboration between governments. It involves cooperation among peoples and countries, including through partnerships involving governments, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society actors, academia and the private sector. South-South cooperation is sometimes facilitated by developed countries and/or multilateral organizations in the framework of triangular cooperation.⁸ The United Nations provides support to South-South and triangular cooperation through UNOSSC and various other entities;⁹
(d) Complementarity. South-South cooperation is a particular form of international cooperation that complements rather than substitutes for North-South cooperation. Hence, South-South and triangular cooperation should not result in a reduction of North-South cooperation or hamper progress in fulfilling existing official development assistance commitments;
(e) Development impact and effectiveness. In order to improve development impact and effectiveness, South-South cooperation programmes, initiatives and activities should be evidence-based, result-orientated, based on mutual accountability and transparency and coordinated with other development programmes and projects on the ground.

8. A United Nations working definition describes triangular cooperation as “Southern-driven partnerships between two or more developing countries supported by a developed country(ies)/or multilateral organization(s) to implement development cooperation programmes and projects” (SSC/17/3, para. 11). Triangular cooperation can take various forms, including the provision of funding, training, management and technological systems. See UNOSSC, “About South-South and triangular cooperation” (www.unsouthsouth.org/about/about-sstc/). ↩
9. For an overview of the current state of United Nations support to South-South and triangular cooperation, see A/72/297. ↩

Obligations with regard to international cooperation in the context of development and human rights can be derived from various sources, most notably the Charter of the United Nations; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (General Assembly resolution 217 A (III)) and international human rights treaties; and commitments made by States in resolutions and international policy documents. Although South-South cooperation may not always be explicitly mentioned, the Special Rapporteur notes that references to international cooperation should be understood to include South-South cooperation as one particular form of international cooperation. The following section provides an overview of key legal and policy documents that form the normative basis for the realization of the right to development through international cooperation, including South-South cooperation.

The importance of international cooperation has been emphasized by the United Nations since its creation in 1945. According to article 1(3) of the Charter of the United Nations, one of the main purposes of the Organization is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination. In this context, articles 55 and 56 of the Charter should be understood to establish legal obligations regarding international cooperation as States commit to take certain individual and collective action in the promotion of peace, human rights and development.

This spirit of solidarity and international cooperation has found further expression in a variety of international agreements. It is enshrined in the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, which provides that States have a duty to cooperate in the various fields irrespective of differences in their political, economic and social systems. The Declaration stipulates that States are obliged to cooperate, inter alia, in the protection and promotion of human rights; in the economic, social and cultural fields as well as the field of science and technology; in the promotion of international cultural and educational progress; and in the promotion of economic growth, especially in developing countries.¹⁰

10. General Assembly resolution 2625 (XXV), annex, fourth principle. ↩

International cooperation is also an underlying principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Under article 22, everyone “has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation, and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality”. In addition, article 28 entitles everyone to a social and international order in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized.

In line with the above-mentioned instruments, international cooperation has been codified in various legal instruments and human rights treaties on the regional and international levels.¹¹ Article 2(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (see General Assembly resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex) is especially relevant as it requires States to “take steps, individually and through international assistance and co-operation, especially economic and technical […]” in order to achieve the full realization of the rights contained in the Covenant.

11. See, for example, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 4; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, articles 4(2) and 32; and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, article 22(2). ↩

In this context, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has frequently reiterated that “international cooperation for development and thus for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights is an obligation of all States”.¹² The importance of international cooperation is affirmed in specific provisions contained in articles 11, 15, 22 and 23 of the Covenant. Article 11(1), for instance, requires States to take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living, “recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent”. The Special Rapporteur notes that, even in the absence of an explicit reference to international cooperation, States are obliged to cooperate in the realization of other Covenant rights since all provisions must be interpreted in light of the general legal obligations outlined in article 2.

12. Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 3 on the nature of States parties’ obligations (art. 2, para. 1, of the Covenant), paras. 13 and 14. ↩

Article 1 of the Declaration on the Right to Development defines the right to development as “an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized”. In light of this definition, the right to development must be understood as the right to a particular process of development, one that allows for the full realization of all human rights by expanding the capabilities and freedoms of all individuals to improve their well-being. Recognizing the entitlements of individuals as well as collectives and future generations, the right to development accords attention to structures, processes and outcomes. It recognizes equity, equality and justice as primary determinants of development.¹³

13. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Realizing the Right to Development (New York and Geneva, 2013), pp. 67–73. Available at www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/RightDevelopmentInteractive_EN.pdf. ↩

The Declaration on the Right to Development highlights the importance of cooperation between individuals, States and the international community in creating an enabling environment for development which is sustainable, just, equitable and inclusive. It recognizes that the right to development cannot be realized without effective cooperation among States, nor can all States fulfil their obligations without support from the international community. The Declaration thus imposes a concrete obligation on States to cooperate in ensuring the full realization of the right to development on the national and international levels.

This duty to cooperate is firmly anchored in articles 3, 4 and 6 of the Declaration. Article 3 requires States to respect the principles of international law on friendly relations and cooperation among States; to cooperate in ensuring development and eliminating obstacles to development; and to promote an international economic order based on sovereign equality, interdependence, mutual interest and cooperation among all States. Article 4 further obliges States to take individual and collective action in order to formulate development policies that facilitate the full realization of the right to development. The provision also emphasizes that effective international cooperation is crucial for providing developing countries with appropriate means and facilities to foster their development. Article 6 specifically calls upon States to cooperate in order to protect and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination.

In 1992, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development¹⁴ reaffirmed the role of cooperation for the realization of the right to development. In article 5, the Declaration asserts that “[a]ll States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the majority of the people of the world”. In this connection, article 6 stipulates that special priority should be given to the situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed countries and those most environmentally vulnerable.

14. Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3−14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum), resolution 1, annex I. ↩

In 1993, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action further affirmed the need for effective international cooperation and solidarity in realizing the right to development for all. The Declaration noted that enhanced and sustained international cooperation is essential for achieving peace and security, human rights and development, the three pillars and main purposes of the United Nations.¹⁵ To this end, the Vienna Declaration calls upon the international community, States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to cooperate effectively, including with regard to the enjoyment of human rights, the realization of the right to development and the elimination of obstacles to development.¹⁶

15. A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III, para. 1. ↩
16. Ibid., paras. 10, 13 and 73, inter alia. ↩

More recently, international cooperation in the context of sustainable development has been enshrined and reaffirmed in the four internationally agreed policy documents of 2015. These documents provide new impetus to South-South and triangular cooperation as a means to realize the right to development.

The Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development explicitly reiterates the importance of South-South cooperation as a complement to North-South cooperation and as a vital element of international cooperation for development (see General Assembly resolution 69/313, annex, para. 56). With regard to cooperation on international tax matters, for example, the Agenda recognizes the “need for technical assistance through multilateral, regional, bilateral and South-South cooperation, based on different needs of countries” (ibid., para. 28). The Agenda also calls upon developing countries to voluntarily increase their efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation in various fields, including poverty eradication, sustainable development, science, research, technology and innovation (ibid., paras. 57 and 120). In this context, the Agenda encourages States to improve the development effectiveness of South-South cooperation in accordance with the Nairobi outcome document of the High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (ibid., para. 57).

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction highlights that a combination of various forms of cooperation has proven to be key in supporting States, communities and businesses in reducing disaster risk (see General Assembly resolution 69/283, annex II, paras. 8 and 44). In particular, disaster-prone developing countries need to be supported through international cooperation and durable partnerships on the regional level in order to strengthen their capacity to respond to, and recover from, disasters and to implement the Framework in accordance with their national priorities and needs (ibid., para. 41). In this connection, the Framework calls upon States to strengthen cooperation in the field of disaster risk governance, management and reduction (ibid., paras. 26, 28 and 44). Complemented by North-South and triangular cooperation, South-South partnerships play a key role in supporting national capacities and potential to manage disaster risk and in “improving the social, health and economic well-being of individuals, communities and countries” (ibid., para. 44).

Similarly, the Paris Agreement on climate change recognizes the importance of international cooperation on adaption efforts, paying special attention to the needs of developing countries. All States parties and specialized United Nations entities are urged to strengthen their cooperation with regard, inter alia, to sharing information, good practices, experiences and lessons learned; strengthening relevant institutional frameworks that provide information, guidance and technical assistance; enhancing scientific knowledge on climate in order to inform better decision-making; supporting developing countries in identifying and implementing good practices; improving the durability and effectiveness of adaption measures; facilitating technology development and transfer; enhancing understanding, action and support concerning the loss and damages associated with the adverse effects of climate change; and promoting climate change education, training and awareness (articles 7 (6)–(8), 10 (2), 8 (3) and (4) and 12).

Finally, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (see General Assembly resolution 70/1) recognizes that sustainable development can only be realized with a strong commitment to global partnerships and cooperation. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to enhance international cooperation with a view to supporting domestic resources and capacities to achieve the targets of the Goals. While references to international cooperation can be found in various goals, Goal 17 is particularly important as it aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnerships for sustainable development. South-South cooperation is specifically mentioned with regard to the mobilization of additional financial resources for developing countries; knowledge sharing and access to science, technology and innovation; and capacity-building in development countries to support national action plans.¹⁷

17. See General Assembly resolution 71/313, targets 17.6 and 17.9 and indicator 17.3.1. ↩

The Special Rapporteur recognizes that the conceptual framework of South-South cooperation is promising as it embodies many of the principles enshrined in the right to development such as equality, inclusiveness, participation, national ownership and self-determination. However, the Special Rapporteur notes that it is important to distinguish between normative ideas and actual practice on the ground. As South-South cooperation becomes more widespread and institutionalized, policymakers and other stakeholders are faced with challenges that may undermined the founding principles of South-South cooperation if they remained unaddressed. Some of the key challenges identified by the Special Rapporteur from the perspective of the right to development relate to unequal power relationships and benefit sharing, the lack of meaningful participation, adverse human rights impacts and difficulties in monitoring and evaluating South-South cooperation.¹⁸

18. Some concrete examples illustrating these challenges can be found in the following report: CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness and The Reality of Aid, Policy Research on Operationalizing People-Oriented South-South Development Cooperation (2018), available at http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/9f29ee_8fe806c99632427e9e734a8df04d2b7d.pdf. ↩

One concern is that South-South cooperation may play into existing and emerging disparities between countries of the global South. South-South cooperation seeks to abandon the donor-recipient relationships that often characterize traditional forms of North-South cooperation. However, the diversity of, and the unequal relationships between, countries involved in South-South cooperation are sometimes downplayed.¹⁹ In fact, the global South has been described as an increasingly heterogeneous group of countries with different experiences, interests, needs and levels of development.²⁰ In particular, emerging economies surpass many developing countries in terms of their economic capacity and political influence. Such imbalanced relationships mean that partners in South-South cooperation may not be equal in practice and that mutual benefit does not always translate into equal benefit sharing.²¹ The Special Rapporteur highlights that it is important to acknowledge these asymmetries, especially when it comes to South-South cooperation between emerging economies and less developed countries. Otherwise, there is a danger that South-South cooperation could be dominated by certain countries, becoming more prescriptive, conditional and based on self-interest. This tendency has already been observed in South-South cooperation involving large infrastructure and energy projects driven by emerging economies in countries that are of strategic and economic importance to them. In such initiatives, grants and concessional loans are often tied to the purchase of goods and services, meaning that the benefits to local economies can be limited.²²

19. Danish Institute for International Studies, “Addressing the dilemmas in South-South cooperation” (September 2015), available at www.files.ethz.ch/isn/193920/South_south_final_for_web.pdf. ↩
20. OHCHR, Realizing the Right to Development (note 13 above), pp. 191–192. ↩
21. International Labour Office Regional Office for Africa, South-South Cooperation for Decent Work in Africa (2017), p. 11. Available at http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---africa/---ro-addis_ababa/documents/publication/wcms_553630.pdf. ↩
22. “Addressing the dilemmas in South-South cooperation” (note 19 above); Policy Research on Operationalizing People-Oriented South-South Development Cooperation (note 18 above), p. 11. ↩

Furthermore, there is concern that civil society, affected communities and individuals are sometimes not sufficiently involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of South-South cooperation initiatives. This is particularly the case in countries where civil society lacks capacity or where civic space has increasingly been constrained, thus hindering civil society’s active participation in broader policy discussions and decision-making processes at the national and local levels. In such circumstances, there is a danger that South-South cooperation is driven by and benefiting elites while failing to create genuine multi-stakeholder partnerships for the benefit of the population at large, local communities and those left furthest behind.²³

23. See, for example, The Reality of Aid, South-South Cooperation: A Challenge to the Aid System? (2010), available from www.realityofaid.org/roa_report/south-south-development-cooperation-a-challenge-to-the-aid-system; Fahamu Networks for Social Justice, African Civil Society Engagement with Emerging Powers (2017), available at www.fahamu.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CSOs_EP_2017-1-1.pdf. ↩

Some initiatives under the South-South cooperation framework may even pose an obstacle to human rights and sustainable development when they are not implemented in line with the right to development. In particular, large infrastructure projects and initiatives involving the private sector have been criticized for their adverse human rights impacts. Frequently raised concerns relate to labour rights issues, the violation of indigenous rights, lack of transparency and meaningful consultation with affected populations, forced relocation and insufficient resettlement options or compensation packages, negative effects on food security caused by destruction of natural resources and negative health and environmental consequences caused by emissions, oil spills, water and soil pollution (see A/HRC/31/60/Add.1, para. 75).

Finally, the Special Rapporteur notes that monitoring and evaluating South-South cooperation can be challenging. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), some of the main difficulties in this regard relate to the diversity of South-South cooperation modalities and the lack of a universally accepted definition; evidence gaps and limited data on South-South cooperation; the lack of structured monitoring and evaluation mechanisms or information management systems; and limited experience or institutional capacity among Southern partners.²⁴ While acknowledging the complexities involved in measuring, monitoring and assessing South-South cooperation, the Special Rapporteur believes that the collection of disaggregated data and the establishment of transparent and participatory monitoring and evaluation frameworks for South-South cooperation would contribute to advancing the right to development across all countries and segments of society.

24. UNDP, “Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for South-South and triangular development cooperation: lessons from Brazil for the 2030 Agenda” (October 2016), p. 9. Available from www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/development-impact/ssc-M-E-lessons_from_Brazil.html. ↩

In order to address these challenges, gaps and concerns, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes the urgent need to integrate the right to development perspective into South-South cooperation polices, programmes and initiatives. To this end, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States and other relevant stakeholders incorporate the human rights principles enshrined in the right to development in the design, financing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of South-South cooperation processes. Such an approach seeks to reinforce and complement many of the principles enshrined in the conceptual framework of South-South cooperation.

In the view of the Special Rapporteur, a right to development perspective provides a conceptual framework for sustainable development that is normatively based on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and protecting the right to development with a view to advancing the realization of all human rights. Integrating such a perspective into South-South cooperation would be beneficial as it implies that:
(a) South-South cooperation programmes, policies and projects should promote a holistic understanding of development that goes beyond economic growth and that defines development as a comprehensive economic, social, cultural and political process aimed at improving human well-being, the expansion of individual capabilities and the realization of human rights. Equality, justice, equity and fairness must thereby be the primary determinants of development;
(b) The continuous improvement of human well-being and the fulfilment of human rights should be a main objective when designing and formulating South-South cooperation policies, programmes and activities. Equal attention must be accorded to the realization of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights;
(c) Initiatives implemented under the South-South cooperation framework should identify rights-holders and their entitlements, as well as corresponding duty-bearers and their obligations. They should also work towards strengthening the capacity of rights-holders to meaningfully participate in South-South cooperation processes and to claim their rights, while enabling duty-bearers to meet their obligations;
(d) South-South cooperation processes should be guided by principles and standards derived from international human rights instruments, including those relating to the right to development, throughout the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases. Consequently, South-South cooperation processes should adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability; guarantee equality and non-discrimination; ensure meaningful and informed participation of all relevant stakeholders in decision-making; promote equity and inclusiveness; mobilize maximum available resources; ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing; incorporate due diligence procedures and safeguards against adverse human rights impacts; and provide accountability mechanisms and effective remedies when human rights have been violated in the context of South-South initiatives;
(e) South-South cooperation processes should pay special attention to identifying and addressing discrimination and inequalities that impede the realization of the right to development. In this connection, South-South cooperation initiatives should take positive action to advance human rights and sustainable development for those who have been left behind;
(f) South-South cooperation should not only be assessed in terms development outcomes, but also in terms of its processes. State commitments under South-South cooperation programmes, policies and activities should be monitored and evaluated in light of human rights instruments and relevant recommendations made by human rights mechanisms.

The Special Rapporteur underlines that the right to development does not prescribe a single method of implementing South-South initiatives. It looks at structures, processes and outcomes from a right to development perspective, while taking into account that different approaches are required for integrating the right to development into South-South cooperation. Which methods are best suited for operationalizing such a perspective will depend on the sector, local needs and circumstances, resource availability and the different actors involved.

As South-South cooperation is typically not framed in human rights terms, limited research and guidelines exist on applying a right to development perspective to South-South cooperation. While noting that further research is required in this regard, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes that substantial information is available about strategies and practices employed to implement a human rights-based approach to development cooperation.²⁵ Methods identified in this area, such as participatory budgeting, human rights and equality impact assessments and gender action plans, to name but a few, can be equally useful for operationalizing a right to development perspective in the context of South-South cooperation.

25. For an overview of such practices, see, for example, Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, “Integrating human rights into development cooperation” (April 2014), available at https://ghum.kuleuven.be/ggs/publications/research_reports/stp-report-integrating-hr-in-devcoop.pdf. ↩

The Special Rapporteur is confident that South-South cooperation holds much promise for the future, provided that it is implemented in accordance with the right to development as outlined above. The present section elaborates on the potential of South-South cooperation for advancing the realization of the right to development in the global South. It will also provide some concrete examples of promising practices illustrating how South-South cooperation can contribute to the realization of the right to development by effectively advancing sustainable development, human rights and the implementation of the internationally agreed outcome documents of 2015.

Although the Special Rapporteur has not yet developed a comprehensive framework for assessing good practices, he has identified the following elements of good practices that should be considered when analysing South-South cooperation through a right to development lens.

The right to development calls for comprehensive, holistic human development policies and programmes that are aimed at advancing the realization of human rights for everyone. As such it requires South-South cooperation policies, programmes and activities to be designed, implemented, monitored and assessed through an approach that is participatory, accountable, transparent and inclusive. South-South cooperation should be grounded on the principles of non-discrimination and equality to ensure that those who are lagging behind are given special attention and that all individuals and communities effectively participate in and equally benefit from South-South partnerships. In addition, policies and programmes require the allocation of appropriate financial and economic resources from both domestic and international sources (if needed) in a manner that reflects genuine political commitment and accountability. South-South partnerships should encompass meaningful accountability frameworks to hold duty bearers to account, including though judicial or quasi-judicial mechanisms, and provide effective means of redress for all stakeholders impacted by these partnerships. Lastly, South-South initiatives should deliver in terms of outcomes, meaning that they should enable developing counties to meet their development goals through concerted efforts while improving equity, justice and well-being for all through the realization of their human rights.

In his first report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/36/49), the Special Rapporteur highlighted that cooperation, revitalized partnerships and a participatory multi-stakeholder approach are key prerequisites for the realization of the right to development. Since a multi-stakeholder approach is one of its core principles, South-South cooperation is uniquely suited to strengthen and create multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development that are based on solidarity, equality and common development goals.

For example, the expansion of South-South cooperation leads to the establishment of new collaboration mechanisms and frameworks that facilitate more structured and vibrant forms of development cooperation on the interregional level. In his recent report to the Economic and Social Council on trends and progress in international development cooperation, the Secretary-General stressed that such interregional frameworks “provide high-level platforms for knowledge-sharing and mutual learning among Southern partners, involving both State and non-State actors, including parliamentarians, representatives of civil society, local authorities, women and youth, as well as representatives of the private sector” (E/2018/55, para. 44). Indeed, interregional South-South forums and summits²⁶ can facilitate the formulation of common development agendas and coherent strategies, the coordination of policies, the mobilization of resources for sustainable development and the launching of joint development initiatives.²⁷ The increasing number of Southern-led and owned multilateral development banks and funds²⁸ can also play an important role in supporting sustainable development efforts, including through the mobilization of resources, the support of cross-border initiatives and projects and innovative approaches to increase the effectiveness of development cooperation.²⁹

26. Examples include the India-Africa Forum Summit, the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Summit of South American-Arab Countries, the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa summit and the India, Brazil and South Africa summit. ↩
27. See E/2018/55, para. 44, and Economic and Social Council, summary of the Development Cooperation Forum Argentina high-level symposium, 6–8 September 2017, p. 2. available at www.un.org/ecosoc/sites/www.un.org.ecosoc/files/files/en/dcf/dcf-argentina-summary.pdf. ↩
28. Examples include the New Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, the Development Bank of Latin America, the Islamic Development Bank and the Africa Financial Alliance for Climate Change recently announced by the African Development Bank Group. ↩
29. See E/2018/55, para. 42, and summary of the Development Cooperation Forum Argentina high-level symposium (note 27 above), p. 5. ↩

South-South cooperation further provides a valuable opportunity to enhance Southern-led partnerships for sustainable development on the global level. Through triangular cooperation modalities, partners in South-South cooperation can unite developing countries, multilateral institutions and traditional donor countries. Such partnerships can support South-South efforts for sustainable development through the provision of funding, training and management and technological systems as well as other forms of support.³⁰

30. UNOSSC, “About South-South and triangular cooperation” (www.unsouthsouth.org/about/about-sstc/). ↩

In addition, South-South knowledge exchanges allow countries to share good practices in creating participatory and inclusive multi-stakeholder approaches for sustainable development. This could help to further spread promising practices identified by UNOSSC, such as participatory budgeting or Costa Rica’s national pact for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.³¹

31. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (May 2016), available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-buqyoV0jpSWE9FM2tHSUhCUW8/view. ↩

The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that, by reinforcing and creating multi-stakeholder partnerships, South-South cooperation has great potential to contribute to the implementation of the 2015 policy framework and the realization of the right to development. However, this potential can only be leveraged if these partnerships are aligned with the right to development. In the view of the Special Rapporteur this means that they must: (a) ensure effective access to information and meaningful participation of all relevant stokeholds at all levels of decision-making; (b) empower and be inclusive of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities and individuals; (c) ensure that risks and benefits are equally and fairly distributed between all partners; and (d) be accompanied by accountability mechanisms. If these criteria are fulfilled, Southern-led multi-stakeholder partnerships can lead to more inclusive and sustainable development by empowering key actors to actively participate in, contribute to and benefit from the development of their own countries. By doing so, they can help to level the playing field and reduce inequalities, both within and between countries. This may also lead the way in reforming the way in which multilateral development cooperation has traditionally operated.

The India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) is a good example of interregional South-South partnerships for sustainable development supported by the United Nations system. The fund aims to build new partnerships for development by facilitating the execution of replicable and scalable projects that can be disseminated to interested developing countries as examples of good practices in the fight against poverty and hunger.³² Projects are demand-driven and “objectives range from promoting food security, to addressing HIV/AIDS, to extending access to safe drinking water — all with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals”. They are implemented through partnerships among UNDP, local governments, national institutions and implementing partners. Project beneficiaries are also involved and particular attention is paid to their capacity-building.³³ The recent India, Brazil and South Africa declaration on South-South cooperation reiterated the importance of national ownership, noting that sustainable projects under the IBSA Fund must ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders of partner countries throughout the initiation, implementation and delivery phases.³⁴

32. See “About IBSA Trust Fund” (http://tcdc2.undp.org/IBSA/about/about.htm) and IBSA Fund, “2017 overview of project portfolio”, p. 2, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-buqyoV0jpSMDZsNEhNR2YxS2s/view. ↩
33. UNOSSC, “India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Facility”(www.unsouthsouth.org/partner-with-us/ibsa/). ↩
34. IBSA declaration on South-South cooperation, 5 June 2018, available at www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/29955/IBSA_Declaration_on_SouthSouth_Cooperation. ↩

In Guinea-Bissau, the IBSA Fund has facilitated partnerships with rural communities through projects aimed at generating agricultural capacity on the local level, reducing food insecurity and improving livelihoods. Overall, the projects enhanced agricultural production by training over 4,500 local farmers (60 per cent women) in agricultural techniques, resulting in a 12 per cent increase in rice yield. Projects also supported the diversification of production by offering alternatives for new crops; rehabilitated low-lying lands for cultivation; and trained partner farmers in water management, processing and conservation of agroproducts.³⁵

35. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), pp. 7–8; IBSA Fund, “2017 overview of project portfolio” (note 32 above), pp. 42–45. ↩

While implementing these projects, the Fund used methodological approaches in line with the right to development: activities were designed through participatory processes, where villagers were involved in the specifications, demand and implementation of activities and partnered with ministries, decision-makers and key government entities. When projects showed results, they were expanded to other communities. Subsequent projects deepened successes or tried different approaches where challenges were greater. The projects also had an accountability component, as clear mutual accountability compacts were signed with villages and government partners. Projects were evaluated with input from relevant stakeholders, confirming both the development results and adherence to principles such as national ownership and leadership, equality, horizontality and non-conditionality.³⁶

36. Ibid. ↩

The Special Rapporteur highlights the importance of acknowledging the great potential that South-South cooperation has as a tool and platform for identifying, 32 See “About IBSA Trust Fund” (http://tcdc2.undp.org/IBSA/about/about.htm) and IBSA Fund, “2017 overview of project portfolio”, p. 2, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BbuqyoV0jpSMDZsNEhNR2YxS2s/view. 33 UNOSSC, “India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Facility”(www.unsouthsouth.org/partner-withus/ibsa/). 34 IBSA declaration on South-South cooperation, 5 June 2018, available at www.mea.gov.in/ bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/29955/IBSA_Declaration_on_SouthSouth_Cooperation. 35 UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), pp. 7–8; IBSA Fund, “2017 overview of project portfolio” (note 32 above), pp. 42–45. 36 Ibid. 16/23 sharing and replicating good practices in the implementation of the internationally agreed outcome documents of 2015 and the realization of the right to development.

Developing countries and emerging economies have become key players and an important source of good practices in advancing sustainable development at the national, regional and global levels. They have accumulated diverse and innovative development practices in their policies, institutions and programmes. These approaches must be recognized as viable pathways to advancing sustainable development in the global South. South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives are key in this regard, as they seek to leverage the knowledge, skills, expertise and technical know-how of developing countries through exchanges and mutual learning. The South-South cooperation framework allows developing countries to actively support each other by sharing development policies, strategies and programmes that have proven successful in accelerating sustainable development in their own countries and regions. Such peer-to-peer learning is crucial for finding innovative and practical policy solutions to development challenges that can be adapted and replicated in different contexts.³⁷

37. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above); UNDP, “Frequently asked questions: South-South and triangular cooperation”, available from www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/poverty-reduction/development_cooperationandfinance/frequently-asked-questions--south-south-cooperation.html. ↩

Brazilian-led initiatives aimed at expanding school feeding programmes provide a concrete example illustrating how South-South cooperation promotes the sharing of good practices.

The Declaration on the Right to Development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognize hunger and poverty as the most important challenges for achieving sustainable development and realizing the right to development across the globe. South-South cooperation initiatives have proven to be a vital tool for developing countries to address hunger and fulfil the right to food through concerted efforts. For example, South-South cooperation in the field of school feeding programmes have helped various developing countries to advance their development objectives by taking advantage of Brazilian knowledge and experiences.

Brazil has made significant progress in fighting hunger and improving food security since the introduction of its Zero Hunger strategy and the expansion of national school feeding programmes.³⁸ The Brazilian model uses school feeding programmes as a social safety net that not only improves health and food security at the household level, but also advances the right to education for some of the most vulnerable children. Indeed, research in the Brazilian context has shown that providing in-school meals, mid-morning snacks and take-home rations through school feeding programmes can alleviate short-term hunger; improve food and nutrition security; increase children’s abilities to concentrate, learn and perform; reduce absenteeism; and increase enrolment rates for girls. Poor and chronically undernourished children particularly benefit from these effects.³⁹ Since the Brazilian model stipulates that at least 30 per cent of food for school feeding programmes needs to be sourced locally from smallholders, these programmes also stimulate local economies by improving livelihoods and fostering small-scale agricultural production.⁴⁰ On the basis of this success, United Nations agencies have frequently acknowledged Brazil’s school feeding programmes as a good practice that should be adapted and replicated by other countries.

38. Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Briefing note 01, “Countries tackling hunger with a right to food approach” (2010), p. 8, available at http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/food/docs/Briefing_Note_01_May_2010_EN.pdf. ↩
39. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), p. 23. ↩
40. WFP, “Home grown school feeding resource framework: synopsis - March 2017”, p. 3, available at https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/49c79dff999d42fca7da58853d7fa255/download/. ↩

Since 2009, South-South cooperation initiatives backed by the Government of Brazil and the World Food Programme (WFP) Centre for Excellence against Hunger have helped to expand and adapt the Brazilian model of school feeding programmes to other developing countries. The South-South initiatives focus on building partnerships that enable the sharing of Brazilian knowledge, technical know-how, policies and practices for school feeding with other developing countries. Through capacity development and technical assistance, the programme has led to the successful introduction of school feeding programmes in 14 countries of the region, while paying due regard to local needs, national policy goals and the participation of the local community and civil society.⁴¹

41. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “FAO’s South-South and triangular cooperation strategy in action” (2016), pp. 8–9, available at www.fao.org/3/a-i6249e.pdf; UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 32 above), pp. 11–12 and 23–24. ↩

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than 28 developing countries were actively tapping into Brazil’s expertise in 2016.⁴² The success of local purchase schemes for school feeding programmes in Brazil has also inspired South-South cooperation initiatives in other regions such as the Purchase from Africans for Africa programme. The programme aims to increase market access of smallholder farmers while improving the food security of students through home-grown school feeding programmes in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger and Senegal. This South-South initiative is a collaboration between the Government of Brazil and the participating countries, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), WFP and the United Kingdom as triangular partners. The programme has made important contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, providing locally purchased meals to 420 schools and increasing productivity rates of more than 5,500 family farmers by an average of 114 per cent. The programmes’ strong focus on capacity-building and community participation are important to ensure sustainability, long-term expansion and lasting partnerships.⁴³

42. WFP, “South-South and triangular cooperation for food security and nutrition” (2016), p. 4, available at https://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/communications/wfp289623.pdf?_ga=2.89909021.720148991.1499245980-521485542.1485772073. ↩
43. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), pp. 19–20; FAO, “FAO’s South-South and triangular cooperation strategy in action” (note 41 above), p. 9; WFP, “Lessons learned from the Purchase from Africans for Africa initiative”, available at www.wfp.org/purchase-progress/news/blog/lessons-learned-purchase-africans-africa-initiative. ↩

Recognizing the success of these South-South initiatives, UNOSSC noted that “[s]chool feeding is now changing the way in which the poorest countries address the combined challenges of hunger, education and small-scale agricultural production, building on the successes, lessons and structures in countries of the South such as Brazil.”⁴⁴ In this context, the Special Rapporteur stresses that South-South initiatives related to school feeding programmes can help make the right to development a reality in countries of the global South by contributing to the promotion of several human rights and by empowering local communities and young generations in line with the 2030 Agenda. If implemented in accordance with the right to development, such initiatives not only advance the rights to food and education, but also contribute to economic inclusion and the reduction of poverty and inequalities.

44. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), p. 19. ↩

In his first report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur identified some of the global trends that adversely affect the realization of the right to development across the globe. Such obstacles include the global economic and financial crisis, austerity, climate change and natural disasters, new global pandemics, demographic change, corruption, illicit financial flows and challenges linked to automation and privatization (see A/HRC/36/49, para. 30 (d)). The least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small-island developing States are particularly impacted by these adverse global trends and, at the same time, face the greatest challenges in addressing them. South-South cooperation provides a valuable opportunity for developing countries to find common, innovative, adaptable and cost-efficient solutions to the existing and emerging development challenges they face in light of such adverse global trends. With respect to climate change, for example, South-South initiatives can play an important role in strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption in developing countries. By doing so, such initiatives make a vital contribution to the realization of the right to development and the implementation of the post-2015 policy framework.

A South-South cooperation initiative aimed at sharing the Cuban model for local disaster risk reduction management is one concrete example that illustrates how South-South cooperation can effectively support developing countries in addressing emerging development challenges related to climate change and disaster risk.

In response to increasing threats from climate change and natural disasters, the Government of Cuba developed an innovative new model for local disaster risk reduction that relies on so-called risk reduction management centres. These centres consist of professional teams that manage an information hub at the local level. They collect, analyse, compile and coordinate risk and disaster information in order to assist local authorities in analysing risk and making development decisions informed by local risks and vulnerabilities. The centres also facilitates the flow of information between communities, government authorities and other relevant stakeholders. They support remote and isolated communities, providing them with information, equipment and training that enable them to identify, communicate and reduce disaster risk and to take effective protective and preventive measures.⁴⁵

45. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), p. 105; UNDP, “Cuba: risk reduction management centres: best practices in risk reduction” (2010), available at www.preventionweb.net/files/14963_crmicgrrcubabp2010en1.pdf. ↩

The Government of Cuba, in cooperation with UNDP and the Caribbean Risk Management Initiative, established eight provincial and 84 municipal centres in 310 communities across the country since the introduction of the model in 2005. The model has frequently been described as a good practice since results demonstrate improved risked preparedness, increased awareness of the population, better informed local decision-makers, more effectively managed disaster situations and mitigated impacts of disasters with minimal loss of lives and property.⁴⁶

46. UNOSSC, Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), p. 105; UNDP, “Cuba case study: best practices in risk reduction”, p. 2, available at https://info.undp.org/docs/pdc/Documents/R46/RRMC%20Caso%20Estudio_cuba.docx. ↩

Based on the success in Cuba, the model of risk reduction management centres has attracted widespread interest from other Caribbean countries facing similar challenges concerning climate change and disaster risk. As a result, the Government of Cuba launched a South-South cooperation pilot programme with five Caribbean countries (Guyana, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago) aimed at replicating the model and adapting it to local contexts. The long-term objective of this South-South initiative is to enhance local disaster risk reduction, management and decision-making to ensure that disaster risk and recovery are integrated in development planning and practices throughout the region. UNDP and the Caribbean Risk Management Initiative played an important role in guiding and facilitating the South-South cooperation process as a triangular partner.⁴⁷

47. UNDP, “Sharing what works: South-South cooperation for disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean” (2014), available at www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/06/23/sharing-what-works-south-south-cooperation-for-disaster-risk-reduction-in-the-caribbean.html; UNDP, “Final report: Caribbean Risk Management Initiative”, available at https://info.undp.org/docs/pdc/Documents/R46/CRMI%20Final%20Report%202012%20-%202015.pdf. ↩

Before implementing the model in the five pilot countries, baseline data and information were compiled for all participating countries in order to identify local needs and specific conditions on the ground. The transfer of knowledge and experiences from Cuba to the five pilot countries took place through various means and mechanisms such as technical support missions, technical and awareness-raising workshops, training sessions and local capacity-building measures. During the pilot process, attention was paid to ensuring the involvement of a variety of national and local stakeholders, including decision-makers, technical experts and specialists, national disaster management agencies, UNDP country offices, implementing authorities and beneficiaries.⁴⁸

48. Ibid. ↩

Through this South-South initiative, Cuba’s risk reduction model has been successfully adapted and implemented in all five countries. It resulted in the establishment of risk reduction management centres and teams, the development of a local disaster risk information platform, the establishment of community-based early warning points and the development of disaster risk reduction programmes and action plans based on local risk and vulnerability assessments. Throughout the process, emphasis was placed on the documentation of lessons learned, experiences and knowledge generated by those applying the model.⁴⁹ This has resulted in various publications and toolkits, which are useful for promoting the Cuban model in the Caribbean region and beyond.⁵⁰

49. UNOSSC Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development (note 31 above), p. 106; UNDP, “Sharing what works” (note 47 above). ↩
50. See, for example, https://info.undp.org/docs/pdc/Documents/R46/RRMC%20GIS%20Toolkit.pdf. ↩

The Special Rapporteur reiterates that South-South cooperation provides a vital opportunity for developing countries to join forces in finding innovative, cost-effective and context-specific solutions to some of the common development challenges they face regarding climate change and disaster risk. The South-South initiative led by Cuba shows that South-South cooperation has great potential as a platform for sharing and promoting practices that have proven successful in a particular context. By exporting and adapting these good practices, the South-South initiative has created new partnerships for sustainable development across the Caribbean region. These partnerships have provided vital support for developing countries in addressing their development challenges and in advancing their development objectives through a decentralized and participatory multi-stakeholder approach. The further improvement and promotion of the model could advance the realization of the right to development in other developing countries through the implementation of the 2015 outcome documents on a local and community level.

Another example worth highlighting is South-South cooperation in disaster recovery efforts led by the Government of China under the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2017, the Government of China, through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, together with UNDP, provided support for recovery and reconstruction efforts for half a million people in five disaster-affected countries. According to UNDP, these efforts have been essential in restoring livelihoods, strengthening resilience and promoting development. Over 473,826 people in Nepal and Bangladesh have received shelter, emergency kits and relief packages; 18,750 children and 80,269 internally displaced people in Pakistan have received new school facilities and aid packages; and roof rebuilding has been started on more than 850 houses in Dominica and Barbuda. In the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is now aiming to share the results of these efforts and its lessons learned by facilitating knowledge exchange and providing developing countries with a platform to draw expertise and technology from China’s experience in disaster recovery. In this connection, China and UNDP recently hosted a three-day workshop for officials and experts from 10 countries along the Belt and Road with specific experiences in disaster recovery.⁵¹

51. UNDP, “Sharing China’s experience to build back better”, press release, 24 April 2018, available at http://www.cn.undp.org/content/china/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/sharing-china_s-experience-to-build-back-better.html. ↩

South-South cooperation has become increasingly important for financing sustainable development as it has increased and diversified opportunities for development cooperation. In this context, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda acknowledges the contributions of South-South cooperation and notes that international cooperation, including South-South cooperation, plays an important role in complementing domestic efforts to mobilize public resources for financing development (see General Assembly resolution 69/313, annex, paras. 50, 56 and 57). The Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development also acknowledges the role of South-South cooperation in financing development, referencing, inter alia, the increasing volume of South-South cooperation, the establishment of Southern multilateral development institutions and the growing contributions to humanitarian assistance.⁵²

52. See https://developmentfinance.un.org/south-south-and-triangular-cooperation. ↩

While taking into account that financial assistance is only one element of financing for development, the Special Rapporteur notes that, for many developing countries, South-South cooperation offers a significant additional resource channel that complements development assistance provided through traditional North-South cooperation.⁵³ This is particularly the case in the light of the global financial and economic crisis and the failure of developed countries to meet existing commitments concerning official development assistance.⁵⁴ According to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the Secretariat, the proportion of developing countries that provide development cooperation has increased from 67 to 74 per cent in the period between 2015 and 2017.⁵⁵ One estimate suggests that the financial component of such cooperation may have increased to reach $26 billion in 2015.⁵⁶ Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur recalls that generating estimates of South-South cooperation and quantifying it in monetary terms is a difficult exercise owing to the emphasis on non-financial modalities, the lack of data and differing definitions and reporting methods.⁵⁷

53. UNDP, “Frequently asked questions” (note 37 above); A/69/315, para. 114. ↩
54. Financing for Development: Progress and Prospects 2018 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.18.I.5), pp. 87–89. Available at https://developmentfinance.un.org/sites/developmentfinance.un.org/files/Report_IATF_2018.pdf. ↩
55. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “Report on QCPR monitoring survey of programme country Governments in 2017” (2018), p. 38. Available at www.un.org/ecosoc/sites/www.un.org.ecosoc/files/files/en/2018doc/sgr2018-survey-report-pgc.pdf. ↩
56. Financing for Development (note 54 above), p. 93. ↩
57. See E/2018/55, paras. 37 and 38; South Centre, “Quantification of South-South cooperation and its implications to the foreign policy of developing countries”, Policy brief No. 41 (July 2017), available at www.southcentre.int/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PB41_Quantification-of-South-South-cooperation-and-its-implications-to-the-foreign-policy-of-developing-countries_EN.pdf. ↩

South-South cooperation has become a vital element of the international cooperation landscape and is firmly anchored in the post-2015 framework for sustainable development. Although South-South cooperation faces some challenges, the Special Rapporteur is convinced that it holds much promise for the future, provided that it is implemented in accordance with the right to development.

With a view to leveraging the full potential of South-South cooperation to contribute to the realization of the right to development, the Special Rapporteur has identified the following key recommendations for States and other relevant stakeholders.

South-South cooperation polices, programmes and initiatives should adopt a right to development perspective. To this end, stakeholders involved in South-South cooperation should integrate the human rights principles enshrined in the right to development in the design, financing, implementation, monitoring and assessment of South-South cooperation processes. This equally applies where South-South cooperation is facilitated by triangular cooperation partners.

South-South cooperation policies, programmes and activities should promote a holistic understanding of development that goes beyond economic growth, as enshrined in the 1986 Declaration on the Right to Development.

South-South cooperation should be recognized and used as a valuable tool for the identification, sharing and replication of good practices in the practical implementation of the post-2015 policy framework and the realization of the right to development. In order to leverage this potential, the Special Rapporteur encourages the promotion of information-sharing platforms such as SSMart for SDGs (http://global-ssmart.org) and the FAO South-South Cooperation Gateway (www.fao.org/south-south-gateway).

Triangular cooperation modalities provide an important means to enhance Southern-led partnerships for sustainable development on the global level. Multilateral organizations, in particular, have provided important tools and 55 Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “Report on QCPR monitoring survey of programme country Governments in 2017” (2018), p. 38. Available at www.un.org/ecosoc/sites/ www.un.org.ecosoc/files/files/en/2018doc/sgr2018-survey-report-pgc.pdf. 56 Financing for Development (note 54 above), p. 93. 57 See E/2018/55, paras. 37 and 38; South Centre, “Quantification of South-South cooperation and its implications to the foreign policy of developing countries”, Policy brief No. 41 (July 2017), available at www.southcentre.int/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PB41_Quantification-of-SouthSouth-cooperation-and-its-implications-to-the-foreign-policy-of-developing-countries_EN.pdf. 22/23 platforms to facilitate South-South cooperation in various areas of intervention. The Special Rapporteur welcomes such initiatives and urges all developed countries and multilateral organizations to step up their efforts to support and facilitate South-South partnerships as a complement to North-South cooperation.

States and other relevant stakeholders should further analyse the added value and long-term impact of South-South and triangular cooperation on the implementation of the post-2015 policy framework and the realization of the right to development. Such an analysis should also examine ways to leverage the comparative advantages of different stakeholders in South-South and triangular cooperation.

The Special Rapporteur is of the view that the upcoming Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation should be utilized as an opportunity to advance participatory and inclusive South-South and triangular cooperation that is aligned with the right to development, the post-2015 policy framework and national development objectives. The Conference should also be seen as an opportunity to strengthen the global institutional framework for South-South cooperation by further grounding it in human rights, including the right to development.

Although States have the primary responsibility for enabling the realization of the right to development, South-South cooperation should not be limited to cooperation between States. In this regard, States should promote avenues for cooperation involving non-state actors, including civil society networks promoting sustainable development. South-South cooperation should reinforce and create equitable multi-stakeholder partnerships that allow various stakeholders (including governments, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society actors, academia and the private sector) to be actively involved.

Since the right to development entitles all persons and peoples to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development it is vital that South-South cooperation processes ensure inclusiveness and meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders at all levels of decision-making and throughout all phases. The Special Rapporteur stresses that transparency and access to adequate information are crucial in this regard.

South-South cooperation policies, programmes and initiatives should focus on identifying and empowering the most disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups with a view to fulfilling the commitment to leaving no one behind. Building their capacity and enabling them to actively participate in decision-making processes is essential to overcome structural inequalities and discrimination; to ensure their place as key actors in the development of their countries; and to ensure equality and equity in sharing the benefits resulting from South-South cooperation.

Ensuring that no one is left behind requires attention to the equal rights of women and promoting women’s participation in decision-making concerning development policies and programmes, including within the framework of South-South cooperation. Stakeholders involved in South-South cooperation must take action to provide genuine opportunities and strengthen the capacity of women to actively and meaningfully participate throughout the planning, policy design, budgeting, implementation and evaluation stages.

In order to ensure meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders, States should create or designate national bodies/agencies dedicated to their South-South cooperation efforts. These bodies should develop strong partnerships with national human rights institutions.

The Special Rapporteur would like to highlight that human rights impact assessments can be a useful tool to analyse how development policies or projects affect human rights, both positively and negatively. He therefore encourages stakeholders to consider integrating human rights impact assessments in their South-South cooperation initiatives.⁵⁸ Such assessments could not only help to prevent and address adverse human rights impacts in the context of South-South cooperation, but they would also allow for fairer and more informed decision-making processes and consequently better development outcomes.

58. Concrete recommendations regarding the use of human rights impact assessments can be found in the outcome document of the Regional Consultation for the Western European and other States and Eastern European States, available at www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Development/SRDevelopment/Pages/RegionalConsultationEuropeanStates.aspx. ↩

With a view to promoting a culture of accountability, stakeholders involved in South-South cooperation should establish transparent and participatory monitoring and evaluation processes.

South-South cooperation processes should be accompanied by adequate accountability mechanisms that can provide effective remedies for individuals and communities who have been harmed or adversely affected by such processes. Since access to information is key in this regard, detailed information and consultation schemes should be integrated in all South-South cooperation policies and activities along with related budgetary allocations. Such schemes should ensure that affected individuals and communities understand what their rights are and how they can claim them in the context of South-South cooperation processes.

In line with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (A/HRC/17/31, annex), States should take appropriate legislative and administrative measures to ensure that companies involved in South-South cooperation can be held accountable for human rights abuses in their countries of operation.

In the future, States should consider integrating South-South cooperation in their national plans of action on human rights. State should also incorporate information on South-South cooperation in their reporting to various human rights mechanisms.