MDGs not on course - time for urgent action!

Many other countries are in similar positions. We must assess achievement beyond whether the aggregate targets of the MDGs are reached country by country. Development plans are needed which are inclusive and focused on reaching the poorest and other groups who are marginalized in society. We can't let aggregate numbers obscure the realities of inequality based on gender, ethnic background, or other characteristics which will, in the end, undermine human development.

But as the event in Switzerland stressed, we must acknowledge as well that the lack of significant increases in official development assistance since 2004 makes it virtually impossible, even for many of the best governed countries, to meet the MDGs.

The UN's new report [21 pages, 883kb] stresses that unless adequate resources are provided in a predictable way so that developing countries can plan to scale up of their investments and make the most effective use of available donor assistance, success is far from assured. OECD countries have an obligation to provide timetables for delivering on their promises concerning aid volume, aid effectiveness and debt cancellation.

In this respect the outcomes of the G8 Summit at Heiligendamm were disappointing.

The MDGs - particularly their numerical indicators - should not be viewed as ends in themselves. Rather they should be seen as agreed benchmarks solidly embedded in the broader framework of international human rights obligations.

The MDGs were set within the context of commitments governments reaffirmed in the 2000 Millennium Declaration to respect and fully uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to implement the Convention on the elimination of discrimination against women (CEDAW), ensure respect and protection for the rights of migrant workers and their families and work collectively for a more inclusive political processes, allowing genuine participation by all citizens in all countries.

Achieving the MDGs is a critical task. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration in 2008, we should recommit to taking the additional steps needed to reach the 2015 targets. But we should do more. We should recognize that the MDGs are part of the larger effort needed to realize human rights for all.

Related Links:

Ensemble Contre La Pauvreté - "0,7% - Together Against Poverty" is a Swiss campaign supported by more than 60 Swiss development cooperation, women's, youth and environmental organisations, as well as churches, and trade unions.

Lessons from Ghana: Democracy and Development in Action - Mary Robinson and Heather Grady reflect on their recent visit to Ghana and the efforts of young African leaders, governments and international partners to foster development, gender equity and decent work.

Pauvreté: l'aide suisse insuffisante - French language news article and video footage of the Berne demonstration on July 7.

Festival in Berne - German language news article on the Berne demonstration on July 7.