MDGs and Human Rights
Ten years after the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established, it is clear that the objectives of human well being and dignity for all, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, will not be achieved if the MDGs are pursued in isolation from human rights. With only five years until the 2015 deadline to achieve the MDGs, it is essential to renew our commitment to a human rights-based development approach.
Realizing Rights and Amnesty International co-hosted a conference on 10 June at the Ford Foundation which brought together representatives from governments, UN agencies, and civil society to examine how greater attention to human rights principles and commitments can enhance ongoing efforts to achieve the MDGs by 2015.
For the event, Realizing Rights and Amnesty International produced a communiqué, entitled: Action on human rights is not separate from action to end poverty – it is central to that effort. Putting human rights at the centre of the effort to accelerate progress on the MDGs will assist governments to put in place programs that work for those living in poverty. It will mobilize civil society. It will also mobilize those living in poverty because it makes clear that the MDG framework is directed at their empowerment, without which progress may be illusory or unsustainable. The event accompanied the release of two policy briefs on the MDGs by Realizing Rights: Policy Brief: MDG 1  Policy Brief: MDG 5  Related Links:
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