“The right to development is the measure of the respect of all other human rights”, Kofi Annan

The right to development refers to the participation and contribution of all individuals to enjoy, precisely, development in a broad sense and a more specific sense, particularized in four areas: economic, social, cultural, and political. In broad terms, economic development refers to the state’s capacity in terms of income, wealth, and prosperity; social development aims to improve the living conditions of individuals as part of a group; cultural development involves the community’s participation in cultural and artistic life; and political development relates to citizens’ involvement in decision-making and the strengthening of democracy.

These development areas are relevant, and as stated by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development (https://www.ohchr.org/en/topic/right-development), it is a right that should be exercised both individually and collectively. The latter dimension is particularly significant for the right of peoples to self-determination, i.e., the ability to determine their own destinies without interference from third parties.

Other notions of development should not be excluded from the equation, such as sustainable development, integral development, or the free development of personality. Therefore, when examining the structure of the right to development more deeply, there is a need to connect it with other conceptualizations mentioned.

Perhaps that is why the treatment this right has received has been that of a political guideline without much practical applicability or specific legal requirement, compared to other types of prerogatives that have received more attention in legislation, public policies, and constitutional court decisions. It would be appropriate to imbue it with both characteristics to reclaim it for the future.

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