Human development report 2000 c.2

Human rights and human development share a common vision and a common purpose to secure, for every human being, freedom, well-being and dignity, Divided by the cold war, the rights agenda and the development agenda followed parallel tracks. Now converging, their distinct strategies and traditions can bring new strength to the struggle for human freedom. Human Development Report 2000 looks at human rights as an intrinsic part of development-and at development as a means to realizing human rights. It shows how human rights bring principles of accountability and social justice to the process of human development.

The 20th century's advances in human rights have been remarkable. But gross violations of rights, both loud and silent, persist. This Report explores the new rights agenda for the 21st century and proposes bold new approaches to political and economic governance that deliver social jus tice. Stronger international action is called for, especially to support disadvantaged people and countries and to offset growing global inequalities:

• Promoting inclusive democracy as the form of government best suited to fulfilling all human rights-by protecting minorities, separating powers and ensuring public accountability. Demanding the eradication of poverty not just as a development goal-but as a central challenge for human rights.

Extending the state-centred model of accountability to the obligations of non-state actors

including corporations, international financial institutions and multilateral organizations.

Using statistics to create a culture of accountability for realizing human rights-and to break down barriers of disbelief and push for changes in policy and behaviour.

Achieving all rights for all people in all countries will require action and commitment from the major players in every society. Tracing the struggle for human rights as common to all people, the Report concludes that the advances in the 21st century will be won by confronting entrenched economic and political interests.