The Millennium Development Goals And Human Rights

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have generated tremendous discussion in global policy and academic circles. On the one hand, they have been hailed as the most important initiative ever in international development. On the other hand, they have been described as a great betrayal of human rights and universal values that has contributed to a depoliticization of development. With contributions from scholars from the fields of economics, law, politics, medicine and architecture, this volume sets out to disentangle this debate in both theory and practice. It critically examines the trajectory of the MDGs, the role of human rights in theory and practice, and what criteria might guide the framing of the post-2015 development agenda. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in global agreements on poverty and development. Review: 'Human rights and the MDGs have been dominant discourses in their respective fields in the twenty-first century. But until the appearance of this volume, policy-makers, practitioners and scholars have struggled to bring them together. This superb collection of essays reveals the important synergies, acknowledges the pitfalls, and provides insightful and constructive analysis of how to proceed. It is an indispensable guide to a subject of the utmost importance in the fields of development, human rights, and international affairs.' Philip G. Alston, John Norton Professor of Law, New York University School of Law 'Could a future design of international development goals which strongly integrates human rights principles and standards be more powerful, in its impact for people, than the current framework of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)? The contributors to this book provide a wide range of perspectives on this question, drawing on experience since the 2000 Millennium Declaration and with the setting of a post-2015 Development Agenda in mind. These scholars and analysts provide well-timed lessons from the 'MDG era' and detailed proposals for ways in which a new global agenda could more clearly and consistently reflect the obligation of nations to pursue and respect the rights of all people, particularly those who are most disadvantaged and deprived.' Richard Morgan, Senior Advisor on Post-2015, UNICEF