31st session of the Human Rights Council
Delivered by Renate Bloem
CIVICUS welcomes this timely high-level debate when we move from adoption to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Having been enthusiastically involved throughput the process for a comprehensive and transformational agenda, for more solidarity, for freedom from fear and want and for leaving no one behind, CIVICUS is currently harnessing this positive energy to build – in cooperation with others - a strong and inclusive global platform to connect and support civil society activities on sustainable development at all levels.
Nonetheless, we are concerned that we have not yet an inclusive and evidence-based review and accountability process before us, particularly not at the global level. While recognizing that implementation of the SDGs has to occur at the national level, large numbers of people, however, are unable to influence their governments. More than half of the world’s people live in countries where basic civil liberties and political freedoms are curtailed and where simple acts of peaceful dissent against government-dictated development policy risk imprisonment or worse. How can their voices be heard when it comes to “leave no one behind”?
The Arab spring – although not yet realized - has clearly shown that development must be about both freedom from want and freedom from fear. People need good standards of living where their basic needs are met, but they also need civil and political freedom to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and to ensure that the benefits of development are evenly spread.
People therefore look towards the UN and had hoped that a universal review process such as the UPR could have been envisioned. There is fear that the voluntary nature of country reviews at the HLPF, - may not rise above the level of the MDGs ‘Annual Ministerial Review’ and that without clearly defined channels to submit at least ‘shadow reports’ the legitimacy of these reviews will be highly questionable.
CIVICUS asks the panelists to give their views on how to enhance and ensure more meaningful participation of CSOs as a way to secure broad ownership and accountability in the review and monitoring process, at all level to make the SDGs real. Thank you, Mr. President.