Global Justice and the Right to Development: Historical Perspectives and Legal Milestones

Abstract

The Right to Development (RTD) is a relatively modern human rights concept, though its origins trace back to mid-20th century international legal frameworks. Despite its recognition in the 1986 United Nations Declaration, RTD's conceptual roots can be found in earlier international human rights instruments, such as the 1944 Philadelphia Declaration and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This paper explores the historical evolution of RTD, from its indirect references in post-World War II legal frameworks to its formal articulation in the 1970s and 1980s. Key milestones include the Tehran Conference, the introduction of the New International Economic Order (NIEO), and the influential ideas of Chief Justice Keba M’ Baye in 1972, which catalyzed RTD’s recognition as a human right. This analysis offers insights into the contentious yet essential dialogue surrounding RTD and its implications for international cooperation, economic justice, and human dignity.