Poverty eradication through global partnerships and the question of the right to development under International Law

Abstract

In this article we examine the commitment to eradicate extreme poverty through global partnerships within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the controversial question of the right to development (RTD) under international law. Through an in-depth profiling of the concept of poverty, we establish that extreme poverty, which results from global injustices, is largely localised in developing countries and therefore begs the question whether its eradication could realistically be achieved through global partnerships. In making this determination, we interrogate why, despite its potential for poverty eradication as illustrated with the Chinese experience, developed countries remain reticent in recognising the RTD as a model for creating an international economic order that guarantees global equity for development. We conclude with the argument that if poverty eradication is to be achieved, it necessitates recognising the RTD, which imposes an obligation on stakeholders that perpetuate global inequalities to make reasonable efforts to eliminate the unfair practices that generate and sustain extreme levels of poverty in developing countries.