further underlined by the specific provisions contained in articles 11, 15, 22 and 23. With
respect to article 22 the Committee has already drawn attention, in general comment No. 2
(1990), to some of the opportunities and responsibilities that exist in relation to international
cooperation. Article 23 also specifically identifies “the furnishing of technical assistance” as
well as other activities, as being among the means of “international action for the
achievement of the rights recognized ...”.
14.
The Committee wishes to emphasize that in accordance with Articles 55 and 56 of the
Charter of the United Nations, with well-established principles of international law, and with
the provisions of the Covenant itself, international cooperation for development and thus for
the realization of economic, social and cultural rights is an obligation of all States. It is
particularly incumbent upon those States which are in a position to assist others in this regard.
The Committee notes in particular the importance of the Declaration on the Right to
Development adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986
and the need for States parties to take full account of all of the principles recognized therein.
It emphasizes that, in the absence of an active programme of international assistance and
cooperation on the part of all those States that are in a position to undertake one, the full
realization of economic, social and cultural rights will remain an unfulfilled aspiration in
many countries. In this respect, the Committee also recalls the terms of its general comment
No. 2 (1990).
Notes
1
G.A. Cornia, R. Jolly and F. Steward, Eds., Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1987.
2
Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1990.
3
Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1990.