138 UNITED NATIONS AT A GLANCE
programmes of all relevant actors in the promotion and protection of human rights at the global, regional, subregional and national levels. The right to development: »» integrates aspects of both human rights and development theory and practice »» encompasses all human rights—civil, cultural, economic, political and social »» requires active, free and meaningful participation by all »» involves both national and international dimensions of State responsibilities, including the creation of favourable conditions for development and human rights »» demands that human beings be placed at the centre of development policy, that they be active participants and that they be guaranteed social justice and equity »» embodies the human rights principles of equality, non-discrimination, participation, transparency and accountability, as well as international cooperation in an integrated manner »» implies the principles of self-determination and full sovereignty over natural wealth and resources »» facilitates a holistic approach to the issue of poverty by addressing its root causes »» strengthens the advancement of the poorest people with due attention to the rights of the most marginalized »» fosters friendly relations between countries, international solidarity and cooperation and assistance in areas of concern to developing countries The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, said on 24 February 2011, of the uprising in the Arab world: “There is no doubt that the denial of people’s right to development is one of the root causes fuelling public discontent and popular uprisings. […] Then and now, still, people are taking to the streets because of rampant poverty and inequalities, rising unemployment, a lack of opportunities, and the chronic denial of their economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights. They have no regular channels to express their discontent; they are deprived of the benefits arising from the natural resources of their countries, and they cannot meaningfully participate in the decision-making process to change the situation.”