countries to fulfill their core obligations.*® In short, ‘core obligations give rise to national responsibilities contribute to poverty for all States and international responsibilities for in this statement. developed States, as well as others that are “in a eradication, keeping in mind the human rights dimensions of poverty as outlined position to assist”. 21. The Committee is deeply aware that there are structural obstacles to the eradication of poverty in 17. Thus, the core obligations of economic, social and developing countries. Through its various activities, including the reporting process and the adoption of general comments, the Committee attempts to assist developing States by identifying measures that they cultural rights have a crucial role to play in national and international developmental policies, including anti-poverty strategies. When grouped together, the core obligations establish an international minimum threshold that all developmental policies should be designed to respect. In accordance with General Comment No. 14, it is particularly incumbent on all those who can assist, to help developing countries respect this international minimum threshold. If a national or international anti-poverty strategy does not reflect this minimum threshold, it is inconsistent with the legally binding obligations of the State party. 18. For the avoidance of any misunderstanding, the Committee wishes to emphasize three points. First, because core obligations are non-derogable, they continue to exist in situations of conflict, emergency and natural disaster. Second, because poverty is a global phenomenon, core obligations have great can and should take to address these obstacles. However, some of the structural obstacles confronting developing States’ anti-poverty strategies lie beyond their control in the contemporary international order. In the Committee’s view, it is imperative that measures be urgently taken to remove these global structural obstacles, such as unsustainable foreign debt, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the absence of an equitable multilateral trade, investment and financial system. Otherwise, the national anti-poverty strategies of some States have limited chance of sustainable success. In this regard, the Committee notes article 28 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the Declaration on the Right to Development, in particular article 3.3.7" relevance to some individuals and communities living in the richest States. Third, after a State party has ensured the core obligations of economic, social and cultural rights, it continues to have an obligation to move as expeditiously and effectively as possible towards the full realization of all the rights in the Covenant. 22. So far as its resources and other responsibilities permit, the Committee continues to prepare additional general comments that clarify the normative content of economic, social and cultural rights, including their core obligations, and it invites all parties to assist in this important and challenging task. 23. Conscious of their far-reaching importance, the Committee Conclusion = confirms its willingness to discuss issues identified in this statement with committed to the eradication of poverty. 19. The Committee strongly recommends the integration of international human rights norms into participatory, multi-sectoral national poverty all the those Adopted on 4 May 2001 eradication or reduction plans.*® Such anti-poverty plans have an indispensable role to play in all States, no matter what their stage of economic development. 20. Non-State actors, including international Organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations and private businesses, also have heavy responsibilities in the struggle against Poverty. Each should clearly identify how it can —_— 15 General Comment No. 14, para. 45. The Covenant refers to “international assistance and cooperation”, or Similar formulations, in articles 2.1, 11.2, 15.4, 22 and 23. 17 Rights: Article 28 of the Universal Declaration of Human “Everyone is entitled 16 Such as those anticipated by the World Summit for Social Development (1995) and the more recent Enhanced Heavily indebted Poor Countries Initiative. For a recent order in which the rights UNDP, Poverty Report 200: Overcoming Human Poverty. and examination of national poverty eradication plans see Declaration can be and fully to a social and international freedoms set forth in this realized.” Article 3.3 of the Declaration on the Right to Development: "States have the duty to cooperate with each other in ensuring development eliminating obstacles to development. GENERAL COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS 53