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the rights recognized in the Covenant by all appropriate means, including particularly the
adoption of legislative measures,
Persuaded that sustainable development can be promoted by peaceful coexistence,
friendly relations and cooperation among States with different social, economic or political
systems,
Reaffirming that the widening gap between the economically developed and developing
countries is unsustainable and that it impedes the realization of human rights in the international
community, and makes it all the more imperative for every nation, according to its capacities, to
make the maximum possible effort to close this gap,
Expressing concern at the fact that the immense benefits resulting from the process of
globalization and economic interdependence have not reached all countries, communities and
individuals, and at the increasing marginalization from their benefits of several countries,
particularly the least developed and the African countries,
Expressing its deep concern at the number and scale of natural disasters, diseases and
agricultural pests and their increasing impact in recent years, which have resulted in a massive
loss of life and long-term negative social, economic and environmental consequences for
vulnerable societies throughout the world, in particular in developing countries,
Reaffirming the crucial importance of increasing the resources allocated to official
development assistance, and recalling the pledge of the industrialized countries to allocate
0.7 per cent of their gross national product to official development assistance, and recognizing
the need for new and additional resources to finance the development programmes of developing
countries,
Determined to take new steps forward in the commitment of the international community
with a view to achieving substantial progress in human rights endeavours by an increased and
sustained effort of international cooperation and solidarity,
Asserting the necessity to establish new, equitable and global links of partnership and
intragenerational solidarity for the perpetuation of humankind,