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respect. The historic inclusion of this specific target has the potential to ensure
resource mobilization to advance slavery eradication efforts and develop normative
links between policy dialogues on contemporary forms of slavery and development.
42. Furthermore, that the 2030 Agenda is explicitly grounded in human rights
standards and the establishment of the responsibilities of States to respect, protect
and promote human rights will increase the ability of the prevailing development
framework to respond to the causes and consequences of contemporary forms of
slavery. The 2030 Agenda was adopted through General Assembly resolution 70/1,
in paragraph 10 of which it is stated:
The new Agenda is guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the
United Nations, including full respect for international law. It is grounded in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights
treaties, the Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Summit Outcome
Document. It is informed by other instruments such as the Declaration on the
Right to Development.
43. In paragraph 18, it is stated that the Agenda is “to be implemented in a manner
that is consistent with the rights and obligations of State s under international law.”
It was also stated in the preamble that the 2030 Agenda aimed to “realize the human
rights of all” and in paragraph 19 emphasis was laid on “the responsibilities of all
States … to respect, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms
for all, without distinction of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability or
other status”.
44. The stronger commitment to human rights principles and standards outlined in
the 2030 Agenda is also reflected in the contents of the Goals and targets. The
number of economic, social and cultural issues reflected in the Goals and targets is
much larger and less selective, for example, the inclusion of many civil and political
rights issues in Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies. Furthermore, the targets
more closely reflect corresponding human rights standards. For example, in contrast
to the narrow measurement of the Millennium Development G oal on education,
discussed above in paragraph 19, Sustainable Development Goal 4, on quality
education, is measured using targets and indicators that address issues relating to
availability, accessibility, affordability and quality.
45. The 2030 Agenda also builds upon the framework of the Millennium
Development Goals in relation to its ability to contribute by making a strong
commitment to combating inequalities and discrimination, as reflected in the overall
commitment to “leave no one behind”, as well as in the contents of the Goals, with
both the inclusion of Goal 5, achieve gender equality and empower all women and
girls, and Goal 10, reduce inequalities within and among countries. The Sustainable
Development Goals also reflect human rights norms and principles in that they are
established as indivisible and interconnected throughout resolution 70/1. The
resolution also provides protection for vulnerable groups, includin g women and
girls, children, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, older
persons, indigenous peoples, refugees and internally displaced persons.
46. These developments, in relation to the general ability of the Sustainable
Development Goals framework to make a contribution to the universal
implementation of human rights, also have the potential to bolster efforts to
eradicate contemporary forms of slavery. Conceptualizing the Goals relating to
gender equality and education in a human rights-compliant way increases their
potential to significantly reduce vulnerability to contemporary forms of slavery. The
inclusion of targets related to access to justice within Goal 16, on peace, justice and
strong institutions also offers the possibility that the implementation of the Goals
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