Niayesh Shojaei Baghdar - Department of Law and Political ScienceFerdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM)
Zahra Bidabadi - Department of Law, Islamic Azad Universityof Tehran, Damghan Campus

This article proposes recognizing the right to development as a crucial paradigm in addressing the entrenched poverty and underdevelopment prevalent in developing countries. It identifies the need for distinct approaches in light of the power dynamics and competing agendas between developed and developing nations. Although all states are equal under international law, the concept of equity emphasizes that they do not bear the same responsibilities. Developing countries have a certain level of flexibility when it comes to deviating from their international obligations in order to prioritize the eradication of poverty and the advancement of their socioeconomic and cultural development. While poverty is often viewed as a worldwide issue, it is particularly prevalent in emerging nations and requires a complete restructuring of the global system. As such, developing countries must step up and defend their legal entitlement to development amidst various competing interests in the realm of international development. Despite ongoing debates, the harsh reality of widespread poverty and underdevelopment within these countries only reinforces the urgent need for bold and determined action to assert their right to development and achieve full independence.

International Law, Development Rights, Developing Countries, Human Rights