This UN Report summarizes progress towards the Millennium Development Goals between 2000 and 2008, for the world as a whole and for various country groupings. It also considers factors that may affect future progress towards achieving the goals by 2015
This report studies the allocation of resources around the world, and links this to the political environment - in particular, the spread of democracy over the past twenty or so years. The report contains statistical information and graphics to illustrate many aspects of development
The standard rules on the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities have been developed on the basis of the experience gained during the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983- 1992). Although the rules are not compulsory, they can become international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of states with the intention of respecting a rule in international law. They imply a strong moral and political commitment on behalf of States to take action for the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities. The rules indicate important principles for responsibility, action and cooperation as well as areas of decisive importance for quality of life and for the achieving of full participation and equality. The rules offer disabled persons and their organisations an instrument for making policy and for action. They also provide a basis for technical and economic cooperation among states, the United Nations and other international organisations
