Sovereignty over natural resources
Article 1 of the Declaration on the Right to Development makes it clear that the full realization of the right to self-determination, which has been shown to be an integral part of development, includes the exercise of the “inalien- able right to full sovereignty over all their natural wealth and resources.” The ability of peoples to enjoy and utilize their resources and the impact of this ability on the well-being of the people of the State is given fuller expression in General Assembly Resolution 1803(XVII) which declares that “The right of peoples and nations to permanent sovereignty over their wealth and natural resources must be exercised in the interest of their national development and of the well-being of the people of the State  concerned.”

Popular participation
The principle of popular participation has been vital to the evolution of human rights standards. It is a basic element of social progress and seeks to ensure the dignity, value and freedom of the human person. Reference to popular participation is found in both International Covenants and has a prominent role in the Declaration on the Right to Development. Its signifi- cance is underscored by the General Assembly when, in A/37/55 (1982), it stresses “the importance of the adoption of measures to ensure the effective participation, as appropriate, of all the elements of society in the preparation

and implementation of national economic and social development policies and of the mobilization of public opinion and the dissemination of relevant information in the support of the principles and objectives of social progress and development.”