The Khartoum declaration: International Conference on the human dimension of Africa's economic recovery and development

Abstract

The Khartoum Declaration, adopted during the International Conference on the Human Dimension of Africa's Economic Recovery and Development in March 1988, emphasizes a human-focused approach to socio-economic recovery in Africa. The conference, attended by over 200 policymakers and experts, highlighted the dire human condition in Africa, exacerbated by economic crises, war, and environmental degradation. It calls for a comprehensive understanding of the human dimension in development strategies, advocating for the prioritization of social services, human rights, and the involvement of vulnerable groups in recovery efforts. The Declaration stresses the need for structural adjustment programs to be designed with a long-term perspective, integrating human welfare as a central objective. It urges African governments and the international community to collaborate in implementing these recommendations, ensuring that the human condition is at the forefront of economic policies.