The difficulties the developing countries are having as they strive to put the crisis behind them and to play a useful, constructive role in world affairs result from the retention of inappropriate national machinery, which is totally beyond their control. Alas, political independence for these countries has not gone hand in hand with the economic emancipation that would let them ensure appropriate and harmonious development in accordance with their aspirations. Their efforts are increasingly running into disparities, which, as they worsen, weaken their ability to ensure a viable level of growth and to take charge of their economic and social progress. Their inability to prevent the relentless decline in the prices for their raw materials, their only source of foreign-exchange income, stops them from making any progress. Their ability to make budgetary predictions and to implement development plans is weakened by exogenous factors. External debt and high interest rates impose unbearable constraints on them. To reverse this situation we must urgently work together to come up with solutions consistent with and appropriate to their problems - notably commodity prices, debt servicing, the flow of capital from developing countries - and to eliminate the protectionist barriers that reduce their chances to export. RH/14 A/S-18/PV. 9 59-60 (Mr; Cabral, Guinea-Bissau ) The right kind of responses must be made to the essential question of human resources, for there can be no genuine economic emancipation or progress without the effective involvement of the people directly concerned. We feel such measures are indispensable to the restoration of their macro-economic equilibrium and the establishment of a solid premise for development. The socio-political reforms introduced in many different countries could thus be strengthened, leading to better consolidation of the ongoing process of democratization, which is the guarantor of full respect for human rights. Our devotion to democracy and universal implementation of these principles, 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving economic growth and development, citing issues such as commodity price fluctuations, external debt, and protectionist barriers. It also touches on the importance of human resources and democratization in promoting economic emancipation and progress. These themes suggest that the text is more focused on economic development and international relations rather than other categories.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade