This paper analyzes the advantages that LDCs have derived from the various LDC-specific international support measures due to their LDC status. It identifies the reasons why some UN development system organizations may not use the LDC category in their allocation of development assistance and support measures.The analysis focuses on support from the UNDS organizations related to ODA and general support measures. Trade related support measures fall under the purview of the World Trade Organization, and are not discussed in this paper. The analysis was undertaken in the context of a UN General Assembly mandate in response to the Mid-term Review of the Implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 2011-2020. Introduction -- 2. Methodology -- 3. Non-recognition of LDC category -- 4. Recognition of LDC category -- 5. Limited measures in support of smooth transition from LDC category -- 6. Consequences for non-recognition and non-application of LDC status -- Annex 1. Acronyms -- Annex 2. Survey of United Nations Development System Organizations Concerning the Reasons and Consequences of the Non-Application of the Least Developed Country Category -- Annex 3. List of Organizations that responded to the Survey on which the data for this paper was based.
