EARTH NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN (enb@igc.apc.org) PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Peter Doran Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" Virginia Hulme Lynn Wagner A PERIODIC REPORT ON THE 39TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Vol. 14 No. 3 Thursday, 30 March 1995 CSW HIGHLIGHTS 27-29 MARCH 1995 The 39th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) continued its discussions on preparations for the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW), to be held in Beijing, China, 4-15 September. On Monday, 27 March, delegates resumed negotiations on the draft Platform for Action. The Sub-Drafting Group, chaired by Ms. Patricia Licuanan (Philippines), met in the morning to complete their first reading of Chapter II (Global Framework). The Drafting Group, also chaired by Ms. Licuanan, met during an afternoon session to complete their first reading of Chapter V (Institutional Arrangements). An informal-informal group discussed, in closed sessions, Chapter IV (Strategic Objectives and Actions). On Tuesday and Wednesday, negotiations on all parts of the draft Platform moved into closed informal-informal sessions. A Plenary was held both afternoons to consider draft resolutions under Agenda Items 4 (Programming and Coordination Matters Related to the United Nations and the United Nations System) and 5 (Monitoring the Implementation of the Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women). SUB-DRAFTING GROUP CHAPTER II. GLOBAL FRAMEWORK In paragraph 18 (UN conferences and activities), the G- 77/China added references to several UN conferences and declarations. In paragraph 19 (global challenges), Australia redrafted the paragraph and included its call for the FWCW to be a conference of commitment and action by States. China called for commitments from Governments and the international community. In paragraph 20 (disproportionate impact of economic developments), the G-77/China noted the impact economic situations in developing countries have had on women. The EU noted that structural adjustment, while "beneficial in the long term," has induced cuts in social programmes. The EU deleted the reference to declining commodity prices. Lithuania added a paragraph 20(bis), noting the problem of unemployment in countries with economies in transition and that the process of change has caused many women to lose jobs, social services and health and child care. The US added a reference to the loss of employment and reproductive rights. In paragraph 21 (causes and manifestations of poverty), the G-77/China noted the adverse impact of macroeconomic policies and programmes in the context of SAPs, and the problems of countries in recession. The G-77/China also called for consideration of the plight of rural women. The US added two sentences noting that women are often driven into undesirable employment situations and face diminishing social security systems. The EU deleted the reference to the impact of macrolevel economic policies and added a reference to the negative impact of economic recession. The Holy See introduced a paragraph 21(bis), regarding the recognition of human rights of women and girls. In paragraph 22 (female headed households), the G-77/China added a reference to internal and external migration. The EU replaced the paragraph, noting that some women have reached economic independence, but in other cases, female headed households can be the consequence of war, HIV/AIDS and family disintegration. The US altered the EU's reasons for the poverty of female maintained households. The Holy See added a reference to the role the family, the basic unit of society, plays in shaping culture and society. Kenya objected to the implication that the role of women would be confined to the family. The Holy See proposed a paragraph 22(bis), regarding the role of religion in the lives of women and calling for a moral and ethical climate that would prevent corruption and exploitation. In paragraph 23 (world population), the G-77/China noted that, by 2025, 70% of the population over 60 years of age will be living in developing countries, more than half of which will be women. Both the G-77/China and the EU called for short term as well as long term measures for sharing family responsibilities. Canada called for gender-sensitive based analysis in the design of policies. The US proposed paragraph 23(bis), noting the impacts of global trends on women who belong to minority groups. In paragraph 24 (changes in communications), the G-77/China called for women's equal participation in media. In paragraph 25 (health effects of environmental degradation), the G-77/China added a reference to drought and depletion of soil, coastal and marine resources, and emphasized the impact of these on indigenous and rural women. The EU deleted the references to pollution, toxic wastes, deforestation, desertification and soil depletion. The US added a reference to the threat of "nuclear, chemical, and other forms of pollution." The G-77/China offered a paragraph 25(bis), noting the environmental impact of unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, especially in industrialized countries. In paragraph 26 (family survival), the EU added a reference to the sexual exploitation of women. The US added two paragraphs after 26, the first recognizing the challenges for the world's adolescents, and the second regarding the concerns and challenges that young women face. In paragraph 27 (HIV pandemic), the G-77/China added statistics from WHO regarding HIV, and expanded the paragraph to encompass STDs. The EU altered the draft, and noted that women are twice as likely to be infected than men. In paragraph 28 (discrimination over the woman's life cycle), the G-77/China noted restrictions imposed by "unjust economic and social" structures and noted that discrimination begins "even before birth." The EU noted women's lack of resources "in most countries" and added a reference to the practice of prenatal sex-selection. In paragraph 29 (expanding opportunities for women), the G- 77/China deleted "reduction and," calling only for the eradication of poverty. The EU proposed deleting the paragraph. New Zealand added a paragraph 29(bis), which referred to the barriers faced by indigenous women. Norway proposed diversifying the paragraph. In paragraph 30 (NGO contributions), the EU added two references to feminist movements and noted that many countries have developed measures to strengthen the promotion of women. Australia proposed altering the feminist movement references to "women's organizations and others who support feminist ideals." The US added references to Governments' increasing recognition of NGO's role and to the restrictions placed in some countries on NGOs' ability to operate freely. The US added a 31(bis), noting the lack of women's participation in the growing number of multilateral interventions. In paragraph 31 (lack of women decision- makers), the G-77/China noted the "lack of awareness of women's equality." The EU proposed deleting the paragraph. In paragraph 32 (Nairobi Strategies), the EU added a reference to the interdependence of public and private behaviors and the responsibility of Governments to establish a framework and incentives to achieve equality, and deleted the reference to the home as the place where girls and boys first learn their rights and responsibilities. The Holy See noted that the home is where, "largely through parental example," girls and boys learn of the "equal dignity of women and men." The US added two paragraphs, one calling for commitment to inspire a new generation of leaders, and the other noting the demographics of youth, the need for developing life skills and the need for intergenerational cooperation. The G-77/China announced their intention to introduce a new paragraph regarding the girl-child. In paragraph 33 (racism), the EU noted that international solidarity "contributed" to the end of institutionalized racism. The G-77/China added a reference to colonialism. The US noted that the end to institutionalized racism "is not yet here." The G-77/China added a new paragraph 34, noting that the Platform conforms with the UN Charter and International Law and that implementation is the responsibility of each country, with full recognition for each nation's situation and background. The Chair then opened the floor for delegates to return to previously discussed paragraphs. In paragraph 12 (women's role in peace movement), the Holy See added "women's role, whether as mothers or in wider roles in society." In paragraph 8 (global recession), China noted that the issue of unemployment is not restricted to industrialized nations. The G-77/China added a paragraph 6(bis)(bis), noting the social dimension of development and calling for holistic alternatives. DRAFTING GROUP CHAPTER V. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. C. International Level 1. Commission on the Status of Women: The G-77/China proposed a reformulation of paragraph 207 (CSW's role in implementation) which deleted references to the CSW as the inter-governmental focal point for implementation and to its mandate. The G-77/China also proposed paragraph 207(bis), referring to financial and staff support for the CSW and the GA, and paragraph 207(ter), referring to the CSW's role in implementation within the UN system. In paragraph 208 (review of the CSW's mandate), the EU proposed giving consideration to the CSW's review of gender dimensions of all issues and ensuring a system-wide approach to implementation and that ECOSOC and the GA should review the Commission's mandate. The G-77/China and the EU agreed to delete paragraph 209 (implementation plans at the CSW's 40th session). In paragraph 210 (CSW programme for 1996- 2000), the EU deleted the recommendation for a review of the programmes of all the main UN bodies dealing with the Platform. The G-77/China deleted references to specific subsidiary UN bodies. Canada added a reference to "gender analysis." 2. Division for the Advancement of Women: In paragraph 211 (function of the Division for the Advancement of Women), the G-77/China, the EU and Canada offered similar proposals replacing references to CSW resolution 37/9 with references to General Assembly resolution 49/161 and requesting the Secretary-General to provide the Division with sufficient human and financial support. Norway added a reference to the Division's role in follow-up and the EU added a reference to monitoring implementation. In paragraph 212 (action by the Division for the Advancement of Women), the G-77/China added a reference to gender analyses of the problems in the advancement of women and suggested that the Commission prepare the plan for advancement of women. The EU deleted references to ECOSOC, the GA and gender focal points within the UN system. She also proposed that the CSW "play a coordinating role" rather than "take the lead" in preparing the revision of the plan. Norway preferred an "important" role for the CSW. 3. International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women: The EU, with support and input from Canada, proposed deleting paragraphs 213 (the review of INSTRAW's work to implement Platform) and 214 (UNIFEM's role in implementing the Platform), and added a 214(bis), suggesting that the future roles of INSTRAW and UNIFEM be considered in light of the GA's decision on the proposal to merge the two organizations. The G-77/China preferred amending paragraph 213, suggesting that INSTRAW identify priority research methodologies and strengthen national capacity to carry out gender research, and develop research networks. Delegates added further areas of research, including women's studies (Slovakia), human rights (Holy See) and education (Turkey). 4. United Nations Development Fund for Women: In paragraph 214, the G-77/China proposed that UNIFEM, with UNDP, provide technical and financial capacity to incorporate the women's dimension at all levels. Mali, Venezuela and Mexico objected to deleting the paragraph. 5. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women: In paragraph 215 (CEDAW review of implementation), the G-77/China reformulated the first sentence to recommend that CEDAW take the Platform into account when considering reports submitted by the States parties. Israel preferred monitoring by States parties, but Algeria objected. The EU proposed deleting the recommendation that CEDAW give priority to certain articles and added, with Canada, paragraph 215(bis), calling on other treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights to take account of Platform implementation and to ensure the equal status and human rights of women. The G-77/China reserved. In paragraph 216 (coordination with other human rights treaty bodies), the G-77/China added references to strengthening the Committee through human and financial resources. 6. General Assembly: In paragraph 217 (GA), the EU proposed deleting references to the cross-sectoral nature of women's issues, the follow-up at the 50th GA session and resolution 49/161. She added references to the fact that the GA is the highest inter-governmental mechanism and the principal organ in follow-up. The G-77/China supported the EU amendment. Japan proposed that the GA include follow-up as part of its continued work on the implementation of the Nairobi Strategies. Canada added a reference to integrating gender concerns throughout GA work. 7. Economic and Social Council: In paragraph 218 (role of ECOSOC), the EU added two sentences, referring to ECOSOC's role in overseeing system-wide coordination of implementation and review of the CSW's mandate. The G- 77/China preferred paragraphs 218-221 as drafted. Australia added a reference to the Council as a coordinating body. In paragraph 220 (ECOSOC coordination of gender-related activities), the EU proposed that the Council "consider dedicating" at least one operational segment to gender activities. The G-77/China preferred the original text. In paragraph 221 (monitoring by the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC)), the EU called on the ACC to consider how the participating entities might coordinate their activities to implement the Platform. In paragraph 221, the EU added paragraph 221 (bis), calling for existing and new linkages to be developed throughout the UN Secretariat to ensure that the gender perspective is introduced in all activities. 8. Other units of the UN Secretariat: In paragraph 222 (implementation by the UN Secretariat), Norway called on the Secretariat to "contribute to the coordinated implementation" of the Platform rather than "implement" the Platform. In paragraph 223 (recruitment by the Office of Human Resources Management), the G-77/China agreed with the EU proposal to delete the target of 50% women in posts and to add references to the 1995-2000 strategic plan of action for the improvement of the status of women and GA resolutions 45/125 and 45/239C. Japan and Australia made further reference to relevant GA resolutions. In paragraph 224 (expansion of the Department of Public Information), the G-77/China objected to an EU proposal that expansion take place "within existing resources." The G-77/China, supported by the US, suggested additional programmes for the girl- child. Algeria warned against limiting the DPI's resources. The EU proposed deleting paragraph 225 (Statistical Division of the DESIPA role), but the G-77/China objected. 9. Specialized agencies and other organizations of the UN system: In paragraph 226 (action-plans of UN organizations), Norway proposed strengthening agency roles in supporting national action and enhancing their contributions to coordinated follow-up by the UN. The G-77/China objected to an EU proposal to remove the reference to "time-bound" targets. The EU inserted clear delineation of responsibility "and accountability." Australia called for each organization to develop a plan, setting out specific actions, including goals and targets. In paragraph 227 (enhance role of focal points on women's issues), the EU proposed that each organization "commit itself at the highest level" and take steps to enhance "and support" focal points. The EU added paragraph 227(bis) calling for increased cooperation among specialized agencies. In paragraph 228 (organizational recruitment of professional women), the EU called for greater priority to women's recruitment. The G-77/China supported the EU amendment, adding "subject to geographical distribution." Japan inserted "in order to achieve the" GA goals, because the resolutions apply only to the UN Secretariat. The US proposed a paragraph 228(bis), noting that coordination at the country-level should be improved through the resident-coordinator system. Japan added a reference noting that the system applies only to developing countries. 10. Other international institutions: In paragraph 229 (international NGOs), Japan proposed that NGOs "be invited to prepare" implementation plans rather than have them "consider presenting" such plans. Norway suggested deleting the reference. In paragraph 230 (international financial institutions), the EU proposed "encouraging" the institutions to revise their policies and to "consider" increasing their ratios of women in high-level positions. The G-77/China called for the institutions to review their policies "with a view to providing new and additional resources." In paragraph 231 (support from UN system and others), the G- 77/China called for new and additional financial resources, to which the EU reserved. The EU added a 231(bis), noting the Secretary-General's responsibility for coordinating action on the Platform and for mainstreaming a gender perspective into all UN activities. PLENARY The Plenary, chaired by Natalia Drozd (Belarus), met Tuesday afternoon to hear draft resolutions on Agenda Items 4 (Programming and Coordination Matters Related to the United Nations and the United Nations System) and 5 (Monitoring the Implementation of the Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women). Australia introduced the first draft resolution, E/CN.6/1995/L.6, "Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat," the only draft resolution under Agenda Item 4. The text urges the Secretary-General to implement the strategic plan of action for improving the status of women in the Secretariat and urges Member States to support UN efforts to increase the percentage of women in professional posts. Azerbaijan introduced E/CN.6/1995/L.7, "Release of women and children who have been taken hostage in areas of armed conflicts." He stressed that the nature of the draft resolution was humanitarian, rather than political. He noted that, as hostages, women and children have suffered torture, sexual violence and other violations of their human rights. The draft calls for the Secretary-General and other international agencies to use their influence to get women and children hostages released and for the Secretary-General to inform the FWCW on the situation. The Russian Federation introduced draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.9, "Integration of women in the Middle East peace process," and welcomed progress in the peace process and the roles that the UN and other parties have played in that process. The resolution calls on governments, intergovernmental bodies and NGOs to involve Palestinian women in the peace process. Pakistan introduced draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.10, "Rape and abuse of women in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia," noting documented cases of rape as a strategy of war and ethnic cleansing and urging punishment through the International War Crimes Tribunal. The resolution calls for adequate resources, the appointment of female experts and an end to the victimization of women. Australia introduced draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.11, "Mainstreaming the human rights of women," to further the mainstreaming of the UN's work on women's human rights, and welcoming the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. Amendments drawn up in consultation with Canada were introduced in paragraph 15, requesting the UN Secretary- General to prepare a joint work plan on the human rights of women on an annual basis, and to report on the implementation of the draft resolution to the 40th session of the CSW. The G-77/China introduced draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.12, "Palestinian women," noting that Israeli occupation poses a major obstacle to the advancement of Palestinian women, and calling on Israel to return all refugees, displaced and political deportee women and children. The delegate noted that the text should state that occupation represents "a," not "the," major obstacle to advancement. Finland introduced draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.13, "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women," which focuses on: additional meeting time for the CSW through revision of Article 20; and the right of petition through an optional protocol to the Convention. The proposed optional protocol would address the problem of inadequate mechanisms to ensure women's human rights. The Philippines introduced the draft resolutions on "Traffic in women in girls" (E/CN.6/1995/L.14) and "Violence against women migrant workers" (E/CN.6/1995/L.15). On the first resolution, she noted that the problem affects the lives of thousands of women and young girls, and noted the "human rights crisis" for those living in situations of sexual exploitation. The resolution calls for humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation for victims of trafficking of women and children. In introducing the second draft resolution, the Philippines called attention to the execution of Flor Contemplacion and to the CSW's initiative to intervene. The resolution calls on the Secretary-General to submit to the 40th session of the CSW a copy of his report to the GA on violence against women migrant workers. The 12th session of the CSW was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Licuanan (Philippines), on Wednesday to consider adoption of draft resolutions, as revised orally on Tuesday. Delegates adopted E/CN.6/1995/L.6, "Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat," without comment. The Russian Federation and India requested postponing consideration of E/CN.6/1995/L.7, "Release of women and children who have been taken as hostages and imprisoned in armed conflicts, to be provided by the beginning of the FWCW," until Friday. The Russian Federation also requested that consideration of E/CN.6/1995/L.9, "Integration of women in the Middle East peace process," and E/CN.6/1995/L.12, "Palestinian women," be postponed. The G-77/China amended E/CN.6/1995/L.12 so that the resolution is addressed to ECOSOC instead of the CSW. Decisions on draft resolutions E/CN.6/1995/L.11, "Mainstreaming the human rights of women," and E/CN.6/1995/L.13, "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women," were also postponed. The CSW adopted draft resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.14, "Traffic in women and girls," with two amendments. The G-77/China replaced institutions for rehabilitation with "protection," and the Russian Federation introduced an amendment to have the Secretary-General submit a report to ECOSOC, for inclusion in a preliminary report to the 50th session of the GA, on implementation of the resolution, to bring the resolution into line with standing procedures. The Philippines introduced a number of amendments to E/CN.6/1995/L.15, "Violence against women migrant workers." The preambular references to the negative effects of SAPs, debt-servicing and armed conflict were deleted. The reference stating that "citizenship status is dependent on their spouses" now states that "residence status is dependent on their spouses or employers." The references to ILO Conventions and the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others were deleted. Slovakia added "countries with" before "economies in transition." The Russian Federation altered the reference to the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, calling on States to "consider the possibility of ratifying" the Convention rather than calling on them to ratify it. The Philippines accepted the rephrasing and requested postponing acceptance. In resolution E/CN.6/1995/L.10, "Rape and abuse of women in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia," the Russian Federation requested a postponement but Pakistan noted that co-sponsors were ready for action. The Russian Federation requested a vote on paragraph 8 in the preamble, which describes the "heinous practice" of rape and abuse of women as a "deliberate weapon of war in fulfilling the policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Serbian forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzogovina." Pakistan reminded the Russian Federation that it supported a consensus on the same text during the 49th session of the GA. The Russian Federation responded that the preamble distorted the current situation because the practices were no longer being perpetrated. Pakistan asked for a roll-call vote. Delegates voted to keep paragraph 8 in the preamble, with 35 delegations voting in favor, 1 voting against, and five abstaining. Four countries did not participate. Delegates proceeded to adopt the resolution. INFORMAL-INFORMALS I The informal-informal group discussing Chapters I (Mission Statement) and II (Global Framework) met into the night on both Tuesday and Wednesday. During discussions on Tuesday, there seemed to be agreement to identify the aim of the Platform, as noted in its first sentence, as women's empowerment, rather than as the acceleration of the implementation of the Nairobi Strategies or the removal of obstacles to participation, as suggested in earlier proposals. Delegates also discussed the purpose of the chapters and identified misplaced paragraphs. On Wednesday, progress continued on several paragraphs. Paragraph 7 (world-wide move towards democratization) includes a reference to the fact that participation of women as full and equal partners in decision-making has not yet been achieved. It also notes that, in some Eastern European countries, the transition to parliamentary democracy was marked by violence. In paragraph 8 (global economic situation), delegates added a reference to SAPs and their effect on women. The reference to an overall decline in development assistance remains bracketed. In paragraph 9 (search for solutions), references to unemployment, absolute poverty and the feminization of poverty were added as reasons for the need to find solutions seeking to ensure people-centered sustainable development. The text also calls for a transformation to one of equal partnership between women and men. Paragraph 9(bis) (human rights and full and equal participation) was accepted, with a bracketed reference to the universal nature of human rights. Paragraph 12 (women and peace) now begins by recognizing that the achievement and maintenance of peace and security are preconditions for social and economic development, and notes women's increasing role in the peace movement. A reference to women's role as mothers in the achievement of peace was bracketed. The reference to foreign occupation and ethnic conflicts was bracketed and moved to paragraph 6 (end of the Cold War). The paragraph also notes that women's participation in decision-making, conflict prevention and resolution and all other peace initiatives is essential. INFORMAL-INFORMALS II The informal-informal group discussing Chapter IV (Strategic Objectives and Actions), Critical Area D, "Violence against women," met Tuesday and Wednesday. A text had been compiled from amendments submitted last week, but the working document was an eleven page text, shortened from the original thirty-one page compilation text. Because the room was very small, the Wednesday sessions were closed to all non-delegates. On Wednesday, several delegates noted that the process seemed to be progressing more smoothly and that more effort was being made to reach consensus. Negotiators tried to use language from previous documents, particularly the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. One delegate noted that an issue of discussion was whether to use "domestic violence" (which had not yet been defined), "violence in the family" or "spousal abuse." Another problem area was the paragraph referring to other examples of violence against women, including forced sterilization and abortion, and female infanticide. By the end of the morning session, the delegates had defined violence and where it occurs. The G-77/China tried to present a common position, but several of its members presented their own amendments. For instance, "and equity" appears throughout the text in brackets following references to "equality," and in paragraph 89 (violence in the family), a large amendment referring to family, values and morals was introduced and bracketed. The afternoon session progressed fairly smoothly until paragraph 93 (trafficking in women and girls), where, although the main points were agreed, there were disputes over language. Many amendments were considered throughout the negotiations, and text was pulled in from the first draft document. The session met again in the evening, "hoping" to finish the Strategic Objectives and Actions on section D by Wednesday night. IN THE CORRIDORS I The section of the draft Platform dealing with access to health was expected to give rise to contentious debate. Since the attempt to conduct a first reading has been abandoned, Western delegations have been trying to amalgamate their positions, the G-77/China has continued to draw up amendments, and two UN agencies (WHO and UNFPA) have been called in to facilitate the drafting. The absence of a first reading of this section, however, has led to strong criticism from NGO representatives who fear that it may be referred to Beijing without returning to the Drafting Group. IN THE CORRIDORS II The lack of early progress in the first reading of the Platform, resulting in a proliferation of informal- informals, has combined with the accreditation issue to raise questions about conference procedures. With the "group of ten" due to report on accreditation to the Bureau Thursday morning, it appears that a review of accreditation procedures, and of the UN's working relationship with global civil society, may be one of the significant outcomes of the 39th CSW session. The "group" is expected to suggest that it will not be possible to open the procedure to new applicants. A number of senior delegates have offered explanations for the lack of early progress, including "conference overload" in the UN system and a lack of adequate technical back-up to facilitate early drafting by the Secretariat, a problem also identified at the WSSD. The close proximity of a set of UN conferences has placed practical constraints on some delegations' ability to prepare and co-ordinate positions. At the political level, the close proximity of meetings has encouraged attempts to re-open debates for which the global consensus has been difficult to achieve and remains fragile. Some ambiguous language adopted at WSSD has also encouraged this. The resulting difficulties have been particularly acute for the G-77/China delegations, who have the added difficulty of working, often for the first time, to build consensus on issues related to the advancement of women's status. One senior delegate has pointed out that the opportunity an international conference presents for a national delegation to develop new positions must be recognized, even if the process proves time consuming. The G-77/China communication difficulties were resolved this week when a new team of translators was hired. With no UN resources available to extend the Tuesday deadline to complete the work of the 39th CSW session, delegates are preparing for weekend and evening sessions to continue work on the draft Platform. THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY PLENARY: The Plenary is expected to meet this morning to hear introductions of draft resolutions under Agenda Item 5 (Monitoring the Implementation of the Nairobi Forward- Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women). An update on the progress of the informal-informal groups may also be given. COMPILATION TEXTS: The compilation texts on many of the Strategic Objectives and Actions sections have begun to circulate, albeit in limited quantities. EVANGELIUM VITAE: Look for copies of "Evangelium Vitae" (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II's statement on human life issues, which is released today. A number of the topics addressed, e.g. abortion, have a bearing on important sections of the draft Platform, including health. Members of NGOs have begun examining advance copies and discussing its significance. This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (c) is written and edited by Peter Doran , Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" , Virginia Hulme and Lynn Wagner . The sustaining donors of the Bulletin are the International Institute for Sustainable Development (iisd@web.apc.org), the United Nations Environment Programme and the Pew Charitable Trusts through the Pew Global Stewardship Initiative. General support for the Bulletin during 1995 is provided by the United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, GTZ and the World Bank. Partial funding for this volume of the Bulletin has been provided by the Rockefeller Foundation and UNIFEM. The authors can be contacted at their electronic mail addresses and by phone and fax at +1-212-888-2737. IISD can be contacted by phone at +1-204-958-7700, by fax at +1-204-958-7710. 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