You are viewing our old site. See the new one here

ENB:06:19 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

WORKING GROUP II

VI. POPULATION GROWTH AND STRUCTURE:

A. Fertility, mortality and population growth areas: Finland and Switzerland felt that 6.3 (reduction of world population) was repetitive. Niger affirmed the importance of respect for individual rights. In 6.4 (steps to reduce population growth), the Russian Federation noted that programmes should be flexible and consider the need to sustain population growth in Eastern Europe. The Holy See preferred reference to "appropriate levels of fertility" instead of "low levels of fertility."

B. Children and Youth: In 6.7 (promotion of the well-being of children and youth), Madagascar wanted an additional paragraph on street children. The US added a paragraph regarding prevention of early pregnancies and reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality resulting from unsafe abortion. Honduras insisted that "access to reproductive health" should not compromise access to information by parents. In 6.8 (eliminating child exploitation), the Philippines added reference to child pornography. The Republic of Korea stated that all countries should adopt laws against child trafficking. Egypt, Nepal and Chile suggested adding rape and incest. Many developing countries referred to the economic realities requiring the labor contribution of children. In 6.9 (child labor laws), India and Bolivia called for improvements in socio-economic conditions, rather than enforcement of child labor laws. In 6.12 (youth participation in population activities), Ghana requested reference to substance abuse. Mexico called for increased reference to health and sex education.

C. Ageing populations: New Zealand and Switzerland preferred the term "older people," rather than "ageing populations" or "the elderly." In 6.14 (objective), China proposed a new sentence on financial, medical and amusement support for the elderly. Morocco proposed a new objective on family protection and responsibility for the elderly. The Solomon Islands said that conditions must be created so the elderly can participate in the community, if so desired. In 6.16 (contribution of the elderly), Chile and Benin proposed referencing laws that eliminate discrimination and violence against the elderly, especially women. Australia wanted the elderly consulted in the policy-making process.

D. Indigenous people: Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Peru suggested that this section be incorporated into Chapter III. Australia said that reference should be made to the socio-economic policies that impact indigenous peoples. The EU said that another objective should refer to the evaluation of population programmes affecting indigenous communities. The International Treaty Council, supported by Peru, requested that indigenous peoples' right to development be recognized. In 6.24, New Zealand added reference to consultation with indigenous peoples. Sweden and Madagascar requested a new section on the disabled.

VII. REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING:

A. Reproductive rights and reproductive health: Bolivia, Mexico and Peru asked to expand reproductive health to include sexual health. Malta and Paraguay asked for attention to the diversity of religious values in 7.3 (provision of health care). Norway asked for a consistent definition of reproductive health. Pakistan, the Philippines and the US asked for education for breast feeding to be added to 7.4 (primary and reproductive health care). The US, Egypt and India asked to include unsafe abortion and cancers of the female reproductive system to the list of priority health hazards. The Holy See agreed that reproductive health should include treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, but refused inclusion of abortion and its potential complications. In 7.6 (innovative programs for health care), the US and Sweden asked to place more emphasis on men's responsibility in child rearing. Cameroon called for a definition of reproductive rights that heeds the centrality of family and community. In 7.7 (community participation), the US stressed the importance of local women's groups for effective implementation, but Papua New Guinea said that women's groups are already over-burdened and all NGOs should participate. Poland and Estonia supported the statement in 7.8 (international assistance to previously centralized economies). Benin objected and asked for assistance to all poor countries.

B. Family planning: In 7.12 (objective of family planning), the EU and Egypt found the task of eliminating unwanted pregnancies unattainable, and instead, asked for a concerted effort to reduce them. Mexico acknowledged the importance of 7.13 (organizational support for family health), but argued that this is an administrative issue and should not be dealt within this chapter. In 7.14 (barriers to implementation of family planning), India and Bolivia stressed the need for greater male participation in family planning. In 7.20 (innovative channels of distribution of contraceptives), Bolivia called attention to ethics and responsibilities. Mexico and India called for international financing for the manufacture and dissemination of safe and reliable contraceptives in 7.19 (the role of the international community). Mexico emphasized the need for qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating family planning.

C. Sexually transmitted diseases: In 7.26 (information and distribution of condoms), Zimbabwe asked for more research on female condoms. The US added that information on "sexually responsible behavior" should become an integral part of sexual education. Argentina and the Sudan asked to delete reference to condoms in this section.

D. Human sexuality and gender equality: In 7.30 (sex education), Vietnam and Malawi asked for both formal and informal education on sexuality, especially for boys. In 7.32 (measures against sexual exploitation), many stressed the need for legal punitive measures against sexual exploitation and asked for counseling for the victims.

E. Adolescents: In 7.37 (adolescent reproductive health issues), many asked for measures to promote abstinence by choice and responsible sexual behavior among adolescents. Delegates agreed that not only is early pregnancy a factor in population growth, but it is also a health hazard to the mother and it should be reduced both within and outside of marriage. In 7.38 (barriers to reproductive health services), the EU and Bolivia stressed the need for the right to confidentiality. Nicaragua stressed that adolescents' rights to confidentiality jeopardize parental rights to information about their children. In 7.40 (health and reproductive services), Peru emphasized that services should promote responsible sexual behavior.

[Return to start of article]