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CHAPTER II. REDUCTION AND ELIMINATION OF WIDESPREAD POVERTY

Germany, on behalf of the EU, called for additional emphasis on urban and other sectors of the poor, not only the rural poor. Algeria, on behalf of the G-77 and China, requested that their document be considered as an official document. He maintained that the mobilization of financial resources is critical to the eradication of poverty. Austria stressed: economies in transition; poverty in industrialized countries; poverty reduction programmes aimed at children and youth; and the plight of refugees.

The Brazilian Institute of Social and Economic Analysis described poverty as "social apartheid" and declared democracy its only antidote. Morocco noted the importance of the issue of crime. Senegal discussed the link between health and development, and called for the participation of the Bretton Woods institutions. Chile stated that priority must be given to the most needy.

Benin proposed a new title for Chapter II, "Struggle against poverty," and emphasized poverty resulting from drought and desertification. Sri Lanka called for the creation of an international structure to manage and coordinate poverty reduction initiatives around the world and to implement follow-up to WSSD. The Holy See emphasized the role of social development in fostering political stability and accelerating economic growth.

The Russian Federation suggested adding specific recommendations for the transitional, developing, and developed country blocs. Namibia recommended that the special social situations of African nations be reflected in the text. India recommended collaboration between governments and NGOs to deliver services to the poor. Croatia stated that the well-being of the forcefully displaced should be addressed in the text.

Japan recommended that poverty reduction policies include: food security; the participation of women in decision-making; rural employment policies; and the centrality of education. China encouraged: harnessing local resources while ensuring environmental protection; development of information and communication systems; and voluntary curbing of population growth. Cuba emphasized: the need for equitable distribution of wealth within and among nations; universal and equitable access to public health care; NGO participation in regional and international organizations; and the economic and social exploitation of children.

Norway, on behalf of the Nordic countries, noted the importance of peoples' participation in development and preventive and decentralized health care systems. Egypt called for emphasis on international cooperation and action. The Latin American Social Sciences Council called for poverty reduction measures and reductions in military spending.

The Working Group of Social Leaders for the WSSD proposed a six-point action plan to: strengthen community action; ensure the accountability of multilateral institutions; foster people-centered economies and policies; build social capital; ensure real equality for women; and strengthen the contribution of transnational corporations. The United States called for a revised, more focused document that would: explicitly link poverty, employment and social integration; promote new partnerships and the participation of marginalized groups; and devote greater attention to economies in transition.

Australia explained that economic growth must be accompanied by human resource development and institution- building. Effective anti-poverty efforts must involve the full participation of the poor. Malawi requested greater specificity in the draft and suggested the example of the World Summit for Children's action plan. Swaziland made an impassioned plea for arms-exporting nations to provide Africa with productive rather than destructive resources.

Switzerland noted that a lack of power -- exclusion from services, legal defense and participation in public life -- contributes to poverty. Latvia emphasized the different forms of poverty. Iran emphasized: job-creation; investment in basic education and training; acceleration of rural development; linking development assistance to poverty reduction; new and additional financial resources; family planning; and technology transfer.

Bangladesh highlighted the role of women and NGOs in demonstrating the resourcefulness of the poor. He also called for adequate disaster relief programmes. Pakistan recommended strengthening research institutes and increasing the participation of the poor in decision-making. Guinea emphasized the role of regional economic and subregional activities in tackling poverty. Malaysia stated that too large a role has been given to national governments in poverty reduction. NGOs, the private sector and international actors also have a role.

Uruguay emphasized the importance of educational investments and the provision of free legal assistance. C“te d'Ivoire endorsed UNDP and UNICEF's proposed 20/20 compact. Antigua and Barbuda noted that crises in the developing world are affected by reduced migration opportunities. The Republic of Korea questioned the land redistribution and price discrimination provisions in the draft. Peru called for participation at all levels and of all organizations connected to the issue of poverty. Ethiopia called for complete eradication of poverty.

Indonesia supported the paragraphs on targets and monitoring. Belize called for a more concise document, with prescriptive rather than declaratory language. Belarus proposed UN-assisted regional seminars to address issues particular to economies in transition.

Canada suggested a new document framework that would include: a definition of terms; a strategy and timetable to eradicate poverty; and measures to address the disproportionate poverty of youth, women, the disabled and indigenous people. Poland said that the organization of conferences, as proposed in paragraph 39, is not the best way to reduce poverty. Ghana noted that the provision of social services should be a right of citizenship, however, economic conditions make this difficult to achieve.

Burkina Faso said that the WSSD must provide guidelines for poverty elimination, and governments should then develop their own programmes. The Philippines identified the need for minimum basic needs indicators. Uganda noted the deterioration of the economic and social situation in Africa. New Zealand said the empowerment of women, children and people with disabilities must be emphasized. Fiji, on behalf of the South Pacific islands, questioned the level of political will to address poverty.

The World Bank said governments must invest in human development and empower the poor in decision making. The World Food Programme noted that the text does not place enough emphasis on the productive use of food aid. IFAD stressed: household-level indicators; access to land, water, credit and technology; population stabilization; and environmental protection.

UNCTAD said that the GATT provides an important vehicle for poverty reduction. UNESCO said that economic growth must serve social development and that cultural factors and popular participation must be fully integrated in human resource development. The FAO stressed the relationship between poverty and depletion of natural resources, food insecurity and migration.

The Danish Association for International Cooperation said that poor people need land tenure. The NGO Committee on Ageing called for the participation of older persons in anti-poverty and employment generation efforts. Emmas International called for a world council on economic security. ActionAid said that hunger elimination and employment generation are keys to empowerment. The International Federation of University Women said that no progress can be made in social development without a discussion of the obstacles faced by women and girls.

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