ENB:10:15
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PLENARY
CHAPTER IV. SOCIAL INTEGRATION: The Center of Concern for Child Labour addressed the needs of children who work. The Temple of Understanding identified compassion, service and love as key values that are critical for social development. Franciscans International called on national governments to support grassroot-level initiatives.
The Women's Caucus called for transparent institutions at all levels. The World Blind Union called attention to the poverty-disability cycle. Algeria, on behalf of the G-77 and China, noted that social integration affects the values around which society is organized. Mexico stressed the needs of indigenous populations.
Germany, on behalf of the EU, suggested merging several sections. Canada emphasized the need to respect diversity and human rights. Poland noted that diversity should be accepted. India called for investing in decentralized activities for conflict resolution.
Lebanon indicated a role for the media. Norway, on behalf of the Nordic countries, stressed that persons with disabilities have full human rights. Austria emphasized the need for an adequate national-level framework. Pakistan noted that social disintegration is most acute in areas with civil strife, violence and conflict.
The Sudan noted the importance of the family and religion. The Russian Federation mentioned the problems of migrants. The United States noted that a commitment to human rights is important in addressing the issue of violence.
Indonesia noted that the duties, responsibilities and rights of individuals should be acknowledged. Croatia called attention to the needs of the forcefully displaced. Australia stated that increased employment opportunities can alleviate poverty.
China stated that all social groups should be invited to join the mainstream of society. Chile stressed the role of education. Bangladesh called for the elimination of discrimination in all its forms. Jamaica emphasized the family's role in teaching values and tolerance. Iran also stressed the role of the family.
Slovenia noted that many of the priorities in the draft already exist in binding international instruments, thus a large part of the WSSD's agenda involves calling for the implementation of existing agreements. Japan added that increased employment and reduced poverty can contribute to social integration. Tunisia stated that national strategies for social progress should be elaborated with objectives, a timetable and follow-up at the highest level.
Zimbabwe recalled that this is the Year of the Family, and called attention to the more vulnerable parts of families -- children, women, the elderly and the disabled. Benin called attention to children who are discarded at birth and the marginalization of women. New Zealand called for: increased acknowledgement of the special needs of indigenous people; concrete actions to empower women; and recognition of the capacities of the marginalized.
Guinea called for further elaboration on the means for social integration. Malaysia requested reference to the role of the family as the pillar for social cohesion. The Republic of Korea called for the establishment of a feasible set of goals.
Latvia discussed migration-related problems. The Holy See stated the importance of education. Malta noted that social integration requires a caring society. The International Indian Treaty Council stated that indigenous people are distinct, and noted their need for security guarantees.
The UN Drug Control Programme identified the need for the rehabilitation and reintegration of substance-dependent individuals. The Cordilera People's Alliance expressed concern about GATT and intellectual property rights and their undesirable impacts on indigenous people. The Child's Caucus called for reference to children's participation in the draft. GREEFA (Burkina Faso) called for measures to end discrimination against women and to promote democracy, solidarity and the rights of all citizens.
CHAPTER V. MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP: The EU expressed concern about holding follow-up summits every five years. Italy called for the promotion of human rights and democratic practices as prerequisites to social development. Finland, on behalf of the Nordic countries, said that the provisions on national strategies are not viable. Finland and the G-77 called for consideration of the international tax proposal. India and Pakistan each questioned the ability of the 20:20 Compact to yield sufficient resources.
C“te d'Ivoire said that investment in the industrial sector should be accompanied by subsidiary social projects to meet basic human needs. Egypt said that the means for allocating additional financing should be clearly addressed and that aid should be channelled through the organs of national governments. France announced that the French President plans to attend the Summit.
The Russian Federation called for references to the poverty problems in all countries. Bangladesh said that innovative measures, like debt for social development swaps, should be considered. The Bretton Woods institutions should pay more attention to the social sectors. Romania encouraged joint ventures between Western and developing countries. Senegal expressed support for the 20:20 concept.
Morocco and Niger each supported the 20:20 Compact. Saudi Arabia called for more reference to disabled persons. Austria stressed regional follow-up. Pakistan supported the tax on international financial transactions and the 20:20 Compact, but questioned the viability of the latter in mobilizing sufficient resources, unless the target of 0.7% of GNP for ODA is met.
China proposed the establishment of national-level social departments to coordinate and oversee social development policy. Malaysia said that international conferences will not be successful without concrete implementation measures. Indonesia said the CSD must be strengthened to better respond to the needs of social development. He suggested a special social development window in the GEF. WEDO said that no society can develop fully if it oppresses 50% of its population. The text should specify measures for the empowerment of women.
Chile proposed reorienting resources to meet the target of 0.7% of GNP for ODA. Mexico promoted a better relationship between the Security Council and ECOSOC. Japan cautioned against setting a numerical value on aid at this stage and holding summits every five years. The Philippines proposed establishing a social development window at the World Bank.
Iran highlighted the unique opportunity to mobilize political will and financial resources. Papua New Guinea noted the absence of the 0.7% ODA goal from the text. Sierra Leone proposed government monitoring and coordination of NGO activities in social development initiatives.
The Ukraine encouraged socio-economic reforms, adapted to the specific features of each economy in transition. Malawi proposed greater coordination at national, regional and international levels in the follow-up. Benin noted the exclusion of Africa from international trade.
The United States called upon UNDP to present a results-oriented strategy for the UN System toward attainment of the WSSD's goals at PrepCom III. The IMF supported the call to address the social dimensions of structural adjustment policies. UNIDO emphasized the role of industrial development in strengthening productive capacities and in reducing wealth disparities.
The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights called for ratification of the "Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights" by the year 2000. The International Federation of Agricultural Producers called for reference to farmers on an equal footing with workers and employers.
Mali said that additional resources should not be subject to conditionality. Nicaragua said that conflicts can only be resolved through integrated development. Guinea said that the availability of resources is central to the achievement of the goals of the WSSD. The Republic of Korea emphasized the need for pragmatic and realistic policies and supported the 20:20 Compact.
Oxfam urged that the policies and procedures of the UN agencies conform to human rights conventions. The International Organization of Consumers' Unions noted that consumer protection can contribute to social integration. The Global Alliance for Women's Health expressed concern with some of the procedural efforts to include women and some of the substantive issues related to health care.
The American Association of Jurists called for UN control over the World Bank and IMF. The Woman's Caucus stated that institutional inequalities separate those who have basic necessities from those who do not. The International Federation of Settlement Houses and Neighborhood Centres called for increased recognition to community-based organizations. The Centre for Human and Social Development said that land reform is the key issue for the poorest of the poor and the one most neglected by governments.