ENB:11:20
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WORKING GROUP II SUBGROUP A
The US proposed a single drafting group because the procedure of having several small drafting groups was chaotic and depleting many delegations. The EU proposed two parallel groups, but the G-77 objected. The group established will refine the paragraphs.
PART II. GOALS AND PRINCIPLES: In written proposals on 13 (adoption of goals), the EU recommended references to human rights. The G-77/China suggested language on equitable economic and social development and sustained economic growth. During discussion, some developed countries objected to "sustained economic growth" and equitable development as language not previously accepted.
In written proposals on 14 (equality), the EU suggested a reference to "equal rights between women and men," and the right to inheritance and land ownership. The G-77 proposed including sustained economic growth. Canada included a separate paragraph on gender equality. Some delegates objected to any reference on inheritance or ownership. Other delegations said sustained economic growth warranted a separate subgroup.
In written proposals on 15 (eradication of poverty), the G-77 noted the acute level of poverty in developing countries. The US suggested references to the special problems of women in poverty. During discussions, delegates suggested referring to all people, rather than low-income groups. One delegation proposed including a paragraph on employment, and an NGO suggested addressing the issue of debt relief. One delegation said that the conference should focus on Habitat issues and not mirror the Beijing agenda. Another said Habitat cannot compartmentalize issues.
In written submissions on 16 (sustainable development), the EU added the precautionary principle, the G-77/China added consideration of needs for economic growth in sustainable development, and Romania added language on science and technology. Delegates added the precautionary principle and debated adding language on science and technology or a new principle.
In written proposals on 17 (livability), the EU suggested renaming the principle "diversity." UNICEF proposed a new principle on children. Although many delegates supported the EU's proposal, "and diversity" was bracketed. Delegates debated whether the language regarding children should be added or addressed in a new principle; consensus was reached on the former.
The proposals of the EU, Canada and the Holy See on 18 (family) suggested language agreed to in Beijing. The US noted that the worldwide process of rapid socio-economic change has influenced patterns of family formation. Delegates accepted the previously-agreed language. Some delegations said the US proposal focused too heavily on rural to urban migration.
In written proposals on 19 (civic engagement and government responsibility), the EU and Canada proposed deleting the first sentence on basic rights. Canada's proposal also stated that the participation of NGOs is indispensable. The G-77 proposal would retain the first sentence, but change "basic" to "fundamental" rights. During discussions, some delegates objected to the NGO reference. Consensus emerged on an amended EU draft.
In written proposals on 20 (partnerships), Canada suggested language from Agenda 21. The G-77 noted the need for partnerships between and within countries. During discussions, delegations preferred limiting the paragraph to partnerships within countries and accepted adding "cooperatives" to the actors.
The written proposals on 21 (solidarity) state that the EU suggested "non-discrimination" and a reference to "the household and family in all its forms." During discussions, delegations objected to "household" because it was not defined. It was suggested that "solidarity" be replaced with "interdependence," but one delegate noted that while rich people need friendship, poor people need "solidarity."
In submissions on 22 (international cooperation and coordination), the EU replaced "new and additional" resources with external financial resources and the G-77/China referred to common but differentiated responsibilities. Delegates discussed cooperation mechanisms and an enabling international economic environment.