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WORKING GROUP I

IV. GLOBAL PLAN OF ACTION

C. Sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world: Consultations on the "vulnerable groups" section (72-75) made progress on the text, and further consultation is being taken up by the drafting group that considered the "right to housing."

Paragraph 88(d) (school curricula) was amended as "development of school curricula and education programmes aimed at developing understanding and cooperation among members of diverse cultures." The HOLY SEE, supported by GUATEMALA and AUSTRALIA, added "parents" to stakeholders. MOROCCO added "community-based centers" to education programmes, but GUATEMALA opposed.

In 89(a)bis (workers’ rights), the G-77/CHINA proposed deleting "basic" rights but the US objected. The US added "prohibition of forced and child labor, the freedom of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, and the principle of non-discrimination." In 89(d) (access to credit), the US added "flexible guarantees and collateral requirements." The US introduced three new subparagraphs regarding community-based cooperative banking and corporate reinvestment, flexible manufacturing networks, and support for community-based enterprises.

In 90(b) (gender-sensitive planning), CANADA replaced bracketed language with: "representative structures while ensuring women’s equal access and full and equal participation." In 90(c)bis (women as primary family caregivers), GUATEMALA, supported by the HOLY SEE, suggested adding "mothers" as experts in their homes and communities. The EU and NEW ZEALAND said the proposal is restrictive. The G-77/CHINA proposed a replacement paragraph on promoting changes in attitudes, structures, policies, laws and practices to eliminate discrimination and promote full participation. CANADA inserted: women "shoulder the majority of unremunerated work" and language on their role in decision-making.

In 90(e)bis (poverty among rural women), the G-77/CHINA preferred a reference to absolute poverty. In 90(f) (gender disaggregated data), "gender" was removed from brackets. In 90(f)bis (awareness of issues facing homeless and refugee women), CANADA added references to migrants and other displaced women in need of international protection and internally displaced women. The G-77/CHINA added "women living in poverty." The subparagraph remains bracketed. In 90bis (youth), the G-77/CHINA removed all brackets. CANADA added a new 90bis(c)bis regarding promotion of employment programmes and vocational skills for youth.

In 90(c)ter (sexual exploitation), the G-77/CHINA removed a reference to "inside and outside national borders" in a CANADA-proposed subparagraph on the elimination of sexual and economic exploitation of young women and children. In 90(d) (encourage youth appreciation), the HOLY SEE suggested adding a reference to historical, natural, religious and cultural heritage. INDIA added "spiritual." Delegates also agreed to new language on increasing environmental awareness and ethical choices.

CANADA inserted a new 90ter(a)bis regarding access to public facilities, housing and services for persons with disabilities. INDIA introduced a 90ter(b)bis on eliminating communication barriers faced by people with disabilities. In 90ter(d)bis (data), SYRIA suggested replacing "generate" with "prepare and disseminate disaggregated data." In 90ter(e) (input into housing), the US suggested a reformulation on recognizing the expertise of people with disabilities and their role in decision making.

In 90ter(f) (awareness of disabled persons’ health-care issues), the G- 77/CHINA deleted "physical and sexual abuse and substance abuse." CANADA added a new 90ter(f)bis: "Provide persons with disabilities affordable and quality health care." In 90ter(i) (planning process), the G-77/CHINA deleted "are often involved in the informal sector." INDIA introduced a new 90ter(j): "promote sports, recreational and cultural activities for persons with disabilities."

CANADA proposed a new 90quart regarding indigenous peoples’ concerns and participation. The G-77/CHINA requested consultations. INDIA added "eliminate" to "prevent and reduce" violence and crime in 91(chapeau). The US added reference to action by governments at all appropriate levels. The US amended 91(a)bis (basic education) with "provide human rights education in an effort to mitigate the effects of crime and violence and strengthen civil society." INDIA suggested "provide awareness and education." The text was deferred.

ROMANIA replaced "assist" with "promote" crime prevention in 91(a)ter (factors undermining community safety). The US added "addressing poverty, inequality, the absence of educational and vocational opportunities and lack of health care services" to the key components of the social development approach. GUATEMALA added reference to family instability. The SUDAN added "absence of religious education." The brackets were retained at the EU’s request. The Working Group continued negotiations during an evening meeting.

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