ENB:11:33
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WORKING GROUP I
C. Sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world: TURKEY introduced a new 95quinquiens (livability of built environment) on quality of life and democracy and a new 98quater (action by Governments, partnerships and stakeholders) on participation of stakeholders in planning.
In 126bis (effects of nuclear weapons testing), the US stated that this issue is inappropriate for discussion at this conference and proposed deleting the entire paragraph. The SOLOMON ISLANDS, the HOLY SEE and SYRIA objected. NEW ZEALAND, on behalf of Pacific Island States, proposed an amendment which broadens the scope to include all small Pacific islands affected by nuclear tests and appeals to those countries which conducted tests to consider providing assistance. To 128(g) (shelter requirements of internally displaced persons), JAPAN, supported by the G- 77/CHINA, added "construction of temporary houses with basic facilities." The EU added "taking into account gender specific needs." The G-77/CHINA added a new 128(l) regarding support for the Red Cross. The US introduced three subparagraphs to 128(i) regarding land mines. Consultations were undertaken on specific language.
Revisiting 72 (vulnerable groups), CANADA presented language from informal consultations on causes of vulnerability and disadvantage with new references to: access to resources; vulnerability and disadvantage caused mainly by circumstances; housing sector conditions and availability; "enforcement and effectiveness" of legal protection; and disproportionately "adverse" environmental and health impacts. The informal group removed brackets from 72ter (refugees), adding a reference to loss of "security" resulting from inadequate shelter. References were added on "internally" (EU) "displaced persons" (G-77/CHINA).
D. Capacity-building and institutional development: The CHAIR introduced his draft of Section D. In 129 (economic and social development are interdependent), delegates added introductory references to "human settlements" (CHINA) and "environmental protection" (EU/US). The G-77/CHINA reintroduced references to decentralization and capacity-building. A US reference to protection of human rights, opposed by CHINA, was added in brackets. In 130bis (accountability, transparency and participation), the G-77/CHINA deleted "good governance." JAPAN proposed replacing "democracy" with "sustainable human settlements development" but the EU objected. The sentence was bracketed. INDONESIA replaced "guarantee" with "ensure" the right to take an active role in community affairs.
In 131(e) (delivery of public goods and services) and (i) (local authorities’ performance), the US, supported by the EU and IRAN, added "gender-, age- and income-based" data collection. In 131(j) (local resources management), the HOLY SEE, supported by the EU, deleted "increase participation of women, children and youth." The US proposed deleting 131(1) (information network), as it deals with UNCHS. The G-77/CHINA objected and added "transfer of technology." The EU recommended it be deferred to Working Group II.
BOLIVIA added "popular participation" to the title of section 3: "Participation, civic engagement and good governance." The EU and US objected to an IRAN-proposed deletion of "good governance." The EU suggested bracketing the reference in the title and in the chapeau and referring the issue to the High-Level Segment. BOLIVIA added a reference to participation of community organizations in decision making and introduced a new 133(a)bis on legal recognition of organized communities. In 133(i) (judicial redress), AUSTRALIA replaced "improving" with "effective" judicial and administrative channels. IRAN opposed an EU-proposed deletion of rights "as defined in national legislation." The reference is in brackets. The 133(i)ter (intergenerational interests), the US added "while strengthening families." CANADA added a new 133(i)quater on promoting the full potential of youth as key partners. In 134 (human settlements management), the EU inserted a sentence regarding capacity building and added "effective" and efficient development.
At the CHAIR’s appeal, the US and the G-77/CHINA agreed to the EU’s earlier proposal that delegates accept Section D as reformulated by the Chair. The Chair presented his draft text for Chapter III (Commitments) for consideration in an evening session.