ENB:14:07
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INFORMAL-INFORMAL I
The informal-informal group charged with completing consideration of Sections I (Lack of awareness of and commitment to internationally and nationally recognized women"s human rights) and K (Lack of adequate recognition and support for women"s contribution to managing natural resources and safeguarding the environment) of Chapter IV completed the first reading of Section K Monday evening. The language on consumption was reported to have caused some debate, and delegates attempted to draft text to indicate that all countries are responsible for consumption, but noted the disproportionate impact of some.
The group discussed the human rights text throughout Tuesday. No final decision was taken on the section title. In paragraph 149 (universal human rights as the basis for advancement of women) the list of "all the major human rights instruments" was bracketed. Amendments introduced new references to links between the Vienna Declaration on human rights, the Platform and the right to development. Bracketed references to the Declaration on the Right to Development and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women were also introduced. A reference to the "human rights of women and girls throughout the life cycle" was replaced with the rights "of women and of the girl child." A new sentence was inserted at the end of the paragraph: "Governments must not only refrain from the violation of human rights of all women but must work actively to promote and protect these rights." The first sentence of the second paragraph was reformulated: "Recognition of the importance of the human rights of women is reflected in the fact that three-quarters of the UN member States are parties to the CEDAW."
In paragraph 150 (human rights of women and reproductive rights), the first line was deleted. A new introductory paragraph was inserted, in brackets: "The WCHR and ICPD reaffirmed all aspects of the human rights of women including women"s reproductive rights and the right to development." A reference to "universal" human rights was bracketed.
In paragraph 151 (signatories to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women), the second sentence, which referred to causes that undermine women"s enjoyment of equal rights, was moved to paragraph 152. References to de jure equality and various law codes were deleted, a reference to legal systems was replaced with a reference to national administrations and a reference to judicial personnel was replaced with a reference to judicial process.The last three sentences were separated to form paragraph 151.bis.
In paragraph 152 (gap between de jure and de facto rights), a reference to a lack of Governments" commitment to enforce rights was replaced with "promote and protect." References to international monitoring institutions, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, extension of the Committee"s meeting time and the Optional Protocol were deleted. A reference to international "conventions and declarations" was replaced with "Human Rights instruments," and references to national law and national practice were added. The last sentence (women"s awareness of their rights) was moved to paragraph 156.
In paragraph 152.bis. (integration of women into the UN system), a reference to duplication was deleted, and references to the High Commissioner on Human Rights, CEDAW, the Convention on Criminal Justice and independent experts were added.
The second paragraph 152.bis. (systemic nature of inequality) was bracketed. Paragraph 153 (shared responsibility) was bracketed pending the outcome of the reproductive rights section on health.
Paragraphs 154 (violence against women) and 155 (women in vulnerable situations) were bracketed pending clarification of lists of forms of violence and particularly vulnerable groups of women.