EARTH NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN (enb@igc.apc.org) PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Johannah Bernstein Pamela Chasek, Ph.D. Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" Richard Jordan Lynn Wagner A DAILY REPORT ON THE THIRD SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Vol. 10 No. 35 Friday, 27 January 1995 WSSD PREPCOM III HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY, 26 JANUARY 1995 WORKING GROUP I The Working Group considered Commitment 6 (development of Africa and the least developed countries) during the morning session and reconvened in the evening to consider the updated texts of the draft Declaration and Chapter V (Implementation and Follow-up). Amb. Butler noted that his Group did not have time to incorporate the G-77/China’s proposed commitment into the Group’s report. Delegates agreed to consult further on the wording and placement. At the end of the evening, Somavi'a noted that 95% of the Declaration had been finalized and that he would continue consultations on the outstanding issues. DRAFT DECLARATION INTRODUCTION: References to "countries with economies in transition" remain bracketed in paragraph 15 (people vulnerable to stress) and 24 (narrow gap between developed and other countries). In 8 (enhance social development), the reference to living "in harmony with the environment" remains bracketed. Canada noted that this represented consensus Rio language, but India expressed concern that it imposed undue obligations. In 9 (international conferences), the G-77/China proposed reference to the SIDS Conference, but the EU objected. Other delegations supported the reference, stating that it would be unacceptable to omit SIDS, a UN conference, and the EU agreed. A. CURRENT SOCIAL SITUATION AND REASONS FOR CONVENING THE SUMMIT: In paragraph 18 (reduction of social distress), brackets remain around the call to address the impact from arms production and trade "whenever/wherever it occurs." B. PRINCIPLES AND GOALS: In sub-paragraph 23(g) (income distribution), the reference to promoting "more" equitable distribution remains bracketed by the G-77/China. The US noted that "more equitable" is Rio language. 23(k) (right to self-determination of occupied peoples) remains in brackets. In 25 (common pursuit of social development), the reference to respect for "territorial integrity" remains in brackets. C. COMMITMENTS: In Commitment 1 (enabling environment), the qualification to provide a stable legal framework "in accordance with our constitutions, national laws and procedures" remains bracketed. In 1(i) (external economic environment), brackets remain on the reference to new and additional resources. The reference to the "right to work and worker’s rights" remains bracketed in the chapeau of Commitment 3 (full employment). Both alternatives to 3(i) (workers' rights and labour standards) remain bracketed. In Commitment 4(n) (international human rights instruments), brackets remain around the reference to encouraging "adherence to international declarations" and the qualification that implementation be "with full respect for the sovereignty of States." In Commitment 5(f) (partnership between men and women), the Butler text contained a bracketed reference to "the importance of responsible sexual and reproductive behavior and parenthood by men." Somavi'a warned that the press would have a field day if it remained bracketed. Iran called for the Cairo formulation that refers to shared responsibilities, which delegates agreed to in principle. 5(k) (women’s human rights) was approved as was the new 5(l) bis (Beijing Conference). In Commitment 6(c) (debt problem), the G-77/China accepted an EU proposal to "take full account of" the UN New Agenda for the Development of Africa and the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries, rather than take action "in the framework" of those instruments. The EU agreed to the reference to the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries and deleted the reference to the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. Remaining bracketed references are: finding a [realistic], [effective], comprehensive, [equitable, development-oriented, durable] [and sustainable] solution to the debt problem; taking action [on all types of debt]; and cancellation [or reduction] of bilateral debt. In (e) (ODA levels), the G- 77/China proposed removing the bracketed qualification to increase "the impact of" ODA, but the EU objected. In Commitment 8(j) (international finance), Ghana preferred "facilitate the transfer" instead of "increase the flow." The EU objected. The US preferred (j) bis as a substitute ("Facilitate the flow of international finance, technology and human skill in order to transfer sufficient resources for development towards the countries with economies in transition"), noting that (j) did not reflect current discussions. 8(q) (needs of economies in transition) was approved. CHAPTER V. IMPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP Sub-paragraph 78(c) (20:20) and its various alternatives remain bracketed. In 78(f) bis (land-locked countries), the G-77/China proposed "the challenges and problems characteristic to these countries" to replace "their high vulnerability and specially difficult circumstances." New 78 bis (implementation in countries with economies in transition) was approved, as was new 84(e) bis (ECOSOC and World Bank implementation). Paragraph 84(g) bis (role of UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) was agreed. In 84(b) (review), delegates agreed to delete the reference to a second WSSD. In 84(e) bis (ECOSOC), the text remained bracketed. New 85 bis (technical cooperation) was approved. In 87(b) (UNDP), Norway called for brackets around the reference to UNDP. The brackets remain in 86(c) (ILO). WORKING GROUP II During the course of the afternoon and evening, Working Group II managed to complete the second reading of Chapters II and IV, and part of Chapter III. CHAPTER II. ERADICATION OF POVERTY In paragraph 24 (urgent needs), the 1st bullet (strategies to reduce poverty) is bracketed to ensure consistency with Commitment 2. The 8th bullet (the family) contains both EU and Holy See formulations in brackets. A. THE FORMULATION OF INTEGRATED STRATEGIES: Delegates could not agree on a formulation for the chapeau in 25 (public efforts to eradicate poverty). There was no agreement on the alternatives for 25(b) (develop poverty eradication/reduction programmes), or whether 25(c) (addressing the structural causes of poverty) should be incorporated into 25(b). 25(e) bis (poverty indicators) was bracketed pending consultations. The only brackets that remain in 26(a) (analyzing policies/ programmes) are around "family/families." In 26(d) (development schemes), the G-77/China defined development schemes as structural adjustment programmes whereas the US thought it meant the construction of shopping malls or dams. The text remains bracketed. In 28(a) (gender indicators of poverty), brackets remain around "family stability," pending further US consultations. In 28(b) (monitoring targets), brackets remain around the "eradication" of poverty. In the chapeau to 29 (enabling environment), there was another debate on "eradication," which remains bracketed. Brackets are also in 29(a) (policy coordination). B. IMPROVED ACCESS TO PRODUCTIVE RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE: In 32(b) (protecting rights to land and resources), there was a lengthy discussion about traditional rights. There was no consensus in the room or within the G- 77, so "traditional" remains bracketed. C. MEETING THE BASIC HUMAN NEEDS OF ALL: In 35(c) (access of women and children to social services), the Holy See added language on the rights and responsibilities of parents, which the US bracketed. The G-77 proposal on the struggle against contagious diseases (68(h)) has been moved to paragraph 35. Some delegates complained that 36(e) (food security) does not make sense. The Secretariat will examine it. In 36(g) (reproductive health), Malta proposed alternative language, which was accepted. The Holy See insisted on reference to parental guidance and the US bracketed it. The paragraph now reads: "Make accessible through the primary health-care system reproductive health to all individuals of appropriate ages [with proper regard for parental guidance and responsibility] as soon as possible and no later than the year 2015, in accordance with the Programme of Action from the ICPD, taking into account the reservations and declarations made in Cairo." The Chair asked delegates to consult on 36(h) (combating malaria), 36(i) (eradicating preventable diseases) and a Swiss proposal on healthcare for all. In 37(d) (access to health services), the Holy See, Sudan and the G-77/China wanted to delete the list of health services, since it is not comprehensive, while Norway and the EU preferred the existing text. The Holy See asked to bracket the entire paragraph. Brackets remain in 37(e) (maternal healthcare). D. ENHANCED SOCIAL PROTECTION AND REDUCED VULNERABILITY: Brackets remain around "language barriers" in the chapeau to paragraph 38 (basis for social protection systems). 38(i) (ensuring an adequate social safety net) remains bracketed. In 39(e) (protecting the rights of children), "family reunification" remained in brackets. The revised text for paragraph 40 (protecting older persons) was accepted. CHAPTER IV. SOCIAL INTEGRATION The second reading was based on CRP.5, Add. 3. In 64, the 3rd bullet (role of civil society in public policies) is still bracketed. A. [PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, CULTURAL DIVERSITY,] RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT AND FULL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY: Brackets remain in the title. The G-77/China said the chapeau to paragraph 65 should deal exclusively with human rights. In 65(i) (human rights treaties), the EU said that Vienna language must be used. The Chair bracketed it. The US bracketed "requires" in the chapeau to paragraph 66 (encouraging fullest participation in society). 66(b) was bracketed after Benin questioned civil society's role in policy formulation. B. NON-DISCRIMINATION, TOLERANCE AND MUTUAL RESPECT FOR AND VALUE OF DIVERSITY: The US bracketed "requires" in the chapeau to paragraph 67 (eliminating discrimination). Sudan’s proposed addition, "at the national and international level," is also bracketed. Although delegates accepted the Holy See’s proposal to add "religious intolerance" to 67(a) (regulations against discrimination), they bracketed the sub-paragraph due to questions about enacting laws against xenophobia. C. EQUALITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: In 68(f), Algeria submitted: "ensuring that structural adjustment programmes are so designed to minimize any negative impact." It was bracketed. D. RESPONSES TO SPECIAL SOCIAL NEEDS: No brackets remain in this section. E. RESPONSES TO SPECIFIC SOCIAL NEEDS OF REFUGEES, DISPLACED PERSONS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS, DOCUMENTED MIGRANTS AND UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS: Interested delegations worked for over eight hours on this section. The three paragraphs were accepted with only minor amendments. Delegates deleted 70(d), since reference to hostages does not belong here. In 70(e) (repatriation of refugees), Algeria asked who "other relevant actors" are. Some delegates felt that they include international organizations, NGOs and IGOs. Algeria preferred more specific language. The Secretariat will come up with a formulation. F. VIOLENCE, CRIME, THE PROBLEM OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Brackets remain around the chapeau of paragraph 71 (problems of violence). G. STRENGTHENING FAMILY TIES: 71 bis (family ties) remains bracketed. CHAPTER III. THE EXPANSION OF PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND THE REDUCTION OF UNEMPLOYMENT In paragraph 47 (unremunerated work), delegates bracketed the Holy See’s proposal on social recognition for "such work by reflecting its value in the satellite accounts of gross national product." In paragraph 48 (urgent needs), the G- 77/China agreed with the Chair to consider the bullet on documented migrants in relation to what was agreed in the informal-informals. In paragraph 51 (stimulating employment), all brackets remain in relation to the problem of "required." The EU said it could support the alternative wording by adding "sustainable" growth. Brackets remained in the chapeau of paragraph 52 (private sector growth) and in paragraph 53 (access to productive employment). 55(b) (respect for workers’ rights) remains bracketed. THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY WORKING GROUP II: The Group will meet at 10:00 am to consider Chapter III, Section D. There will also be a third reading of Chapter I. INFORMAL-INFORMALS FOR WORKING GROUP II: The informal- informals will meet at 10:00 am to resolve some of the outstanding issues in Chapters II, III and IV. PLENARY: The Plenary will meet this afternoon to discuss the organization of work for the Summit. CLOSING PLENARY: Since the documentation will not be ready in all languages until Saturday, the closing session of the Plenary of PrepCom III is now scheduled to take place Saturday morning. This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (c) is written and edited by Johannah Bernstein , Pamela Chasek, Ph.D. , Langston James Goree VI “Kimo” , Richard Jordan and Lynn Wagner . General funding for the Bulletin has been provided by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (iisd@web.apc.org), the Government of Denmark and the Pew Charitable Trusts through the Pew Global Stewardship Initiative.Funding for this volume of the Bulletin has been provided by CIDA, UNDP and the Government of the Netherlands. The authors can be contacted at their electronic mail addresses and by phone and fax at +1-212- 888-2737. IISD can be contacted by phone at +1-204-958-7700, by fax at +1-204-958-7710. The opinions expressed in Earth Negotiations Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and other funders. Excerpts from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin may be used in other publications with appropriate citation. Electronic versions of the Bulletin can be found on the gopher at and in searchable hyptertext through the Linkages WWW-server at on the Internet. This volume of the Bulletin is uploaded into the APC conferences and . The Earth Negotiations Bulletin may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted to any system or service outside of the APC networks and the ENB listserver, without specific permission from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. This limitation includes distribution via Usenet News, bulletin board systems, mailing lists, print media and broadcast. For more information, send a message to .