EARTH NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Chad Carpenter Peter Doran Kira Schmidt Lynn Wagner Steve Wise Managing Editor Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" A DAILY REPORT ON THE SECOND UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (HABITAT II) 14 June 1996 Vol. 11 No. 36 HABITAT II HIGHLIGHTSTHURSDAY, 13 JUNE 1996 Delegates to Habitat II heard approximately 45 statements during morning, afternoon and evening sessions of the High-Level Segment. Committee I met briefly in the afternoon, broke into Working Groups, and reconvened Friday morning. Delegates adjourned before completing consideration of the Habitat Agenda. Committee II met during the morning to adopt the report of the Committee. COMMITTEE I Committee I convened to finalize the Habitat Agenda and Istanbul Declaration. The Committee will have to work simultaneously as a Working Group and a Committee. The meeting proceeded to review bracketed paragraphs in the draft Agenda. Paragraph 23bis (homeless, disadvantaged, vulnerable) was reformulated to give special attention to the needs of people living in poverty, people who are homeless, women, older people, indigenous people, refugees, displaced persons, people with disabilities and those belonging to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. A reference to street children was also added. The PHILIPPINES added "migrants," but the US said the reference was inappropriate. Chapter I. PREAMBLE In 2 (human beings are center of concern), the G- 77/CHINA proposed replacing the reference to harmony with "nature" with "environment." The US said the original reference comes from Principle l of the Rio Declaration. CHINA preferred deletion of a reference to cultural and religious backgrounds and values. The EU preferred retaining the Rio language, and agreed to China's deletion. While considering 2ter (democracy and transparent governance), INDIA suggested the formation of a small group to discuss difficult paragraphs in Sections E and F. Delegations agreed to re-form Working Groups I and II as proposed by IRAN. Committee I reconvened after fourteen hours of informal consultations (Friday 6 a.m.). The CHAIR announced that certain agreements had been reached, but given the lack of interpretation the Group would have to meet again later. UGANDA, on behalf of the G-77/CHINA, reported that several paragraphs were negotiated as a package. A new chapeau for paragraph 13, which he noted had no relevance to the original 13, notes that the objectives of the Habitat Agenda are in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN and international law. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds should be borne in mind, it is the duty of all States to promote and protect all human rights. The implementation of the Habitat Agenda consistent with national laws and development priorities is the sovereign right and responsibility of each State in conformity with all human rights and with full respect for various religious and ethical values, cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions of individuals and their communities (sic) contribute to the full enjoyment by all of their human rights. The bracketed reference in 22ter to reproductive health care was to be deleted. The bracketed reference in 87(a) to reproductive and sexual health care and services was to be deleted. The bracketed reference in 25(g)bis to helping "the family in its" supporting role was to be retained, with a reference to WSSD paragraph 18. UGANDA thought there had been agreement to retain the bracketed reference in 96(d)bis to reproductive health care, with a reference to paragraph 267 of the FWCW. There was no agreement in his Group on this paragraph, however. Regarding the original 13 and additional references to occupied territories, an another group was negotiating the text. The US thanked UGANDA for his tireless efforts in facilitating agreement on the package deal. She stated that she would consider another reference than the Beijing text, but said that she would not negotiate a paragraph independent of the package. CANADA also noted that the whole package must be considered together. EGYPT reported that he had the understanding that paragraphs 13, 27(a), and 27(f), which included references to foreign occupation and holy places, were included in the deal and that the brackets would be deleted. The HOLY SEE suggested that 96(d)bis include a cross-reference to ICPD 7.45. He stated he would make a statement of interpretation in Plenary. The US and the NETHERLANDS urged the CHAIR to not allow negotiations to continue on the elements of the package deal and called for adjournment. UGANDA stated that when negotiating the package he was informed that, regarding the original 13 (destructive to human settlements), 27(a) (illegal settlements), and 27 (f)bis (foreign occupation), the US had been contacted by a number of countries and she was trying to reach an understanding with them. The G-77/CHINA never gave a mandate regarding these paragraphs. He asked the CHAIR to explain what would happen to the bracketed text if no agreement were reached. The US said that any text remaining in brackets should be deleted. She also noted that the US did not associate whatsoever with the package deal reported by EGYPT. It is a misunderstanding. The US would not accept the references in 13, 27(a), and 27(f)bis. The US called for a vote on the motion to adjourn. The CHAIR agreed that delegates were unable to continue. They could meet at 11:00 am and continue until 2:00 pm. IRAN noted that there are paragraphs to add, including those dealing with landmines. He proposed an adjournment of discussion on particular paragraphs while continuing with the rest. MALTA, on a point of order, said the meeting was informal. It is only fair that the meeting take heed of the fact that all the negotiators are legitimately tired and fatigue is not conducive to a fruitful outcome. The meeting adjourned. SUDAN agreed. He thanked UGANDA for his efforts in the negotiations. He assured the CHAIR on behalf of the ARAB countries and for his colleague who objected to 96(d)bis (reproductive health care services), and stated that the objection to the package could be withdrawn on the condition offered by the HOLY SEE. WORKING GROUP I The Working Group met in informal drafting groups from the first adjournment of Committee I at 4:00 pm to its reconvening at 6:15 am. WORKING GROUP II The Working Group met from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to consider remaining bracketed text. The G-77/CHINA (INDIA) proposed replacing 33(a) (0.7% GNP for ODA) with a revised draft committing actors to strive to fulfill the agreed target of 0.7% as soon as possible and to increase, as necessary, the share of funding for adequate shelter. The US replaced "equitable" with "non-discriminatory" in 33(b) (effective use of resources), but the G- 77/CHINA proposed using both. In 131(l) (information network), the G-77/CHINA, in response to earlier concerns, agreed to delete the reference to the Centre and to call for multiple networks. The EU (ITALY) suggested that actors develop "and/or strengthen, as appropriate, in cooperation with relevant UN bodies," and within existing resources, global and easily accessible information networks. The G-77/CHINA deleted "within existing resources." Paragraph 150(d) (0.7%GNP for ODA) was agreed without the original reference to 0.15%GNP for ODA for least developed countries (LDCs). Delegates added a new 150(d)bis regarding the 0.15% GNP of ODA for LDCs. The G-77/CHINA proposed that actors strive to fulfill, consistent with commitments and international agreements, such as in the Paris Declaration and Programme of Action for the LDCs in the 1990's, the target, where agreed, of 0.15% to LDCs as soon as possible. The US noted it would have to reserve. NORWAY supported stronger text. In new 172 (Centre headed by Executive Director), the G-77/CHINA proposed that the level of the head be as established by the GA. The US, the EU and CANADA objected. The text remained bracketed. In 175 (Centre to be member of Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC)), the G-77/CHINA proposed that the Centre participate in the work of the ACC. The US objected and it remained bracketed. ISTANBUL DECLARATION DRAFTING GROUP The Drafting Group on the Istanbul Declaration met throughout the day and into the night. Among the outstanding issues discussed were: sustainable development and economic growth; the global economy; the promotion of gender equality and [equity]; the importance of [all][the family][families]; common but differentiated responsibilities; and local action guided through local plans. Delegates also addressed paragraphs on resources and implementation, taking into consideration Working Group II's completed consideration of Sections E (international cooperation) and F (implementation). The Group arranged to meet Friday morning to continue consideration of the text, in light of the results of the early morning Committee I meeting. COMMITTEE II Committee II met during the morning to consider its report. The report, as contained in A/CONF.165/L.5 and Add. 1-9, contains Chairperson's summaries of each of the hearings held in Committee II during the course of Habitat II. The Chair, Martti Lujanen (Finland), also presented a Preamble of the Chairperson's Summary Report. The Preamble states that the Partner's Committee was the most exciting feature of Habitat II. It notes that, although NGOs were accustomed to assembling at previous conferences, many other partners assembled for the first time at a UN conference. A significant outcome of the hearings was the determination of partners to contribute to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. In addition to the new relationship with the UN, the partners recognized the need to support other partners. A number of delegates suggested additional issues from the discussions for inclusion in the reports. The Chair stressed that the texts were summaries. The texts and Preamble were adopted and sent to the Plenary. IN THE CORRIDORS Supporters of Beijing (FWCW) commitments among the Women's Caucus noted the arrival of Secretary- General Wally N'Dow during the late night informal consultations by delegations of Working Group I. Many hoped that Mr. N'Dow would follow-up his commitment to the inclusion of Beijing language in the Habitat Agenda. In the early hours of Friday morning, a cross reference to the Platform for Action (paragraph 267 on the rights of the girl child and access to reproductive health care) was the subject of a disagreement that threatened to unravel an agreed package. THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT: The High-Level Segment is expected to meet in the morning in the Plenary Hall to hear approximately 20 statements. COMMITTEE I: The Committee is expected to meet in Conference Room 1 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to complete consideration of the Habitat Agenda. DECLARATION DRAFTING GROUP: The Drafting Group on the Istanbul Declaration is expected to meet at 9:00 am. CLOSING PLENARY: Delegates are expected to meet in the afternoon in the Plenary Hall to consider adoption of the report of the Conference, the Declaration and the Habitat Agenda. This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is written and edited by Chad Carpenter , Peter Doran , Kira Schmidt , Lynn Wagner and Steve Wise . The Managing Editor is Langston James Goree VI “Kimo” . French translation by Mongi Gadhoum. The sustaining donors of the Bulletin are IISD, the Dutch Ministry for Development Cooperation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. General support for the Bulletin during 1996 is provided by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) of the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Swedish Ministry of Environment, the Swiss Federal Office of the Environment, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, and the Ministry of the Environment of Iceland. Specific funding for coverage of this meeting has been provided by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ford Foundation and by ACCT/IEPF with assistance of the French Ministry of Cooperation for the French version. The authors can be contacted by electronic mail and during Habitat II at +90 (212) 248- 0872. IISD can be contacted at 161 Portage Ave. East, Sixth Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y4, Canada. The opinions expressed in the 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 are automatically sent to e-mail distribution lists (ASCII and PDF format) and can be found on the gopher at and in hypertext through the Linkages WWW-server at on the Internet. 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