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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Delegates endorsed the informal-informal group"s work on Chapter III (Critical Areas of Concern) and Sections A (The persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women) and B (Unequal access to and inadequate educational opportunities) in Chapter IV (Strategic Objectives and Actions) on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, they endorsed work on Chapters I (Mission Statement) and II (Global Framework) and Section D (Violence against women) in Chapter IV.

CHAPTER I: China bracketed the sentence in paragraph 2 (human rights) reaffirming the Vienna Declaration. In paragraph 4 (immediate action required), Iran offered to drop the bracketed reference to an "equitable" world if the brackets were removed from the reference to the principle of equality "and equity," but the EU objected.

CHAPTER II: The Holy See bracketed paragraph 9 (respect for national situations). Honduras insisted on bracketing the word "gender" throughout the text, pending a satisfactory definition. In paragraph 17 (move towards democratization), Lithuania, supported by the Russian Federation, bracketed the sentences regarding changes in Central and Eastern Europe. The US requested brackets around the first sentence of paragraph 38 (unsustainable patterns of consumption and production).

CHAPTER III: The Chair noted that, in paragraph 37 (list of critical areas of concern), delegates will decide on titles after the corresponding sections in Chapter IV are completed. Norway noted that the order is open to change. The G-77/China added a reference to family responsibilities in the critical concern regarding sharing power and decision-making.

CHAPTER IV: The Chair noted that agreement has not been reached on the introductory paragraphs in Chapter IV.

Section A: In paragraph 39 (introduction to section on poverty), the US bracketed references to the "uncertain global climate" and to the undermining of Government capacity to meet basic needs. The Chair noted that a new paragraph regarding implementation of sound macroeconomic policies had been drafted to replace paragraphs 46(a), (a bis) and (a ter). The Holy See stated that they had not been consulted about the change, and reinserted [sustainable development centered on human beings]. The EU proposed retaining all four sub-paragraphs. The Holy See bracketed [community-based support systems] in sub-paragraph 46(d) (safety nets). The US bracketed i(bis) (integrate marginalized women). The Chair noted that New Zealand was coordinating text regarding indigenous people. The EU removed brackets around sub-paragraph 47(e) (create an enabling environment). Fiji bracketed a reference to ownership of land in sub-paragraph 48(b) (reform laws to give access to economic resources).

Section B: In paragraph 56 (introduction to education section), the US bracketed education as a basic [human] right. The US bracketed paragraphs 62 (educational resources and SAPs) and 69(b) (educational funding in SAPs), pending discussions on structural adjustment. In sub-paragraph 63(d) (enrollment and retention of girls), Cameroon bracketed [flexible school schedules]. Canada stated that sub- paragraph 70(bis)(a) (range of educational programmes) made no sense as amended and proposed deleting the reference to skills required to live in, contribute to and benefit from communities and nations. The G-77/China bracketed it.

Section D: Paragraph 88(d) (vulnerable groups) was bracketed. Australia replaced a reference to women migrant workers in poverty with references to women migrant workers and women in poverty. Malta bracketed [forced pregnancy] throughout the text. Egypt requested that Copenhagen language be used for [foreign occupation] throughout the text. In paragraph 89 (violence within the home), the Holy See added a reference to non-spousal abuse. In paragraph 92 (human rights violation), Australia bracketed references to vulnerable groups, to different forms of violence and to the statement that these forms of violence constitute human rights violations. In replacement paragraph 93 (trafficking in women and girls), Iran re-introduced a reference to the Special Rapporteur"s exploration of international prostitution and trafficking networks "as additional causes of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls." Canada bracketed the addition. The Holy See withdrew "unplanned" pregnancy and maintained brackets around "unwanted" pregnancy. In sub-paragraph 94(c.ter) (plans of action), the G-77/China, with EU agreement, inserted a reference to "national and local" Government. The G-77/China changed dowry deaths to "dowry related violence." In sub-paragraph 94(f) (training for personnel), the opening reference to "improve" was bracketed. In sub-paragraph 94(g.quinquies) (community resources), the US bracketed an amended reference to "national and local" implementation. In paragraph 94(h.quater) (mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women), Mexico added a reference to updating the mandate. In paragraph 95(c) (education about the effects of violence), the EU added a reference to the work place. The US bracketed paragraph 95(a.bis) (media responsibility). In paragraph 97(bis) (actions to be taken by S-G), Cuba bracketed references to missions taken with other Special Rapporteurs and working groups. In paragraph 98(c) (media and stereotypes), the US bracketed a reference to advertisements that foster gender-based violence.

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