EXPERTS DISCUSS 'MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS OF ALL' AT SPECIAL SESSION OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Press Release
SOC/4395
EXPERTS DISCUSS 'MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS OF ALL' AT SPECIAL SESSION OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
19960523 No single development model could be applied to all societies in meeting basic human needs, the Commission for Social Development was told this morning during a panel discussion on the theme "meeting basic human needs of all".The expert panel was part of the broader debate in the Commission's special session on finding ways to implement the goals of the 1995 World Summit for Social Development relating to poverty eradication. The panel format was chosen as an effort to open the Commission's debate to experts and main actors of civil society in the field of social development.
Taking part in the discussion were the following: Jan Vandemoortele, Director, Office of Social Policy and Economic Analysis, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); Leonor Briones, Development Caucus (Philippines); Kerstin Trone, Deputy Executive Director (Programme), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Yao Graham, Integrated Social Development Center (Ghana).
Also this morning the Commission continued its general discussion on the review of its functioning and on strategies and actions for poverty eradication. Statements were made by the representatives of India and Argentina.
The Commission will meet again at 3 p.m. today for another panel discussion on the following theme: "Promotion of Self-Reliance and Community- Based Initiatives".
Panel Discussion
The discussion on "meeting basic human needs of all" was part of a series of three panels that are discussing major sub-themes concerning poverty eradication in the Copenhagen Programme of Action. Yesterday's theme was "formulation of integrated strategies for poverty eradication.
At this morning's panel, noting that the problem of monoculture had bedeviled development in Africa, a panellist emphasized that efforts to impose
a uniform economic or social monoculture would stand in the way of meeting the basic human needs of societies. The need for decentralization and participation of people should not only be recognized but also implemented.
Emphasizing the role of financing and issues of governance, another panelist said it was difficult to integrate the requirements of structural adjustment demanded by the international financial institutions with meeting basic human needs of all. She warned about the external debt problem of developing countries, some of whose debt was growing because of revaluation of foreign exchange. Imposition of taxes, such as the value added tax, demanded by international financial institutions, had imposed undue burdens on the poor. Calling for tax reform, she pointed out that there was a downside to privatization.
It was emphasized during the discussion that basic human needs were much wider than basic social services. A panellist from UNICEF stated that his organization was striving to provide basic human services. That required reaffirmation of political commitment to strong goals, involvement of the community, mobilization of resources, involvement of the media and the provision of adequate monitoring mechanisms.
It was also stressed that low-income countries should not wait to invest in their people until their economies gained strength. The importance of inter-agency cooperation, of collaboration and information-sharing with non- governmental organizations and civil society in ensuring access to health services, education, employment, shelter, water, sanitation and credit was also emphasized.
Highlighting the role of women in development, a panellist said, "We have all heard of feminization of poverty, what we need now is the feminization of policy". The empowerment of women was pivotal to poverty eradication. Emphasis on reproductive health and reproductive rights was crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, it was stated. Panellists also agreed that the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups had to be met. The role of advocacy in sustaining governmental and public interest and in mobilizing resources was widely recognized.
Following introductory remarks by experts, questions were asked by Commission members on issues such as the role of gender in the debate on meeting the basic human needs of all. During the question-and-answer period, the representative of Jamaica said women as a group were not homogeneous. In the Caribbean, in particular, men had been at a disadvantage in the field of education. Others participating in the discussion stressed the importance of coordination of field work by United Nations agencies. It was also stated that, in order to be effective, basic services had to be selective.
Social Development Commission - 3 - Press Release SOC/4395 5th Meeting (AM) 23 May 1996
Experts agreed on the need for an effective system of collaboration between United Nations agencies' officials in the field. Panellists also responded that, although gender issues should be stressed, that should not be done at the expense of men and adolescents.
Statements
ARVIN K. SINGH (India) said the Commission should seriously consider including a high-level segment as part of its sessions to give greater political effect to its decisions. He supported the involvement of non- governmental organizations in the Commission's work within the rules of the Economic and Social Council.
A strategy for poverty eradication should take note of the problems of those affected, as well as of gender issues, he said. The productive potential of women should be considered, while account was taken of the rights of the child and the contribution of the youth. The role of the mass media should also be considered as part of the strategy. In addition, target groups should be involved in decision-making.
JUAN CARLOS BELTRAMINO (Argentina) said the recommendations of the Social Summit should be incorporated in national strategies for poverty eradication. The Commission should spell out clearly the strategies to be followed. All Member States should be exhorted to continue to adopt measures to implement them. More resources should be made available by international financial institutions for poverty eradication. He said Argentina was taking measures improve the conditions of the poor. Public discussions of their plight were going on. There was greater realization that something should be done to improve their lives. Investments were being made in job creation, provision of housing and education. He paid tribute to the role of the United Nations in efforts to eradicate poverty.
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