GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES TWENTY-FIRST SPECIAL SESSION ON 1994 CAIRO POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE OUTCOME
Press Release
GA/9577
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES TWENTY-FIRST SPECIAL SESSION ON 1994 CAIRO POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE OUTCOME
19990702 Adopts Final Document on Key Actions For Further Implementation of Cairo Programme of ActionThe General Assembly this evening concluded its twenty-first special session on the review and appraisal of implementation of the Programme of Action adopted at the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). As it did so, it adopted a comprehensive text on key actions for the further implementation of the Programme.
The final document, prepared and adopted by the special session's ad hoc committee of the whole last night before being transmitted to the Assembly for adoption, affirms that the ICPD Programme of Action articulated a comprehensive approach to issues of population and development and identified demographic and social goals to be achieved over a 20-year period. It also reflected the view that an early stabilization of the world population would make a crucial contribution to realizing the objective of sustainable development.
The five-year review of progress showed that the implementation of the Cairo Conference's recommendations had positive results, with many countries taking steps to integrate population concerns into their development strategies, the document states. However, for some countries and regions, progress has been limited and, in some cases, setbacks have occurred. Women and girls continue to face discrimination, while the HIV/AIDS pandemic has increased mortality in many countries. Adolescents remain vulnerable to reproductive and sexual risks and millions of couples and individuals still lack access to reproductive health information and services.
Among the key actions recommended by the 106-paragraph text, governments are called on to take strong measures to promote the human rights of women and are encouraged to strengthen the reproductive and sexual health, as well as the reproductive rights focus on population and development policies and programmes.
The differential impact on women and men of globalization of the economy and the privatization of basic social services, particularly reproductive
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health services, should be monitored closely, the text stresses. Governments are also called upon to give priority to developing programmes and policies that foster norms and attitudes of zero tolerance for harmful and discriminatory attitudes, including son preference, discrimination and violence against the girl child and all forms of violence against women, including female genital mutilation, rape, incest, trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is urged to continue to strengthen its leadership role within the United Nations system in assisting countries to take the strategic action necessary to ensure availability of reproductive health services and choice of reproductive health products, including contraceptives.
The document states that in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning. Governments and organizations are urged to strengthen their commitment to women's health, to deal with the health impact of unsafe abortion as a major public health concern, and to reduce the recourse to abortion through expanded and improved family planning services.
All developed countries are urged to strengthen their commitment to the goals and objectives of the ICPD Programme of Action, in particular, its cost estimates, and to make every effort to mobilize the agreed estimated financial resources required for its implementation.
In closing remarks, the President of the General Assembly, Didier Opertti (Uruguay), said the special session had brought together government and civil society representatives to report on programmes, ideas and plans. That was a significant act of democratization. The special session had contributed to the goal of developing the human being. Its triumph was that the international community was shouldering the issues of population and development as an indivisible whole for which the entire international community was responsible.
The Chairman of the ad hoc committee of the whole, Anwarul Karim Chowdhury (Bangladesh), said the process of arriving at consensus had been extraordinarily difficult, but the result was a grand success. The process would reinvigorate the momentum that had been generated in Cairo. He hoped that programmes would not suffer due to the drying up of resources, despite political commitment.
The Vice-Chairperson and Rapporteur of the ad hoc committee of the whole, Gabriella Vukovich (Hungary), introduced that body's report.
Statements this afternoon and evening were also made by Cha Heung-Bong, Minister of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea; Abdoulaye Abdoulkader Cisse, of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Burkina Faso; Chapson Butale, Minister of Health of Botswana; Somfeitcheou Pre, Minister for Planning and Development of Togo; Poul Nielson, Minister for Development Cooperation of
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Denmark; Makhdoom Hohammad Javed Hashmi, Minister for Health and Population Welfare of Pakistan; Katrin Saks, Minister of Estonia; Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister for Community Development of Singapore; and Altynshash Dzhaganova, Chairperson of the Agency on Migration and Demography of Kazakhstan.
Dalit Ezhilmalai, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India; Isimeli Jale Cokanasiga, Minister of Health of Fiji; R.C. Hove, Planning Commissioner of Zimbabwe; Omkar Prasad Shrestha, Minister for Industries of Nepal; Kirsti Lintonen, Under-Secretary of State of Finland; Theodoros Kotsonis, Deputy Minister of Health of Greece; Valery Pavlov, First Deputy Minister of Labour of Belarus; André Tsala Messi, Secretary of State for Planning and Territorial Development of Cameroon; and Yolanda Rojas Urbina, Vice-Minister of the Family of Venezuela also addressed the Assembly.
Also, the Assembly was addressed by: Vanuatu's Minister of Health, Keiasipai Song; Maman Sambo Sidikou, Minister, Director of the Office of the President of the Niger; Guyana's Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Indra Chadarpal; Mariam Mirianashvili, Chairperson of Women's and Children's Protection and Family Development Issues Subcommittee of Georgia; and Elijah Kipkoskei Sumbeiywo, Assistant Minister, Kenya.
The representatives of Liechtenstein, Tajikistan, Malta, Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Yemen and Qatar also spoke.
In addition the Assembly was addressed by the following observer delegations: Holy See, European Community, International Organization for Migration, Switzerland, Organization of African Unity, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Guam, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Caribbean Community and the League of Arab States.
The following non-governmental organizations (NGOs) spoke today as well: International Planned Parenthood Federation; the International Right to Life Federation; and Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era/Women's Coalition.
Statements in right of reply were made by the representative of Israel and the observer for Palestine.
Reservations and general comments on the final document were made by the representatives of Panama, Argentina, Sudan, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Libya, Kuwait, Malta, China, Egypt, Qatar, Yemen, Iran, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, United States, Australia; and the observer delegation of the Holy See.
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Highlights of Session
Over three days, the special session, which began on 30 June, heard statements from over 100 Member States, 10 observers and three NGOs. During the general debate, the Assembly was addressed by one head of State and a number of Vice-Presidents, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, chairmen of delegations and permanent representatives.
During a vigorous exchange of diverse views on a wide array of concerns, certain key issues dominated the review debate five years after the Cairo Programme of Action. The question of women's right to sexual and reproductive health, especially the question of abortion, was a major concern. While some delegates stated that abortion must be recognized as a reality affecting millions of women, others argued that it should not be promoted as a method of family planning. Other reproductive rights issues raised included those of rape, incest and female genital mutilation.
The question of HIV/AIDS was widely discussed, with almost all delegations agreeing on the need to contain the spread of the pandemic. The representative of Namibia said it was the number one killer in her country, which was ranked third highest in HIV/AIDS prevalence. With an increasing number of women of child-bearing age infected, and a prenatal transmission rate of up to 35 per cent, childhood AIDS was expected to be a serious national problem. The representative of Brazil said that, since 1996, the Ministry of Health had been providing free and universal access to all approved anti-retroviral medications against AIDS. The representative of Uganda said his country's multi-sectoral approach and open policy towards the epidemic had resulted in a definite decline in HIV/AIDS. On the question of resources, it was widely agreed that additional resources were necessary to implement population programmes, especially in the developing countries. The Vice-President of the Gambia said that, while her country had achieved some success in areas of reduced fertility rates, and increased life expectancy, funding gaps must still be filled for further progress. The representative of Bolivia said that industrialized countries must not evade their responsibility to fulfil the technical and financial support commitment made in the Cairo Programme of Action.
Highlights of Final Document
The final document -- "Key actions for the further implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development -- affirms that the Programme articulated a comprehensive approach to issues of population and development and identified demographic and social goals to be achieved over a 20-year period. It also reflected the view that an early stabilization of the world population would make a crucial contribution to realizing the objective of sustainable development.
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It states that the five-year review of progress showed that the implementation of the Conference's recommendations had had positive results. Many countries have taken steps to integrate population concerns into their development strategies. In addition, many civil society organizations are contributing to the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes and projects on their own or in partnerships with governmental and intergovernmental organizations, as well as with the private sector.
However, the text goes on, for some countries and regions, progress has been limited and, in some cases, setbacks have occurred. Women and girls continue to face discrimination, while the HIV/AIDS pandemic has increased mortality in many countries. Mortality and morbidity among adults and children from diseases, continue to take their toll, while maternal mortality and morbidity remain unacceptably high. Adolescents remain vulnerable to reproductive and sexual risks, and millions of couples and individuals still lack access to reproductive health information and services.
Among the key actions recommended by the 106-paragraph text, governments were called on to ensure that the human rights of women and girls are respected, protected and promoted through the development, implementation and effective enforcement of gender-sensitive policies and legislation. The implementation of national population and development policies should continue to incorporate reproductive rights in accordance with the Programme of Action.
Governments were also asked to promote and protect the human rights of the girl child and young women, which include economic and social rights, as well as freedom from coercion, discrimination and violence, including harmful practices and sexual exploitation. Governments should review all legislation and amend and revoke those which discriminate against the girl child and young women.
Addressing the empowerment of women, the text asks governments to establish mechanisms to accelerate women's equal participation and equitable representation at all levels of the political process and public life. Governments and civil society should also take action to eliminate attitudes and practices that discriminate against and subordinate girls and women and reinforce gender inequality.
Governments were also requested to take measures to fulfil girls' and women's potential through education, skills development and the eradication of illiteracy without discrimination of any kind, and to give paramount importance to the elimination of poverty and ill-health. In addition, governments, in collaboration with civil society, should take the necessary measures to ensure universal access, on the basis of equality between women and men, to appropriate, affordable and quality health care for women throughout their life cycle.
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Addressing the gender perspective in programmes and policies, the text states that such a perspective should be adopted in all processes of policy formulation and implementation and in the delivery of services, especially in sexual and reproductive health. In that regard, the institutional capacity and expertise of staff in government, civil society -- including NGOs -- and the United Nations system should be strengthened in order to promote gender mainstreaming. The differential impact on women and men of globalization of the economy and the privatization of basic social services, particularly reproductive health services, should be monitored closely, the text stresses. Special programmes and institutional mechanisms should be put in place to promote and protect the health and well-being of young girls, older women and other vulnerable groups. The provision of services to meet men's reproductive and sexual health needs should not prejudice reproductive and sexual health services for women, the document states.
Governments were also called upon to give priority to developing programmes and policies that foster norms and attitudes of zero tolerance for harmful and discriminatory attitudes, including son preference, which could result in harmful and unethical practices such as prenatal sex selection, discrimination and violence against the girl child, and all forms of violence against women, including female genital mutilation, rape, incest, trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation. The girl child's access to health, nutrition, education and life opportunities should also be protected and promoted.
Another key action recommended is that governments, parliamentarians, community and religious leaders, family members, media representatives, educators and other relevant groups actively promote gender equality and equity. Those groups should develop and strengthen their strategies to change negative and discriminatory attitudes and practices towards women and the girl child. All leaders at the highest levels of policy and decision-making should speak out in support of gender equality and equity, including empowerment of women and protection of the girl child and young women.
Governments, in collaboration with civil society, including NGOs, donors and the United Nations system, should give high priority to reproductive and sexual health in the broader context of health sector reform, including strengthening basic health systems, from which people living in poverty, in particular, could benefit, the document stresses.
It should also be ensured that policies, strategic plans, and all aspects of the implementation of reproductive and sexual health services respect all human rights, including the right to development, and that such services meet health needs over the life cycle -- including the needs of adolescents -- address inequities and inequalities due to poverty, gender and other factors and ensure equity of access to information and services.
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Governments, in collaboration with civil society, including NGOs, donors and the United Nations system, should also promote men's understanding of their roles and responsibilities with regard to respecting the human rights of women; protecting women's health, preventing unwanted pregnancy; reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; reducing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; sharing household and child-rearing responsibilities; and promoting the elimination of harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation, and sexual and other gender-based violence.
The United Nations system and donors were requested to support governments in the building of national capacity to plan, manage, implement, monitor and evaluate reproductive and sexual health services. The text calls for increased efforts by the United Nations system and the international community to develop common key indicators on reproductive health programmes, including, family planning, maternal health, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS. The World Health Organization (WHO) was invited to take the lead role in that area, in coordination with the United Nations system.
Another key action recommended is that governments should take effective action to ensure the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information, education and means to do so. The United Nations system and donors should, upon request, support governments in: mobilizing and providing sufficient resources to meet the growing demand for access to information, counselling, services and follow-up on the widest possible range of safe, effective, affordable and acceptable family-planning and contraceptive methods, including new options and underutilized methods.
Where there is a gap between contraceptive use and the proportion of individuals expressing a desire to space or limit their families, countries should attempt to close this gap by at least 50 per cent by 2005, 75 per cent by 2010, and 100 per cent by 2050, the document states. In attempting to reach that benchmark, demographic goals, while legitimately the subject of government development strategies, should not be imposed on family-planning providers in the form of targets or quotas for the recruitment of clients, it adds.
The text urge governments, with the increased participation of the United Nations system, civil society, donors and the private sector, to pursue the research and development of new, safe, low-cost and effective family planning and contraceptive methods, for both men and women, including female-controlled methods that both protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and prevent unwanted pregnancy. It adds that all actors must abide by internationally accepted ethical, technical and
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safety standards in all research and development, as well as by applicable standards in manufacturing practices, quality control and product design, production and distribution.
Also by the document, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is urged to continue to strengthen its leadership role within the United Nations system in assisting countries to take the strategic action necessary to ensure availability of reproductive health services and choice of reproductive health products, including contraceptives.
Other key actions included that governments, with the increased participation of the United Nations system, civil society, including NGOs, donors and the international community, should recognize the linkages between high levels of maternal mortality and poverty and promote the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity as a public health priority and reproductive rights concern.
Also, they should ensure that the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality is a health-sector priority, and that women have ready access to essential obstetric care, well-equipped and adequately staffed maternal health-care services, skilled attendance at delivery, emergency obstetric care, effective referral and transport to higher levels of care when necessary, post-partum care and family planning.
The document states that in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning. All governments and organizations are urged to strengthen their commitment to women's health, to deal with the health impact of unsafe abortion as a major public health concern and to reduce the recourse to abortion through expanded and improved family planning services. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies must always be given the highest priority, and every attempt should be made to eliminate the need for abortion.
Further, women who have unwanted pregnancies should have ready access to reliable information and compassionate counselling. Any measures or changes related to abortion within the health system can only be determined at the national or local level, according to the national legislative process. In circumstances where abortion is not against the law, such abortion should be safe. In all cases, women should have access to quality services for the management of complications arising from abortion. Post-abortion counselling, education and family planning services should be offered promptly, which will also help to avoid repeat abortions.
Governments, from the highest political levels, should take urgent action to provide education and services to prevent the transmission of all forms of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and, with the assistance, where appropriate, of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS),
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develop and implement national HIV/AIDS policies and action plans, ensure and promote respect for the human rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS, improve care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, including support services for home-based care, and take steps to mitigate the impact of the AIDS epidemic by mobilizing all sectors and segments of society to address the social and economic factors contributing to HIV risk and vulnerability.
Governments should ensure that prevention of and services for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS are an integral component of reproductive and sexual health programmes at the primary health-care level, according to the text. Gender, age-based and other differences in vulnerability to HIV infection should be addressed in prevention and education programmes and services. Governments, with assistance from UNAIDS and donors, should, by 2005, ensure that at least 90 per cent, and by 2010 at least 95 per cent, of young men and women aged 15 to 24 have access to the information, education and services necessary to develop the life skills required to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection.
Governments, with the full involvement of young people and with the support of the international community, should, as a priority, make every effort to implement the Programme of Action in regard to adolescent sexual and reproductive health, the document states.
It goes on to state that, in order to protect and promote the right of adolescents to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of health, governments should provide appropriate, specific, user-friendly and accessible services to address effectively their reproductive and sexual health needs, including reproductive health education, information, counselling and health promotion strategies. These services should safeguard the rights of adolescents to privacy, confidentiality and informed consent, respecting their cultural values and religious beliefs and in conformity with relevant existing international agreements and conventions.
Moreover, countries should ensure that programmes and attitudes of health- care providers do not restrict the access of adolescents to appropriate services and the information they need, including for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and sexual violence and abuse. Recognizing the growing and special needs of youth and adolescents, including reproductive and sexual health issues, and taking into account the special situations they face, the United Nations system and donors should complement governments' efforts to mobilize and provide adequate resources to respond to these needs.
Also by the document, governments, should include representatives of non-governmental organizations and local community groups in country delegations to regional and international forums where issues related to
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population and development are discussed. Governments, civil society at the national level and the United Nations system should work towards enhancing and strengthening their collaboration and cooperation with a view to fostering an enabling environment for partnerships for the implementation of the Programme of Action. Governments and civil society organizations should develop systems for greater transparency and information-sharing so as to improve their accountability.
Further, governments are encouraged to recognize and support the important and complementary role of civil society at the national level towards changing attitudes and actions for further implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action.
Increased political will from all governments and reaffirmation of the commitment for mobilization of international assistance as was agreed at Cairo are urgently needed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action which, in turn, will contribute to the advancement of the broad population and development agenda, the document emphasizes.
All developed countries are urged to strengthen their commitment to the goals and objectives of the ICPD Programme of Action, in particular, its cost estimates, and to make every effort to mobilize the agreed estimated financial resources required for its implementation and, in so doing, the needs of least developed countries should receive priority.
It further states: "Translation of commitment to the goals of the Conference into commensurate levels of donor funding has not been forthcoming, and there is an urgent need for donor countries to renew and intensify efforts to meet the need for complementary external resources required to implement the costed elements of the Programme of Action, that is: (in 1993 United States dollars) $5.7 billion in 2000, $6.1 billion in 2005, $6.8 billion in 2010, and $7.2 billion in 2015." Donor countries are urged to take the necessary action to reverse the current decline in overall official development assistance (ODA) and should strive to fulfil the agreed target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP) for ODA as soon as possible.
Since the HIV/AIDS pandemic is having a more severe impact than was originally projected, special attention should be given to providing promptly the necessary resources as has been called for in the Programme of Action for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
Donor countries and international funding agencies, including the World Bank and the regional development banks, are urged to complement, at the request of countries, the domestic efforts made to meet the growing and urgent basic health and reproductive health needs, including reproductive health commodities, of the developing and the least developed countries, countries
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facing increasing demands for such commodities and a diminishing share of international assistance, and countries with economies in transition.
Countries, especially developed countries, are urged to substantially increase voluntary contributions to the UNFPA, as well as to other relevant United Nations programmes and specialized agencies, so that they will be in a better position to assist countries to further implement the goals and objectives of the Programme of Action, including reproductive health programmes.
Assembly Work Programme
The General Assembly met this afternoon to continue its special session to review and appraise the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) (Cairo, 1994).
Statements
CHA HEUNG-BONG, Minister of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea: We charged our population policy in 1996 from an emphasis on quantity to quality and welfare of the population, mainly focusing on the improvement of the standard of living of Koreans. Even though the Government successfully completed the process of "demographic transition" by keeping the total fertility rate at 1.7 since 1987, new challenges have emerged, such as the high prevalence of unsafe abortions, increasing sexual problems among adolescents, the imbalance of the sex ratio at birth and the disintegration of families. Considering the broader dimensions of reproductive health care, it is crucial to establish health systems at the national level, which could provide a package of services, including family planning and safe pregnancy and delivery.
Programmes providing appropriate information and services related to reproductive health should be developed with the full participation of young people, their parents, families and civil society. The Government has carried out sex education and counselling programmes in schools to protect adolescents from unwanted pregnancy and sexual violence, and to teach them responsible sexual behaviour.
Women are recognized as a fundamental force in the quest to eradicate poverty and maintain the stability of families and societies. Without improving the status of women, we cannot expect any real progress in achieving the goals and commitments of Cairo. Enhancing gender equality and empowerment of women are cornerstones of people-centred population policies. The Government has put in place a series of laws aimed at protecting women from sexual and domestic violence, promoting women's capacity to actively participate in society, and increasing equal employment opportunities.
ABDOULAYE ABDOULKADER CISSE, of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Burkina Faso: We must tackle together the questions of population and development, which will determine the future of all humankind. Taking into account the low level of development in Burkina Faso, the Government based its development policy and strategy on the recommendations put forward in Cairo. In October 1995, the Government adopted a "letter of intent" for human development, at the centre of which was providing for human security. Human security encompassed security in areas such as the economy, the social sector, the health sector, food and environment. It also involved the provision of
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individual and political security, based on good governance and the rule of law.
It was with the proper understanding of women's role in society that the Government established a national committee to combat all forms of discrimination against women and to address the problem of genital mutilation. Since 1991, Burkina Faso has reassessed its population policy, taking into account the recommendations of various international conferences. Despite the country's achievements and political will, the remaining challenges are large and urgent. The main constraint to fully implementing our Cairo commitments is the insufficiency of financial resources, which is a problem for many developing countries and especially African countries. The issue of debt servicing has been harmful to implementing various governmental programmes.
Our population is young, with 50 per cent of our citizens under the age of 20. They are exposed to many risks, including pregnancy and induced abortions. Sexual and reproductive health for youth is the cornerstone of the national reproductive health policy. It will only be possible to address these problems with the consistent involvement of their parents. States will need a dynamic and transparent partnership with other actors, such as non- governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and the private sector. The financial needs remain immense. Burkina Faso allocates about 30 per cent of its budget to the social sector. We have to be helped by donors and the international financial institutions in order to attain our Cairo commitments.
CHAPSON J. BUTALE, Member of Parliament and Minister of Health of Botswana: Today we have in place an effective Family Planning Programme, which has led to a decline in the fertility rate. Further improvements are expected, as the Government is now re-orienting and upgrading the maternal and child/health/ family-planning programme into a more reintegrated reproductive health programme which has an explicit component for adolescent reproductive health. We recognize that, with the enhanced participation of males in sexual and reproductive health activities, these programmes could be improved. Therefore, we are targeting males in order to promote their effective participation. There has been general improvement in mortality for the whole population, especially among infants and children. This is mainly due to significant investment in the health sector by the Government. However, mortality rates will rise due to the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic -- a situation that is likely to erode achievements made so far.
Botswana is one of the countries most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and young women and men are the most affected. These are the most able and economically productive citizens. The impact of this pandemic is placing a heavy burden on the individual and the entire economy. We also observe that, while women and girls are especially vulnerable to the HIV infection, there is also a disproportionate burden placed on them as care-givers. In response to
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this, the Government has put in place a number of intervention measures within the framework of a multi-sectoral national policy. HIV/AIDS is a threat to mankind and requires a global response. We, therefore, welcome the introduction of global targets on HIV as they will provide a yardstick to our national effort in this area.
The Government recognizes the important role that women play in the development of our nation. In this regard, a policy on women in development is being implemented to promote women's full participation and integration into the development process. However, there are still legislative and cultural barriers that we need to remove in order to realize the full empowerment of women. Issues relating to youth have been given prominence in the development programmes of our country, and, to this end, a national youth policy has been devised. It focuses on adolescent reproductive health, opportunities for employment creation, family life education, business training in the school curricula, as well as provisions for peer counselling for those in and out of school.
The Government of Botswana is fully committed to the Programme of Action and we have, within our limitations, mobilized resources for its further implementation. Given the wide-ranging and urgent development challenges facing our nation, there is tremendous stress on our domestic resources. We, therefore, call on our cooperating partners to provide the required technical and additional financial resources to enable the national capacity-building necessary for taking Cairo forward.
SIMFEITCHEOU PRE, Minister for Planning and Development of Togo: Today, rapid population growth is increasingly recognized as an obstacle to development. Population issues cannot be considered in isolation; rather, they must be integrated into a global framework. New attitudes to procreation, sexuality, marriage and family are changing behaviour patterns. Governments must create systems for education, health and family planning that take into account changes that are occurring. Population must be integrated into all aspects of development, to promote social justice and eliminate inequality.
Work based on the Cairo Action Programme is beginning to produce positive results. Togo has begun a process of poverty eradication, integrating the population variable into all development programmes. It adopted a national population policy and legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation, and introduced health modules on reproductive health in all primary and secondary education curricula, to ensure the promotion of the concept of responsible parenthood. A population and health survey conducted in 1998 shows clear improvements. The population growth rate changed from 3.2 per cent in 1988 to 2.4 per cent in 1998. In those same 10 years, the fertility rate went from 6.6 children per woman to 5.4 per woman. Infant mortality went from 127 per thousand in 1961 to 80 per thousand in 1988, and continues to drop.
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In light of those successes, and bearing in mind the work that remains to be done, the Togolese Government highly appreciates support in all forms from its development partners. I appeal for international solidarity to mobilize increased resources to enable the United Nations agencies, and especially the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to continue their efforts to improve the conditions for the people of the world.
POUL NIELSON, Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark: Three questions require urgent answers from this Assembly. The first is how to meet the growing needs of adolescents. Parents and adolescents need assistance from society as a whole, teachers, health-care providers and authorities for effective protection of their rights. Knowledge is the best way to change behaviour. Civil society groups have proven effective in bringing the messages of Cairo to adolescents in a way they trust and accept. Young people must be the focus -- the sexual and reproductive rights of 1 billion adolescents cannot and should not be ignored any longer. Teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/AIDS will be reduced only if we accept adolescents' needs and respect their rights.
The second question is how to fight the spread of AIDS. The problem was grossly underestimated in 1994. So far, the virus has infected over 47 million people, and around 14 million people have died from it. Half of the world's new infections are in young people, and every minute another five young persons are infected. In Africa, the rate of infection in teenage girls is six times higher than in women over 35 years. About one in four teenage girls lives with HIV, compared to one in 25 teenage boys. Governments, with support from the international community, must urgently increase efforts to combat the spread of this disease. They must give priority to improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents, and young women in particular. Direct and clear information campaigns are a necessary first step.
The third issue is how to reduce high rates of maternal mortality. In 1998, more than half a million women died from maternity, and many more were permanently injured from it. We have failed to make sufficient progress in this area, even though the means are available. It is not enough to improve knowledge and access to family planning services; the availability of qualified midwives in rural areas is equally essential, and they must be given supplies and transportation. Maternal mortality, closely linked with other factors, will decline if we succeed in reducing inequalities between men and women. Stronger involvement is needed from men.
To reach the Cairo goals, donor and developing countries must mobilize resources for population programmes. Population issues are broad, so these efforts must be combined with a new commitment to achieve the agreed official development assistance (ODA) target of 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Since resources are scarce, they must be well targeted. Donors should give priority to the poorest countries, and governments should give priority
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to their poor and most vulnerable groups. Since Cairo, Denmark has increased its development assistance for population activities, primarily through the UNFPA and other relevant United Nations agencies and bilateral partners.
MAKHDOOM MUHAMMAD JAVED HASHMI, Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Pakistan: Pakistan, the seventh most populous country in the world, saw little success with the population programme it had set up in the 1960s. Following the ICPD, new initiatives were launched to improve the availability and accessibility of services, as well as their quality, in the area of family planning. Substantial progress has been made in improving reproductive health indicators. The fertility rate has fallen, the contraceptive prevalence rate has risen, and mortality rates have declined for both mothers and infants. Despite these gains, Pakistan's demographic profile, with a population of over 134 million, poses numerous challenges to the Government and to civil society, especially because of a high birth rate.
Many developing countries are confronted by the same challenges as Pakistan. Overall development and sustained economic growth are crucial for promoting population welfare. The Cairo consensus integrated population and development, but the present review of the last half decade indicates that the main focus has been on health and reproductive health issues only. In the future, a balanced focus on population and development should form an integral part of actions. The special session has highlighted the reproductive health needs of refugees all over the world and a full range of social, health and reproductive health services for refugees has been called for. While Pakistan supports the call, it is unable to satisfactorily service its own population. The massive financial and human resource investment required will have to be provided by the international donor community. The ever-growing population of the world in the developing countries has a global impact, and the threat to global society should be jointly addressed. A commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action should be renewed, followed by commensurate action to provide the necessary resources to realize not only the goals of the ICPD, but the larger goals of economic and social development.
KATRIN SAKS, Minister, Estonia: During the last 10 years, the Estonian population has diminished 7 per cent. This trend can be explained by a significant decrease in fertility rates, an increase in mortality, especially among men, and migration. Despite the positive developments in Estonian society during the past few years, today's conditions do not yet allow families to consider having more than one baby. However, despite the declining population numbers, the priority of the Government is not to raise the number of births, but rather to further develop the standard of living and raise the quality of life. Though Estonia's economic growth is among the highest in Europe, tough reforms have had a serious influence on social welfare, particularly impacting families and children.
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Recent government decisions envisage measures to improve the level of child care and to set up an additional financial support system for mothers. These are not merely family policy decisions and poverty reduction methods, but also have a positive effect on women's self-esteem. Education is among the priorities of the Government's family policy, since children of poor families do not receive the sufficient parental guidance, care and education to rise to a higher level of well-being.
Presently, women's participation in the labour force does not differ much from that of men -- 83 per cent of men and 76 per cent of women of working age are employed. Women's high employment rate is explained mainly by high education levels and financial constraints for supporting the family. In Estonia, the best strategy for families with children to cope with their daily life is for both parents to work.
ABDULLAH TARMUGI, Minister for Community Development of Singapore: When Singapore gained independence in 1965, 10 per cent unemployment, low per capita gross national product (GNP), low literacy rate, high infant mortality and lack of proper housing were exacerbated by high population growth. The Government then launched appropriate population policies, and the Singapore Family Planning and Population Board was established in 1966.
Fertility decline was rapid, and replacement fertility was soon reached in 1975. The total fertility rate continued to decline and reached 1.4 in 1986. However, such a low level would eventually result in negative population growth, leading to severe labour shortage and unsustainable development. Singapore decided in 1987 to encourage marriage and childbearing. Today, Singapore's population policy is pro-family, providing strong support to working mothers.
Singapore recognizes the difficulties working women face in balancing their multiple roles as workers, mothers and wives. To assist them, we have introduced generous tax incentives for working mothers, employers are encouraged to grant special leave for working mothers with sick children, and subsidized child care is widely available. With the increasing female labour participation rate now exceeding 51 per cent, these measures have been effective in helping working mothers to realize their desired family size and to balance their multiple roles.
One major issue that will confront Singapore is the greying of the population. The number and proportion of older persons aged 65 and above will rise from 7 per cent in 1998 to 19 per cent of the population in 2030. At the same time, the number and proportion of younger working people will fall due to declining fertility. Singapore's approach has been to anticipate these challenges and to prepare for an ageing population. The goal is to enable older people to live active, healthy and secure lives as integral and valuable members of the community.
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ALTYNSHASH DZHAGANOVA, Chairperson, Agency on Migration and Demography of Kazakhstan: The statements we have heard clearly show that progress has most definitely been made in the development of the national policies of States. Our own State has endorsed all the major United Nations documents on population issues, including the international Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. These instruments have all been reflected in the Constitution and the national labour codes.
Within the framework of long-term strategies, there is a State plan called the Health of the People, with a special focus on maternal health and family planning. Kazak women also have the right to decide on pregnancy, and 98 per cent of the population are literate. A strong demographic policy has been put forward by our President and we have set up a special body called the Agency on Migration and Demography which manages migration and related issues. However, despite efforts to establish a legal framework to regulate population issues, there is worsening of the demographic situation.
In the last 10 years, there has been a halving of the birth rate, a drop in marriage, and divorces are increasing and affecting the most productive people. There is a sharp growth in the death rate, and abortion continues to be one of the key birth-control measures. There is also an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and in the use of contraceptives among women of a fertile age. If such trends continue, there will be a crisis of depopulation in Kazakhstan. There is also a drop in the number of people of working age, and an increase in the number of retired people. Kazakhstan has suffered from the negative effects of increased migration which is balanced only somewhat by the repatriation of ethnic Kazaks to their homeland. But that is not enough. If these problems are characteristic of all countries in transition, then Kazakhstan has the added burden of a number of environmental concerns. In regions where environmental disasters have taken place, such as the Semi-Palatinsk region, 80 per cent of women of reproductive age exhibited anaemia.
DALIT EZHILMALAI, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India: We have made a sincere and significant effort in moving towards the ICPD goals. Programmes have been reorganized into a comprehensive reproductive and child- health package, which not only encompasses a holistic approach to reproductive health needs, but also puts quality of service and user satisfaction at the top of our agenda. Post Cairo, India is making steady progress towards achieving reproductive health and child health goals. Based on the public approach, the reproductive and child-health programme aims at maximum coverage and promotes equity by improving accessibility and providing choices, especially for women, adolescents, socio-economically backwards groups, tribal and slum dwellers. Our reproductive and child-health programme aims to be participatory by involving all stakeholders, supporting decentralization and area-specific planning.
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One of the important landmarks in the history of the family-welfare programme in India was the bold and important policy decision to withdraw the system of monitoring family-welfare programmes with a method-specific target system. This target-free approach was later replaced by a community need- based approach. This major shift in programme has led to a focus on decentralized, needs-based participatory planning and a monitoring system with emphasis on quality of care and delivery of essential reproductive health services. The pattern of population growth and structure clearly outlines the need for focus on the needs of adolescents as well as the ageing population.
In order to meet the changing needs of our youth, a policy that concentrates on youth empowerment and gender justice has been developed. Objectives of this policy include access by young people to all information and services -- including reproductive health and drug abuse -- while, at the same time, promoting opportunities for continuing education, skill development and employment. We are aware of the growing menace of HIV/AIDS, and we have initiated a large programme of public education, counselling and preventive measures, which we trust will help us counter this serious problem. We have been happy with the increasing involvement of NGOs in policy formation, implementation of programmes and their monitoring. Large parts of India are now served by a network of NGOs. The strong points of these organizations are their flexible procedures, innovative approaches and rapport with the local population.
ISIMELI JALE COKANASIGA, Minister for Health, Fiji: The progress made in achieving the goals of the ICPD can be gauged by two broad indicators: life expectancy and infant mortality. The life expectancy in Fiji is currently 60 years and is expected to reach 75 years in 2015. Infant mortality is 20 per thousand live births. Improvements in those areas place a greater demand on government services for the elderly. With regard to education, primary-school-age enrolment in Fiji is near 100 per cent, while approximately 70 per cent of the relevant age group is enroled in secondary school. The country has a well-educated workforce, which it is losing through outward migration to developed countries such as Australia, New Zealand and, more recently, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Fiji has set out two broad national goals in recognition of the important relationship between population and development. The first is to ensure that population growth is compatible with sustained improvement in standard of living, reflected in health policies and improving health status of people. The second is to equip the population with skills to meet the demands of an expanding economy. Fiji's programme with regard to the latter covers training in areas ranging from tourism to micro-enterprise development. To address the problem of poverty, the Government has initiated programmes in the informal and agricultural sectors as alternatives for those not working in the formal sector.
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In November 1998, ministers of health from Pacific island countries met in Fiji to discuss successes and achievement in the collective response to the Cairo objectives. Achieving the multiplicity of goals of the various conferences is not easy, but it can be realized through a firm, collaborative commitment to making the world a better place for everyone to live in.
R.C. HOVE, Planning Commissioner of Zimbabwe: Subsequent to the Cairo Conference, Zimbabwe adopted a comprehensive and explicit national population policy, which benefited extensively from the Cairo Programme of Action in terms of the methodology used and its contents. Zimbabwe's population is expected to stabilize and to be growing at less than the rate of economic growth, as the country implements its rolling three-year national development plans. The areas covered by these plans include family planning, reproductive health, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women.
In the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is evident that efforts to prevent sexually transmitted diseases through behavioural change and condom distribution are becoming more effective. However, further action to ensure prevention is needed. The reproductive health programmes at the primary health-are levels now include HIV/AIDS prevention activities. Zimbabwe is also making considerable progress in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic through exploration for a comprehensive adolescent sexual reproductive health programme, which will prepare our youth for a responsible life and a reduction in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
In advancing gender equality, equity and the empowerment of women, the momentum created by the Cairo Conference has seen the establishment of initiatives that promote the mainstreaming of gender perspectives into national policies, programmes and activities. Zimbabwe signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, launched a gender policy,and created a Department for Gender Issues in the Office of the President. Eighty per cent of all women in the country are literate,and women's political representation is increasing. OMKAR PRASAD SHRESTHA, Minister of Industries of Nepal: Nepal remains committed to the ICPD consensus and has adopted several initiatives in the five years towards attaining the goals of the Conference, despite all the understandable constraints of a landlocked least developed country. A National Population Committee has been established with a view to deepening the nation's commitment to population and development issues. A separate Ministry of Population and Environment has been created to advocate, coordinate and monitor actions aimed at the integration of population concerns in the development policies and programmes of the country.
Legislative measures have been undertaken to further empower women and ensure their reproductive health rights, and a Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has been established. A national health policy has been adopted, as
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formulated by the Ministry of Health, and a comprehensive reproductive health strategy has been developed. Nepal has been allocating an increasing proportion of its national budget to the social sector programmes, especially such priority programmes as primary health care, basic education and rural water supply. Policy and legislative framework is now in place to empower communities and community-based organizations to manage their natural resources and development efforts.
Those efforts are beginning to bear encouraging results. Nepal is witnessing the onset of a demographic transition. Both fertility and mortality levels have come down; gender gaps in school enrolment have been significantly reduced; health services are now more accessible; and there is greater participation of women in the political process with a minimum of 20 per cent women's representation guaranteed in elected village and district-level bodies. However, some formidable challenges still lie ahead for Nepal, as the social and human development indicators are still among the lowest in the world, and the pace of improvement has been slow.
It is a matter of gratification that in the third general elections after the restoration of multi-party parliamentary democracy in the country, held just a month ago, the people of Nepal have voted into power a stable majority government for the next five years. The new Government has started its work in earnest and has high expectations from the review and appraisal process of ICPD initiated in The Hague last February.
KIRSTI LINTONEN, Under-Secretary of State, Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland: Investment in health and other basic social services produces better socio-economic results than any other investment. Increased economic productivity helps to eradicate poverty and promotes social well-being which, in turn, helps to achieve comprehensive human security. By common agreement, responsibility for the provision of basic social services lies with national governments, even if the organization of those services varies from country to country, according to economic, social and other circumstances.
Regarding programmes for adolescents, the most promising of all the resources required to improve life for young people is the energy, intelligence and enthusiasm of young people themselves. At over 1 billion, today's is the biggest-ever generation of youth between 15 and 24 years. When young people are provided with quality information, sexuality education, confidential counselling and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, they learn to make responsible choices. As a result, the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, abortions, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases decreases significantly. Also, relatively new methods of emergency contraception have also been proven to be safe and important additions to the range of contraceptives.
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THEODOROS KOTSONIS, Vice-Minister of Health and Welfare, Greece): Greece, like the other European countries, is concerned about issues relevant to the aging population, low fertility rate and increased urban and international migration. It has become more important to foster social cohesion and to design programmes that would prevent social problems like social exclusion, poverty and all types of inequality. In designing its policies, the Government of Greece has always tried to interpret the implications for the families so that they would not be weakened, and most policies tend to focus on education and employment. Greece has just offered $7 million in humanitarian aid to promote rapid restructuring, recovery and development to countries in the region affected by the current crisis.
Within the population and development framework, policies have highlighted family planning, maternal health, prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent and reproductive health, and sex education and counselling programmes. Greece has also redefined the provision of public welfare services to four categories of persons including the elderly and disabled. It has also increased family benefits and redefined gender roles to accommodate the empowerment of women in the political, economic and cultural sectors. Free medical, pharmaceutical and hospital care are also available through the National Health System, and immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in need have access to public education.
VALERY PAVLOV, First Deputy Minister of Labour of Belarus: The transition of Belarus to the market economy has been accompanied, since 1993, by a dramatic deterioration in the demographic situation reflected by a decrease in the living standard, notably a growth in the mortality rate particularly of able-bodied men and changes in family stability, reproductive behaviour and migration. In Belarus, a natural diminution of the population is a reminder of the Chernobyl disaster. The pivotal geographic location makes Belarus subject to a problem with illegal migration.
For countries, achieving the indices and fulfilling the tasks in the ICPD Programme of Action will require internal and external resources, targeted measures by national governments and effective, as well as transparent, partner links. Developing the basic spheres of activity will require stronger political commitment and development of potential, along with an increase in the volume of international assistance and a mobilization of internal resources. The efforts of funds and programmes are welcome, but closer collaboration of the funds with programmes of the Bretton Woods institutions, civil society and NGOs was required. Recent months have shown the importance of maintaining international peace and security for solving the population problem and implementing the Cairo Programme of Action. The intentional destruction in the Balkans by military force has resulted in the creation of refugees and nests of dangerous infectious diseases. It has thrown a relatively prosperous European country
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decades backwards in its development. The crisis in the Balkans was a prod to the international community to better understand the importance of concerted action in solving ethnic conflicts by peaceful measures.
ANDRÉ TSALA MESSI, Secretary of State for Planning and Territorial Development of Cameroon: During his first term of office, the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, has focused on social justice and the fight against poverty. The 20/20 initiative has also been adopted. There are now many fundamental sectoral programmes and policies in place. In the area of education and health, a framework law defining mechanisms for reproductive health care, including the fight against HIV/AIDS, has been adopted. Guidelines for education which guarantee equal access to all without discrimination are also in place. The development of a family code is under way to address the problem of families and vulnerable sectors. The establishment of regulatory and legislative measures to protect the elderly, the disabled and the marginalized is also being looked at. In addition, a national population policy has been elaborated, while measures have been put in place to ensure protection of the environment.
The political will to achieve the advancement of women has led to the implementation of a multi-sectoral plan for the integration of women in development. It includes improvement of living conditions and legal status, development of female human resources, providing access to decision making, promotion and protection of the girl child, protection against violence, and development of an institutional framework. While there are different measures aimed at improving living conditions and well-being, various obstacles prevent bold policies from yielding results. Religious and cultural diversity, the decline in ODA, the excessive burden of foreign debt, deterioration in terms of trade and lack of market access for goods are all factors which impede progress. In this sense, the contribution of the international community is vital. There is need for a genuine and effective solidarity among peoples. We remain convinced that nothing concrete and lasting can be achieved without peace. The international community must mobilize in the search for a solution to the many conflicts that exist.
YOLANDA ROJAS URBINA, Vice-Minister of the Family of Venezuela: The period since Cairo has been difficult for my country. The political system of more than 41 years collapsed, in the midst of a complex economic and social crisis. The quality of life of the Venezuelan population has seriously deteriorated, affecting primarily children, youth and women. Eighty-six per cent of Venezuelan families live in critical poverty and of those, 46 per cent live in extreme poverty. In this difficult situation, the quality of education and health have also been harmed. Levels of infant and maternal mortality have increased in the past decade, impeding the goals of Cairo. Teenage pregnancy continues to be a grave problem, impacting the spread of poverty. Of each hundred registered births, 20 are from women less than 20 years old. The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to rise among youth and women.
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My Government is undertaking a profound structural change, designed to entrench the democratic system and place it at the service of society. Special emphasis is being placed on strengthening human capital to contribute to sustainable development. We are stressing the importance of education, respect for human rights, and the well-being of all Venezuelans. The convening of a broadly participative National Constituent Assembly will make it possible for political reorientation, restructuring of the State machinery and the judicial system. The adoption of a new Constitution will allow us to achieve balance between the political, social, economic, territorial sectors, to construct a country that guarantees the exercise of basic rights for all citizens.
Important new legislation include a law on violence against women and in the family, and a law protecting children and adolescents, which is the legal framework for an overall national system to protect children and adolescents. Of equal priority are actions to promote sexual and reproductive health, including care for pregnant women and strengthening family planning programmes. We reaffirm our readiness to promote the realization of the Cairo action plan through Government and civil society. The support of the international community is also needed to create an environment in which men and women live together in social justice and equity.
CLAUDIA FRITSCHE (Liechtenstein): Investing in health care and education is a key element of addressing population issues. Education enables the individual to make informed and responsible decisions, which is a prerequisite for the implementation of the rights-based approach and leads to the "expansion of people's choices", a core element of the definition of human development. In particular, education of girls is a crucial contribution to the implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action, in that it enables them to exercise better control over their lives.
More determined and concerted global action is urgently needed, as AIDS continues to have devastating effects in many parts of the world. As in many other areas, while action by governments is required, the role of civil society is also of great importance. Overcoming the threat of HIV/AIDS will only be possible through a change towards responsible sexual behaviour, based on respect for sexual and reproductive health.
The implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action is intrinsically linked with the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is of crucial importance that we continue the integrated approach in the follow-up to the major United Nations conferences. Liechtenstein has stepped up efforts to combat gender-based domestic and sexual violence, a complex, widespread and multifaceted phenomenon, which continues to have detrimental effects for women worldwide.
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RASHID ALIMOV (Tajikistan): The Government is taking a number of efforts in the area of population. We have adopted acts to establish a legal basis in the population field. Also, a national strategy on health is in place to the year 2005, and a range of laws aim at improving education and the social rehabilitation of refugees and involuntary migrants. My country is faced with significant difficulties resulting from the years of conflict, in which 60,000 people were killed and missing, while hundreds of thousands of others suffered. Meanwhile, for every one employed person, three people are out of work. Funds are lacking for capital investment in the social sphere, and the structure inherited from the former Soviet Union is not capable of meeting the needs of a market economy. The country's remoteness and mountainous terrain are additional obstacles, making it crucial that we receive support from outside.
The civil conflict has resulted in several waves of resettlement of people, both in the country and beyond its boundaries. Some 700,000 people have been resettled. Migration has, thus, become an important demographic factor, and we attach special importance to the implementation of the decisions of the 1996 Geneva Conference on refugees in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Illiteracy rates remain high. In the years since independence, the school attendance rates and the numbers of qualified staff have decreased alarmingly. On health care, Tajikistan is targeting its work to improve the system, focusing on reducing infant mortality and extending life expectancy.
Despite these difficulties, the Government has undertaken substantial measures to improve women's health and reduce maternal mortality. Since 1995, the Government has been working in partnership with the UNFPA and setting up women's advisory bureaux. Measures are also being undertaken to prevent the practice of abortion as a means of family planning. There are a lot of difficulties to be overcome in achieving the aims of Cairo, but by combining the policies of national governments with real support from the international community, the challenges can be met.
Right of Reply
RON ADAM (Israel): It is regrettable that the Palestinian delegate in his remarks earlier today chose to raise political issues that have no relevance in this forum. I would like to remind you that 97 per cent of the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza, whose conditions were mentioned this morning, now live under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority. The peace process is the proper forum for resolving all outstanding issues, including that of the Palestinian refugees. The new Israeli Government aims to further advance the peace process. It looks forward to achieving progress on all tracks of the peace process and a lasting peace in our region.
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SOMAIA BARGHOUTI, observer for Palestine: The statement by the Palestinian delegate this morning was fully in line with the concerns of an entire people regarding the issue of population. The information put forward by Israel is false. Two hundred thousand Palestinians live under direct Israeli occupation and all Palestinians living in Palestine are under Israeli occupation. The realities of that occupation cannot be put aside. As for the new Israeli Government, I hope that it will undertake policies different from those of previous governments which will lead Israeli representatives here to state different positions than those heard today. The yardstick for the new Government remains the implementation of all agreements, and respect for international law and relevant resolutions.
KEIASIPAI SONG SHEM, Minister of Health of Vanuatu: My Government has given priority, in the economic sector, to addressing private sector led growth and employment generation. The following are some measures adopted by the Government to carry out a comprehensive reform programme for improved public service delivery. The Government seeks to improve the quality of life for the average- and low-income earners and to encourage an equitable resource distribution of goods and services in the economic and social sector, not excluding the customary and traditional values observed by communities. It also seeks to integrate programmes and activities in a manageable manner to ensure that strong community participation and commitments in various developments can and will continue to be sustained.
Development and redesign of advocacy tools to improve awareness and communication skills is another programme. This can also contribute to bring about major changes in human behaviour and habit in the context of population and development through an intersectoral approach. We must take into account our cultures, values and beliefs in the process of change and growth. It is important to think globally, but also to act locally to achieve our commitments.
MAMAN SAMBO SIDIKOU, Minister, Director of the Office of the President of the Niger: The United Nations, in international meetings on different subjects, has expressed the clear will of the international community on global problems, which require collective contributions of all. The Niger belongs to the group of least developed countries with the highest fertility rate in the world and has a life expectancy of 47 years. Its population is estimated to exceed 9 million people. The Niger has been classified as one of the poorest countries in the world.
In conformity with the Cairo agenda, the country has adopted an initial programme of action within the framework of its population policy. However, the impact of such a policy would have been much greater if consistent financial resources had been brought to back the limited finances of my country. Despite the constraints, the Niger has made many efforts, especially in the field of health care and reproduction. In particular, those efforts have led to the
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increase in the use of contraceptives. The private sector and civil society have played a significant role in the country's efforts. Also, a national seminar on reproductive health has been conducted, which has made possible a definition of norms and standards in this field. A national policy on the promotion of women and reproductive health has also been adopted. To promote the development of the positive attitudes in the country, the policy of education and information was initiated.
I would like to recall yet another activity, which the country is going to undertake this year. It is a general census, which is to be conducted with the help of the UNFPA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union and other of Niger's partners. There is a desire of the authorities in the Niger to hand down to the new leaders, which are going to be democratically elected soon, a firm basis for the development of the initiated projects.
INDRA CHANDARPAL, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of Guyana, on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China: It is no secret that healthy populations are more cost effective and can participate constructively in the development of their nations. Yet, Cairo's goals for strengthening basic health systems and programmes, including reproductive and sexual health programmes, are being pursued with varying degrees of success. Maternal mortality and morbidity, our review shows, remain high, and adolescents continue to face special health risks.
Much remains to be done if the productive contribution of women is to be effectively harnessed. Advocacy for gender equality and equity, and for the inclusion of gender perspectives in policy formulation and programme implementation, are key elements for the Cairo implementation; although some progress has been made, there is a long way to go. Though efforts have been made to incorporate population concerns into development strategies, the need for action necessary for achieving sustained economic growth in the context of sustainable development is being subsumed in many instances by the exclusive targeting of population issues.
As developing countries, we continue to put our efforts and resources towards achieving an improved quality of life for our people through development. Efforts of developed countries to assist are on record. Yet, even as we acknowledge recent developments like the Cologne initiative, we recognize that resources to support the development efforts of developing countries need to be made more manifest. Addressing such issues as the alleviation of poverty will, in itself, promote the achievement of the goals of the Programme of Action. Financial resources are paramount to implementation -- both this review and ultimately the Programme of Action will be exercises in futility if financial resources are not forthcoming in a timely manner.
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MARIAM MIRIANASHVILI, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Protection of Women and Children's Rights and Family Development of Georgia: The collapse of the Soviet Union had a devastating effect on the economic, political and social life of Georgia. Georgia has gone through a harsh period of civil war, internal conflicts and economic crises bearing heavy consequences for the society. The most vulnerable, namely, children, women and the elderly, are at the end of endurance. Protecting the rights of internally displaced women is among the greatest problems. It is estimated that 500,000 émigrés have left Georgia. The Government had planned to conduct a survey this year, but budgetary constraints prevented it.
Proceeding from a strong political will to implement the Cairo Programme of Action to attract investments towards development, Georgia set priorities in the field of reproductive health. Funds have been earmarked for special programmes addressing such issues as HIV/AIDS, family planning and access to contraceptives. The State programme focuses on the change in the age structure due to a drop in the birth rate. Special attention is also given to the problems of women from a gender perspective in the context of sustainable development. Despite limited resources, special funds have been allocated for the establishment of a special fund for developing the civil society in a newly born democracy emerging from deep crisis.
ELIJAH K. SUMBEIYWO, Assistant Minister, Office of the Vice-President and Ministry of Planning and National Development, Kenya: Kenya Government's deliberate policy of promoting education and training for women and girls, in spite of a difficult economic situation, has played a significant role in achieving a desired decline in fertility rates. Today, Kenya's total fertility rate has declined from an estimated 8.1 live births in 1978 to 4.7 live births in 1998. Consequently, the annual population growth rate has also declined -- from 3.8 per cent in 1979 to an estimated 2.5 per cent in 1998, and possibly lower with the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Rising poverty levels have placed the goal of compulsory free primary education further out of reach today than it was when the Social Summit was held. Public-sector spending on education stands at approximately 4.7 per cent of GDP, with a further 4.5 per cent from the private sector. Cost-sharing by parents for building funds, book purchases and fees for extra-curricular activities is the order of the day. In this environment, therefore, the ability of the poorer segments of society to gain access to basic education is compromised, and the socio-economic gap widens with its inherent consequences.
GEORGE SALIBA (Malta): Although considerable progress has been made in the implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action, more needs to be done to address the well-being of human beings and to achieve sustainable development. Malta believes that the outcome of the ICPD+5 should be cross-cut with issues and commitments from the United Nations Conference on Environment and
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Development, particularly Agenda 21. The relationship between environmental capacity and population growth is reflected in Malta's establishment of a Planning Authority and the Environment Protection Department.
Malta also believes that the state of the elderly ought to be considered and that, in developing countries, training is much more important in the areas of demography and social gerontology, than in the collection of research and data. The United Nations International Institute on Ageing, located in Malta, is now moving into the second phase of its training strategy by organizing on-site regional and national courses. As a result of an increased demand for its services from developing countries in the region, Malta is calling for further contributions.
The percentage of people in Malta living below the acceptable national standard of living is about 1 per cent; however, the Government still places importance on social services. More than one half of the Government's expenditure is directed towards granting free medical care and education, elaborate social security and welfare provisions, enabling the population to enjoy a good quality of life. Malta has also amended its family law to reflect gender equality and has implemented socio-economic and education measures aimed at the empowerment of women.
NEXHAT KALAJ, Chairman of the Commission on Health of Albania: Albania has already achieved ICPD goals in the area of infant and maternal mortality and is looking for further reductions and to improve reproductive health and the population situation as a whole. The Government is currently working in health and welfare reform. There is political commitment in developing multi- comprehensive approaches and strategies in population issues, including reproductive health. The Government is also engaged in achieving gender balance. A national committee on women was established last year, and a national strategy for women was developed and approved by the Government.
Special attention is being given to women's empowerment. The changes between 1991 and 1998 are reflected in every aspect of the Albanian population. Migration -- both emigration and rapid urbanization -- has a negative effect on the reproductive health and choices of the population. Emigrants out of the country make up 15 per cent of Albania's population. These people have low status in their host countries with little access to information and services.
At the same time, urbanization has been accompanied by very serious problems in education, sanitation, water supply, health and social services for this sector of the population. The living standards and health situations of this group is getting worse. Reproductive health needs and violence against women in emergency situations, as well as other population problems, have been evident in Albania as a result of the Kosovar refugees. We are giving greater attention to ensuring that these refugees, in particular women and youth, receive
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appropriate health care, including sexual and reproductive health care, emergency contraception, and appropriate, emergency and timely information. Although there are no legal barriers for adolescents to receive reproductive health services and information, economic and socio-cultural barriers still limit such services. However, there is now a much more open and approving attitude towards issues related to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, in a country where such an issue used to be taboo due to the very strict pro- natalistic approach of the previous regime.
After Cairo, Albania took very good steps by introducing sexual education in schools. However, implementation is mainly left to the discretion of individual schools. The NGOs and private sector are very new in Albania. Civil society is still being built up very slowly. The Government now has a more open attitude to civil society groups and, in particular, NGOs. Although there have been many positive changes concerning the role and responsibilities of civil society and partnerships with governments, there is still much to be done. The NGOs must be given greater space and opportunities to represent individual needs at the local and national levels. Frequent changes of government mean that NGOs provide stability and continuity, which play a vital role in moving forward the ICPD Programme of Action.
NASTE CALOVSKI (The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia): At the moment, my country is not preoccupied with issues like gender equity and equality and empowerment of women, reproductive rights and health, but with the return of the Kosovo refugees to their homes, the negative consequences of the conflict on my country and the rest of the region, as well as with the reconstruction of the region after the war. The result of the preoccupation will directly affect, now and in the future, the livelihoods of the country's population. Since 1991, this is the third time that my country has incurred huge losses, not of its own making, and it has received no compensation or serious foreign aid so far. Presently, the priority of the Government is to see that the Kosovo war is the last one in the Balkans.
The demographic policy of my country concentrates on the education of girls, the reduction of maternal mortality, strengthening the family planning process, health and sex education, the elderly and HIV/AIDS, among others. The highest priority of the Government is employment of the population. Unemployment figures are very high -- there is 40 per cent unemployment. Other priorities are health, education and the maintenance of a healthy environment.
EDMUNDO ORELLANA MERCADO (Honduras): The United Nations has held several international conferences on the theme of human development. Honduras has been developing their goals in a concrete manner and has adopted a practical and dynamic national policy in implementation of the Programme of Action of the ICPD. The variables of population are linked to development, and it is an important challenge to be taken up. The commitments made by Honduras include the
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improvement of living conditions, health care and elimination of gender inequality. Now, with support from the UNFPA, the Government is trying to improve the quality of human resources by paying attention to reproductive health, with training of groups of population living in remote areas of the country.
The Ministry of Health has revised the general norms, including those on family planning, adolescence and menopause. The Secretary of Health has established that voluntary surgical and preventive contraceptive methods are an important part of maternal and infant health. Also, an office on sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS has been established, and measures are being undertaken for integration of men in family planning, gender mainstreaming and family counselling. Programmes on adolescents have been designed, including a programme providing clinical attention to teenage pregnancies.
The theme of reproductive rights and interventions has priority in the country. A systematic campaign on information is being implemented, which involves actions at both the State and NGO levels. The government policy also envisions creation of mechanisms of coordination between the Government and the public sector. Attention should be given to the poorest segments of society, including those marginalized in the cities.
However, realization of the Cairo objectives has been affected by the recent hurricanes. Relief and international cooperation are needed in order for Honduras to extend services and assistance to the targeted groups of population. International support was also needed for training the human resources and extending services in the area of reproductive health.
JACKEO RELAND (Marshall Islands): Even before the Cairo Conference, my Government was greatly concerned about its rapidly growing population, and the health, social and economic consequences thereof, especially in a small island developing State. Marshall Islands is committed to implementing the Cairo Programme of Action, despite the scarcity of resources to do so. An example of that commitment is the 1994 establishment of the Population Council, with members from Government, religious groups and NGOs. It was charged with formulating a national population and development policy. As a result of its work, the Government adopted a national population and development policy in 1995. Two years later, Marshall Islands drafted a five-year development action plan which incorporates population strategies into the development planning process.
Women in Marshall Islands are affected by a number of issues, including their comparatively low rate of participation in paid employment, high attrition among school-age girls, teen pregnancies and high rates of malnutrition. Cultural barriers and taboos prevent women from seeking reproductive, sexual health and family planning services, as there are only male health-care providers. To
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address this, the Government has recently completed its first training of female health assistants. Measures and programmes are also under way to provide services and education to young people. We are serious about seeking to complement social and economic policy with sustainable development initiatives.
International organizations like the UNFPA, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are the major funding sources for implementing population programmes and projects. Others, like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), could do more for Pacific island countries. Reduced budget allocations have required the Government to seek additional assistance from bilateral and multilateral sources. But these sources are also on the decline, particularly for small island developing States. To try to complement declining resources, my delegation attaches great importance to promoting international cooperation through a collaboration of resources, such as the South-South initiatives. Regional initiatives can be a beneficial and cost-effective use of scarce funds.
MOHAMMMAD ABDO AL-SINDI (Yemen): The world is now facing many interdependent challenges. First of all, the demographic problem has many ramifications that affect all sectors of society. This is especially true in the developing countries and more particularly in the least developed countries, which suffer from galloping demographics that weigh heavily on their economies and are a burden to their societies. We need to launch a rebirth that will effect real participation by people in life and development based on justice, equality, and the genuine exercise of democracy. This would preserve freedom of the individual and make it possible for them to participate in an active way. Yemen, like many of the least developed countries, is facing many problems in terms of demography and development. We have attempted to adjust our development programmes to our national priorities.
The first statement of the Yemeni Government after reunification was to reassert that its main concern was its citizens, because they represented the real human resources and the real tool of effective development. We established a national council for demographic questions to improve public health, expand family planning, strengthen and promote sustainable development and improve development machinery. This would maintain demographic objectives and strengthen institutional legislative, media and scientific apparatus. The Government also established a specialized office whose function is to take charge of reproductive health. In addition, there is another office which is in charge of women's health and whose goal is to coordinate strategies for women. In January 1999, the National Council set up a committee on demographic and development issues.
Our Government is totally aware of the impact of population issues and the impact on economic and social sectors. The Government has adopted a programme for mothers and children, as well. Governmental bodies and NGOs participate in this. There are also programmes and projects to alert the
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population of demographic issues. My country has undertaken to obtain the objectives of Cairo with a revised plan of action that reflects the specific features of Yemeni traditions, religion and customs.
ALI FAHAD FALEH AL-HAJRI (Qatar): In spite of certain positive results, we notice great disparities between the developed and developing countries in the field of development. While the population of the world is approaching 6 billion, four fifths of that population live in the least developed countries. This situation requires a greater contribution on the part of the developed countries to counteract that disparity. It is necessary to integrate the developing States in the world economic system. The developed countries must shoulder more responsibility in that respect and facilitate the transfer of technology for all States to be able to reach the new millennium in harmony.
The State of Qatar has been pursuing ambitious plans of increasing national revenue and creating job opportunities for future generations. Economic and social development must recognize the role of the family as the central cell of society. Particular attention should be given to providing proper housing at all levels either free of charge or by instalment payments. Everybody should be able to work without discrimination. Particular attention is given to women, children and education at all levels. Special care is also given to the handicapped who have specific needs. Efforts are made to mainstream them in society and realize their potential. When it comes to families, a decree has been adopted establishing programmes in favour of needy families. The State of Qatar continues to pay attention to the Programme of Action of the ICPD and reaffirms its commitment to its implementation.
Archbishop RENATO MARTINO, Observer for the Holy See: Aspects of the Cairo Programme of Action remain problematic. Of great concern is the realization that negotiations in the preparatory process for the special session have taken a step backward, placing unbalanced emphasis on population issues at the expense of development. Poverty reduction and improving access to basic social services are the tools for meeting the goals set at Cairo and bringing about sustainable development. The Holy See has found it particularly disconcerting that some delegations, mainly from Western States, have sought to undo the careful balance needed between the adolescent right to privacy and parental prior rights, as affirmed in the Declaration on Human Rights.
The Holy See also expresses grave concern about activities such as the so-called emergency contraception and safe abortion. The Holy See has never lost sight of the fact that the human person is at the centre of development, and all actions of the United Nations must aim to strengthen and protect that human-centredness. The Holy See will not walk away from the work begun at Cairo. It will continue to call upon the family of nations to protect the dignity and human rights of all, especially the most vulnerable, and to
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promote the common good. It will continue its involvement in the work of the United Nations.
At the same time, nothing done by the Holy See in relation to finding answers, solving problems and sharing ideas on population and development should be understood or interpreted as an endorsement of concepts the Holy See cannot support for moral reasons. The Holy See neither endorses abortion nor, in any way, has changed its moral position regarding abortion or contraceptives. It reaffirms its belief that life begins at conception, and every human life needs to be protected from the earliest movement to the end of the life cycle.
LUIGI BOSELLI, Head of delegation of the European Commission to the United Nations on behalf of the European Community: The European Community reaffirms its commitment to the objectives agreed in Cairo and its support for the key priorities for future action that have been identified in the review process. The review demonstrates that progress has been made in sexual and reproductive health, and that national and international resources made available are making a difference. However, the review also demonstrates that there is still a huge job to be done, especially in the poorest groups in society.
The European Community has committed over 700 million euro over the last five years in support of work related to population and sexual and reproductive health in developing countries. Our support is based on partnerships with governments, the United Nations, and a wide range of civil society groups. We are increasingly looking for high-quality partnerships to ensure that resources are used effectively and translated into improvements for the poor and marginalized sections of society.
The European Community has identified five key areas for action: reproductive health programmes; reducing maternal deaths and ill health due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth; information and counselling for young people; addressing HIV/AIDS; and problems of domestic and gender-based violence. The ICPD+5 review provides a rare opportunity to reflect on work over the last five years and to look more closely at our performance and set some important new challenges for the coming years.
PETER SCHATZER, Director of External Relations and Information Department of the International Organization for Migration (IOM): The ICPD Programme is a key instrument for IOM planning and policy in dealing particularly with international migration. A central objective is to encourage cooperation between countries of origin and destination. In the five years since Cairo, regional and subregional intergovernmental dialogue on migration issues has greatly expanded around the globe in Central and North America, in the East and South-East Asia and in the Commonwealth of Independent States and their neighbours. Similar consultation mechanisms are being prepared in South America, the Western Mediterranean and Southern Africa. The desire to deal with migration issues
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in a constructive multilateral dialogue has brought the number of IOM member and observer States to 117 at present.
Nevertheless, advancing an understanding of the complexities of migration remains a major challenge. Around the globe, effective management of regular and irregular migration is a priority issue. Individual and collective responses by States are often hampered by insufficient migration-management capacity at the national level. To counter this problem, a multi-organization migration training and capacity-building programme was launched in several regions during 1998. Women migrants are under particular risk, and for all potential migrants the lack of credible information about conditions in the target country is an important element that skews the decision to stay or leave. And while migrant rights continue to be violated, the violations are receiving growing attention and publicity.
The IOM is committed to the principle that orderly migration can benefit both individuals and society. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that, throughout history, migrants have made incontestable contributions to countries of origin and destination.
WERNER HAUG, Chief of the observer delegation of Switzerland: Improving the status of women, promoting education, job creation, basic health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights impacts directly on birth rates and the spacing of children. Implementation of the Programme of Action has progressed at varying rates around the world for reasons, including levels of development and cultural and religious influences. Overall, however, new concepts of reproductive and sexual health and empowerment are being applied in many countries. But when it comes to resources, the Cairo goals and objectives are far from being met. We are aware of the frustration of our partners in developing countries.
Multilaterally, Switzerland focuses on the priorities in the Programme of Action, with the UNFPA, WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) being the main beneficiaries. Future policies will focus on preventing unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal mortality, and combating violence against women, and traditions like female genital mutilation. The challenges faced by Swiss society are of a different sort, such as an ageing population, migrants' participation in a multicultural society, inter- generational solidarity and changing mentalities and lifestyles. Despite the difficulties inherent in the process, the Swiss delegation welcomes the international community's will to pursue the commitments made in Cairo, leading to development based on human dignity and each person's comprehensive fulfilment.
AMADOU KÉBÉ, Chairman of the observer delegation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU): The present special session will undoubtedly give the
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international community an exceptional opportunity to reflect on new strategies which are likely to make it possible to fully execute the Cairo Programme of Action. This Programme requires taking into account demographic variables at the level of special planning and resource allocation. The African continent proposed the Kilimanjaro Programme of Action in Arusha at the Tenth African Conference on Population. At that conference, it was noted that the problems of population could be addressed in the general context of the socio-economic development of Africa.
Much later, in December 1992, the Declaration of Dakar illustrated the link between population and sustainable development in Africa. In 1994, African heads of State and government adopted the Tunis Declaration which addressed the necessity of putting African demographic policies in place. There has also been the creation of an African Commission on Population to carry out population activities in Africa. It is now up to us to see what we have achieved and think about what has to be done in terms of the objectives we have set for ourselves.
Africa has taken many important measures over the last five years. The African Commission on Population has had real impact in many African countries and has the benefit of the strong support and cooperation of the UNFPA. Among the issues being addressed are health and gender equality. The problems related to population can be treated by fighting poverty. Experience has shown that any progress depends on eradicating poverty, war, civilian unrest, and the gaps in coordinating policies and demographic programmes. To these, add the problems of shortage of financial and human resources, the absence of long-term plans, HIV/AIDS and the absence of gender development. The results attained so far in the Programme of Action are clearly below expectations and forecasts. The international community must multiply its efforts to reach the objectives of the ICPD.
HREINNE LINDAL, Chairman of the observer delegation of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta: The Order's primary objective is to alleviate suffering, bring comfort to the afflicted and to provide assistance to the needy through health facilities, individual services at home, in shelters and in the poor dwellings of the disinherited. Its commitment is towards the sick, the marginalized, the persecuted and the displaced, thereby safeguarding human rights and the dignity of man. The Order cannot remain passive before the problem of more than 800 million people all around the world who are living in abject poverty. The presence today of the Order's humanitarian action in over 100 countries is proof of its concern.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta considers the adoption of the following measures to be very urgent: the coordination of efforts and possibilities as an urgent need, including the participation of States, humanitarian entities and the private sector; investment in culture, education
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and sanitary problems; the right of birth, the capacity to obtain elementary education and the possibility to accede to professional education; and hospital treatment, and special care for mothers and children. The Order is ready to cooperate in finding a remedy to the present situation and to its consequences of political, economic and social instability.
CARL T.C. GUTIERREZ, Governor of Guam: As we attempt to reduce the natural population growth -- even as we attempt to enhance education and provide a social safety net for the needy -- both legal and illegal immigration under the administering Power's regime threaten the balance needed to keep our fragile economy and environment from breaking under the strain. Over the years, westernization has impacted on our customs and culture in many ways, bringing both good and bad. Along with rapid economic development -- a wage-generated economy and world-class facilities that welcome visitors to our shores -- have come urban social problems. We are using the tools of today to combat these new problems.
Over the past five years, we have concentrated on family violence and social programmes for the elderly and the poor. Strict local laws, including the mandatory arrest policy in cases of family violence, have greatly reduced the threat of violence against women and children. Stepped-up programmes have doubled the amount of collections for child support, and we have doubled our outreach programmes for the elderly. Remaining goals include strengthening the institution of marriage, reducing the number of families dependent on social security programmes, and doing more to address HIV/AIDS.
MOKHTAR LAMANI, Permanent Observer for the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations: Since the adoption of the Cairo Programme of Action, several member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have used its principles in legislation that supports national policies and programmes that are relevant to population issues. It is gratifying to see elements of the Declaration on Human Rights in Islam reflected in the Programme of Action, for example, women's rights, the purity and sanctity of marriage and support for a strong and interdependent family structure.
Other areas that have been reflected include support for the elderly, the rights and interests of migrants and refugees, and health and education services. Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference will continue to mobilize domestic and other objectives to achieve the goals of the Cairo Programme of Action, and they believe this requires the continued and enhanced support and partnership of the developed countries and of relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
OSMOND GORDON, Programme Manager, Statistics, Caribbean Community (CARICOM): The CARICOM has identified six priority areas in conjunction with the Cairo Programme of Action: migration; interrelations between population
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and sustainable development; population policy; adolescent fertility; reproductive health and family planning; and advocacy programmes. There has been a negative impact because of a brain drain of critical skills being experienced in the region due to migration. There is also concern for the rapidly increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS resulting in high mortality among the 15 to 25 age group. It is projected that the direct cost of the epidemic plus the indirect cost due to loss of income will rise sharply to more than $500 million by 2006. The Conference of Heads of Government in the Caribbean, the highest authority in the Community, has also placed high priority on youth development programmes.
Caribbean governments have also demonstrated the political and social will to achieve gender equity; however, high unemployment rates among women, inadequate protection for domestic workers, mostly women, free-zone employees and the high incidence of gender-based violence against women still continue to be major concerns. Another major constraint exists in the limited financial and human resources to develop, strengthen and maintain social statistical databases and information systems critical to implementing programmes relevant to the interrelationship between population and sustainable development. The CARICOM needs the continued support and understanding of the international donor community if it is to achieve success in the implementation of the Programme of Action.
DAW SWEDAN, Under-Secretary-General for Social Affairs of the League of Arab States: The League is convinced of the importance of the role of humanity in social and economic development. For that reason, we have created tools to activate participation in cultural, health and social affairs for the well-being of society. Special councils and committees have been established on issues such as population, women and youth.
The League has implemented projects promoting the health of mothers and children, working in cooperation with the UNFPA and with the participation of UNICEF and the WHO. Further, the League is developing a database on matters related to maternity and children, with the aim of supporting efforts to promote the health of mothers and children. Numerous problems continue to affect women and children. Most of these are more severe in developing countries. I hope your resolutions will match the challenges that face humankind, end the discrepancies that separate the countries of the north and the south, and improve the health, welfare and living standards of future generations.
INGAR BRUEGGEMANN, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation: We assume that most adolescents become healthy and productive adults, but many millions do not. More than half of new HIV infections occur in young people, and one in 20 adolescents worldwide contract a sexually transmitted disease. One tenth of all births are to teenagers,
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posing increased risks to both the far too young mother and the child. Increased investment in sexual and reproductive health programmes for young people must be seen as an investment for the future.
Many women are deprived of fundamental rights and are subject to discrimination in such important areas as education and free and voluntary access to reproductive services. They are often victims of gender-based violence, coercive motherhood and inability to be involved in programmes for their own well-being. The Federation and its family planning associations are in the vanguard of efforts to ensure that the rights stated in the Cairo Programme of Action are clarified and made known to all those involved. Because many existing national policies and laws are still contrary to these rights, our family planning associations are working with other human rights partners to support governments in introducing the necessary changes.
JEANNE HEAD, International Right to Life Federation: The Cairo Programme of Action was to have marked the beginning of a new era linking development with population control programmes. In the five years since its adoption, the implementation has been strong on control and short on development. The reason there has been no significant change since Cairo in the maternal mortality rate is that major development resources have been used on population control methods, rather than on improving general and maternal health care, known to save women's lives. The developed countries have known how to save women's lives for more than 40 years. It is of grave concern that legalizing abortion is claimed to be the way to reduce maternal mortality in the developing world. In the United States, where abortion has been legal for over 26 years and health standard high, women are still dying of botched legal abortions.
It is disappointing that this new document has not sufficiently addressed the very real problems women and their children face in the developing world, that of disease and hunger. When a woman is sick or hungry, she does not call out for her reproductive rights, but for food and medicine.
GITA SEN, Development Alternatives for a New Era, Women's Coalition for the ICPD: Tonight, the Coalition celebrates the advances made in the past few days in promoting and protecting young people's rights, addressing health needs and recognizing the need for a more favourable economic environment. But let us not forget that every minute of every day, a woman dies of mostly preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth; that young people, especially girls, remain vulnerable to violence and sexual abuse; that health- care services are far from adequate in terms of resources, accessibility, scope and quality.
But working together, we can make progress. We know the overwhelming weight of the support on our side from governments and agencies. Sadly, a small minority that opposed Cairo in the first place continue to do so.
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However, one of the most fascinating successes of ICPD implementation has been the extent to which parties initially sceptical of the Cairo approach are now quoting it chapter and verse and will brook no departure from it. The Women's Coalition looks forward to building on the successes of the ICPD and the ICPD+5 to advance women's human rights, including sexual and reproductive rights, in the coming years. The new millennium will be the millennium of women's rights, gender equality, and gender justice. The women of the world are here, we are with you, we are watching you, and we will never go away.
Action on Final Document ANWARUL KARIM CHOWDHURY, Chairman of the special session's ad hoc committee of the whole, and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh: When the special session began, I reported to you as Chairman of the preparatory committee, on the outcome of the preparatory sessions. I now report as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee of the whole. The process of arriving at consensus was extraordinarily difficult. As we repeatedly ran into contentious issues in the course of negotiations, we were haunted by the shadow of the special session to review implementation of the Rio Programme of Action. Many thought our efforts would end in frustration. But the result was a grand success. We have a document that looks to the future, renews commitments, evaluates efforts and gives direction on how to proceed. An important element that contributed to the outcome was the transparent and participatory nature of the negotiations. I recommend this for future sessions to review world conferences. We made empathetic pronouncements for women's rights and we have strong language for ending discrimination against the girl child. Measures to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS have been substantially covered. We dealt with the needs of youth more thoroughly. We could clearly define the benefits of public-private partnership and collaboration with civil society. We renewed our commitments for resource mobilization. We upheld the purpose and principles laid down in Cairo, but also added to them for their full and effective implementation. We now have a document that gives guidance on where to focus in the difficult task to which we are committed. This process will reinvigorate the momentum that was generated in Cairo. We hope that programmes will not suffer due to the drying up of resources, despite political commitment. I will see you in 2004. GABRIELLA VUKOVITCH (Hungary), Vice-Chairperson and Rapporteur of the ad hoc committee of the whole of the twenty-first special session, introduced the report of the Committee (document A/S-21/5), which contained a draft resolution by the terms of which the Assembly would adopt its final document.
The representative of Panama, on behalf of the Latin American delegations, drew attention to technical errors in the report with respect to the translation of the document.
The Assembly then adopted the report.
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The representative of Argentina: The Argentine Republic does not accept that the concepts of "reproductive health", "sexual health" and "reproductive rights" may cover abortion, either as a service or a method of fertility control. This reservation is premised on the universal nature of life, which exists from the moment of conception until natural death. Argentina does not agree that the terms "contraception", "family planning", "new options" and "underutilized methods" may cover abortion or voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Their practical applications are to be understood solely within the limits established by the National Constitution. Any mention of "young people", "youth", "adolescents", "children", "young men" or "young women" in connection with sex education and reproductive health programmes must imply recognition of the rights, duties and responsibilities of parents.
The representative of the Sudan: The Government of the Sudan will continue to implement the declaration in the document in conformity with paragraph 5 of the text, which states that the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Programme of Action and those contained in the present document is the sovereign right of each country, consistent with national laws and development priorities, with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of its people, and in conformity with universally recognized international human rights. It is, thus, the view of the Government of the Sudan that in no way should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning.
The representative of Guatemala: My delegation goes along with the consensus on the text, but does not agree to anything that is not in accordance with our reservations.
The representative of Nicaragua: We join the consensus, but my country's reservations to the Cairo Programme of Action should be recorded, as should the following reservations: the terms "female-controlled methods", "new options", "underutilized methods" and "widest possible range of family-planning services" do not imply abortion or interruption of pregnancy. The comprehensive education of children is a priority right of parents. Nicaragua accepts the term "gender" provided it refers solely to men and women.
The representative of Libya: The following reservations should be included: a general reservation on any provision that goes counter to the Islamic sharia and Libya's national laws. Also, we have reservations on paragraph 41 of the present text, and any other that refers to a group of reproductive rights as human rights. The only human rights are those expressed in the binding human rights instruments with international agreement. On paragraph 73, on the rights of adolescents, the formulation adopted by the ICPD remains, in particular, the statement regarding respect for cultural values. We oppose the current formulation, which departs from the ICPD report.
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The General Assembly then adopted a draft resolution (contained in document A/S-21/5) recommended by its ad hoc committee of the whole, by the terms of which it decided to adopt its final document entitled: "Key actions for the further implementation of the Programme of action of the ICPD", to be issued as document A/S-21/5/Add.1.
The representative of Kuwait: My delegation affirms its support of the draft that has just been adopted -- it has positive aspects. We would, however, like to reaffirm our reservation while reaffirming our commitment. Our support is contingent on the fact that recommendations are not contrary to the religions of Kuwait and the Islamic sharia. Our actions will be guided by paragraph 5.
The representative of Malta: We are committed to the document, but reiterate our reservation to the section of the document that relates directly or indirectly to induced abortion. The Maltese Government will institute no such measures.
The representative of China: Further implementation of the Programme of Action needs further efforts and wide international collaboration. In implementing the Programme of Action, all countries should respect universally accepted human rights. China is willing to further strengthen its collaboration with other countries so that it can make its contribution to further the Programme of Action.
The representative of Egypt: We reiterate our call for the deletion of the world "individual" from the Programme of Action and from the text just adopted.
The representative of Qatar: The fact that we joined the consensus on the document is contingent on our understanding of paragraph 5. We cannot accept any recommendation of this document, such as on abortion, that is contrary to Islamic sharia. Also, gender refers to men and women and nothing else.
The representative of Yemen: We affirm the reservations expressed at the adoption of the ICPD Programme of Action in Cairo. We join the consensus so long as it does not violate the sharia, the Constitution and the norms and customs of our society.
The representative of Iran: We have reservations on any provision condoning or encouraging sexual relations outside the framework of marriage or family, which is exclusively between man and woman.
The representative of Jordan: Based on respecting norms and traditions, and the sovereign right of every nation for its population policy to be implemented in conformity with its laws, Jordan will be dealing with the document.
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The representative of the United Arab Emirates: We have reservations on paragraph 5.
The representative of Morocco: We have reservations on paragraph 5. The family must be clearly defined as marriage, binding the two parties to the marriage. Any ambiguity must be removed.
The representative of the United States: In creating the document we have adopted today, we have drawn on our individual national experiences and efforts since 1994, and collectively agreed on how we can build on these experiences and make our efforts more effective. We have set five-year benchmarks to better measure efforts in the fundamental areas of education, maternal mortality, family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention. We have asked governments to develop and invest in plans that will ensure young people will lead healthy and productive lives. We have called for the active support, guidance and participation of parents, supported by families and communities. We know that with this renewed commitment must come resources. While the United States has not agreed to the overall development assistance targets set forth in the report, we fervently hope that we can increase our assistance in the years to come.
The representative of Australia: We support the principles of the Programme of Action and have joined the consensus text on the ICPD. We are, however, concerned with paragraph 63 (III), which states that "where abortion is not against the law, health systems should train and equip health-service providers and should take other measures to ensure that such abortion is safe and accessible. Additional measures should be taken to safeguard women's health". We do not see this elaboration of Cairo as necessary. The existing Australian aid programme policy does not provide assistance which involves abortion training or services, nor research trials and activities which involve abortion drugs.
The Observer for the Holy See: We welcome the progress made in the past few months, but continue to hold reservations. Nothing the Holy See has done is an endorsement of concepts that it considers morally wrong. The Catholic Church does not endorse abortion, but it welcomes the consensus document. We do not consider abortion or access to abortion as dimensions of sexual and reproductive health.
The Catholic Church does not plan to change its position on family planning. The Holy See sees individuals in terms of men and women and couples also in terms of men and women. It also reserves it position on gender which is grounded in the biological differences between men and women. The Catholic Church believes that life begins at the moment of conception and, therefore, cannot condone abortion or policies that condone abortion.
General Assembly Plenary - 34 - Press Release GA/9577 Twenty-first Special Session 2 July 1999 8th & 9th Meetings (PM & Night)
Statement by President of General Assembly
DIDIER OPERTTI (Uruguay), President of the General Assembly: The Cairo Conference was part of the series of United Nations world conferences, and the Assembly's twenty-first special session was within the context of that process. The fact that representatives of governments and civil society came together to report on their programmes, ideas, actions and intended actions is significant in itself; it was an act of democratization and knowledge.
In a world of young people, the special session's contribution -- from educational or health viewpoints, or the standpoint of responsible family units -- promotes the goal of developing the human being. Women's sexual and reproductive health and rights, sex and gender equality, family planning -- all those issues were addressed, with each inevitably touching on social, cultural and ethical principles. Hence, the difficulty of achieving absolute agreement. The document should be considered a working paper; its objectives will not be completed with the session, so it should conform to the evolution of society. The triumph of tonight is that the international community is shouldering the issues of population and development as an indivisible whole for which the entire international community is responsible.
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