ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL ADOPTS TWO RESOLUTIONS ON REGIONAL COMMISSIONS

Discusses Independence of Colonial Countries, Regional Cooperation,

Israeli Occupied Territories, HIV/AIDS and Genetic Privacy and Bioethics

(Reissued as received.)

GENEVA, 23 July (UN Information Service) -- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) this morning discussed a wide range of issues, including the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations; regional cooperation; economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan; the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); and genetic privacy and bioethics.

ECOSOC also adopted two resolutions, on the review of the inter-Governmental machinery of the Economic Commission for Africa, in which it endorsed the proposed intergovernmental machinery of the Economic Commission for Africa; and on the admission of the Republic of Korea as a member State of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, in which it approved the admission of the Republic of Korea as a member of the Commission. 

Rebecca Hernandez Toledano, Representative of the Special Committee on Decolonization, said with regard to the situation concerning the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and international institutions associated with the United Nations, the Special Committee considered that these territories clearly stood to benefit from the cooperation of the United Nations institutions and bodies on the road to achieving a full measure of self-government.

Amr Nour, Representative of the Regional Commissions New York Office, said the regional commissions had benefited from each other’s experiences and practices.  Since the last report to the Council, the interactions between them commissions had been intensified.  The outcome of the interaction had been satisfying. The regional commissions were an important part of the regional landscape.  Their partnerships with the institutions in the regions were revitalized.

In a separate introduction to the note by the Secretary-General on the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan, Mr. Nour said the report revealed that the occupation of the Palestinian Territory by Israel continued to deepen the economic and social hardship for Palestinians.  The severe Israeli mobility restrictions and closure policies remained a primary cause of poverty and humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and restricted Palestinian access to health and education services, employment, markets and social and religious networks. 

In the context of the general discussion under the agenda items on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations; regional cooperation; and economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan, speakers said, among other things, that socio-economic integration should be developed in the broadest terms.  The situation and practices of the Israeli occupiers against the Palestinian people were contrary to all fundamental rights, such as housing and work.  The relevant resolutions of the United Nations should be implemented, and a peace that would bring a lasting end to the conflict be found. 

Moving to the next cluster of sub-items, comprising coordination, programme and other questions: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; and Social and human rights questions: genetic privacy and non-discrimination, the Council heard an introduction of reports on these issues.

Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, introducing the report of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS over the past biennium, said there had been some real progress since 2005.  In many populations in East Africa, the Caribbean and some parts of Asia, HIV infection levels were falling.  However, the global AIDS epidemic showed no signs of abating.

Nikhil Seth, Director of the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, in an introductory statement on the agenda item on social and human rights questions: genetic privacy and non-discrimination, said that this report included information and comments received from Member States.  These inputs highlighted the dangers in the genetic framework. 

A general discussion followed these statements, in which speakers said, among other things, that the situation required further measures, and the international community should extend practices and strategy to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS infection.  UNAIDS should continue to assist countries to coordinate and implement their national strategies.  AIDS seriously affected the health of humankind, and the economic and social development of many countries.  The international community should strengthen assistance to developing countries in order to improve their ability to fight the epidemic.  HIV/AIDS was one of the most daunting challenges of this era, and required the collective efforts of the national and international communities. 

Speaking this morning during the general debate were the Russian Federation, Palestine, Syria, Belarus, Israel, Cuba, Algeria, China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United States, Thailand, Sudan, Guyana, Venezuela and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 

Speaking in right of reply were the representatives of Morocco and Algeria.

The next meeting of the Council will be at 3 p.m. this afternoon, when it will take up issues concerning economic and environmental questions, including sustainable development, human settlements, environment, the United Nations Forum on Forests and the transport of dangerous goods.

Action on Resolutions

In a resolution contained in document E/2007/15/Add.1, entitled review of the inter-Governmental machinery of the Economic Commission for Africa, adopted without a vote, the Council endorses the proposed intergovernmental machinery of the Economic Commission for Africa, taking into account the discussion and related recommendations made at the fortieth session of the Commission/Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, namely to: organize a joint annual African Union/Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; replace the current Intergovernmental Committee of Experts with subregional ministerial conferences, whose meetings would be organized according to intergovernmental arrangements existing in each sub-region; and organize the subsidiary organs of the Economic Commission for Africa into seven sectoral committees.

In a resolution contained in document E/2007/15/Add.2, entitled admission of the Republic of Korea as a Member State of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, adopted without a vote, the Council welcomes the request from the Government of the Republic of Korea that the country be admitted as a member of the Commission; and approves the admission of the Republic of Korea as a member of the Commission, and authorizes to this effect the amendment of paragraph 3 (a) of the terms of reference of the Commission to include the name of the Republic of Korea after that of Portugal.

General Comment after Taking Action on Resolutions

MOHAMMED LOULICHKI (Morocco) said that, at a time when the Economic and Social Council was preparing to adopt the recommendation, Morocco wanted to specify with regard to the organization of the conference of the African ministers in paragraph 1, that the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) must comply with the legal advice of the United Nations, according to which in case of a joint meeting, ECA as a subsidiary body of the United Nations must comply with the decisions taken by the bodies.  With regard to the participation in the joint meeting, when there was a difference in the composition, it must be resolved in conformity with the rules of the United Nations.  This statement was fully reflected in the minutes of the session and this requirement would be duly reflected by ECA.

Introduction of Draft Resolution

Mr. LOULICHKI ( Morocco), introducing draft resolution L.12 entitled fixed link between Africa and Europe through the Straits of Gibraltar, said this was an important project.  The Straits of Gibraltar had always been a highly strategic zone, due to its geographic position, and as it was a crucial passage for maritime navigation.  Morocco and Spain, in a desire to consolidate their ties of cooperation and to turn the area into a corridor of trade between Europe and Africa had considered a means to cement the two peoples and to create a link, enhancing the economic development of the entire area.  The consolidation of cooperation with regards to the project had moved it forward satisfactorily.

Studies had focused on the various means for building this link, and there had been a choice of a solution, namely the drilling of a rail tunnel.  This was extremely important for the economic and social development of the region.  It would reduce transit time to thirty minutes between the two regions, opening up extraordinary potential for trade between the two shores.  Research had determined the difficulties on an oceanic and geographic point of view, as well as leading to preliminary drilling, which had pinpointed the situation of the area.  This project was vital for the economy of the region as a whole, and would contribute to peace and harmonious development throughout the world.  The resolution should be adopted by consensus.

The resolution is scheduled to be considered by the Council at a later date during the session.

Documents

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations (A/62/65), which contains a list of specialized agencies and international institutions associated with the United Nations to which the provisions of the resolution apply and whose attention the Secretary-General drew to the resolution.

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on assistance to the Palestinian People (A/62/82-E/2007/66), which says, during the reporting period (May 2006-April 2007), the Palestinian economy suffered a significant decline and the socio-economic and humanitarian conditions of the population worsened.  Many donors reviewed their assistance policy to the Palestinian Authority, in the context of the three principles spelled out by the Middle East Quartet in January 2006.  At the same time, the Government of Israel continued to withhold the payment of the tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, with the exception of one transfer early in 2007.  As a result, and despite increased levels of aid, the Palestinian Authority has been facing a worsening fiscal crisis, which has exacerbated the already precarious situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  These developments occurred against the backdrop of continuing violence between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as among Palestinians, that claimed innocent lives on both sides.  The report contains a description of efforts made by United Nations agencies, in cooperation with Palestinian and donor counterparts, to support the Palestinian civilian populations and institutions.

The Council has before it the report of the President of the Council on consultations with the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (E/2007/47), which sets out information submitted by the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system on their activities with regard to the implementation of the Declaration.  In particular, it looks at the activities undertaken by the United Nations Development Programme, the International Labour Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme in this area.

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields (E/2007/15 and Add.1 and 2), which provides an update to the Council on the perspectives and developments in regional cooperation and the work of the regional commissions in relevant areas since its substantive session of 2006.  The report focuses particular attention to an analytical presentation of the status of implementation of the Millennium Development Goals at the halfway point, and the lessons that can be drawn from a regional perspective for intensifying the efforts during the coming years. 

Addendum one to the report contains the resolutions and decisions adopted by the regional commissions during the period under review that require action by the Council or are brought to its attention.

A second addendum contains a resolution adopted by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean at the twenty-fourth session of its Committee of the Whole, held in New York on 5 June 2007.

The Council has before it the report on economic developments in the Economic Commission for Europe region (E/2007/16), which notes that the Commission's annual publication, Economic Survey of Europe, has been discontinued.  No summary or analysis of the economic trends for the European region is being submitted for the Council's consideration at its 2007 session.

The Council has before it the overview of the economic and social conditions in Africa 2007 (E/2007/17), which reviews the economic and social conditions in Africa for 2006 and presents an outlook for medium-term developments and prospects for growth in 2007.  Overall, the report shows that economic growth has continued to improve in 2006, reaching 5.7 per cent compared to 5.3 per cent in 2005.  A key message of the report is that improvements in social development lag significantly behind improvements in economic performance.  The report concludes with a set of policy recommendations aimed at accelerating and sustaining growth in African countries as a means of reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

The Council has before it the summary of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2007 (E/2007/18), which says the Asia-Pacific region grew strongly in 2006, with the developing countries growing at a rate of 7.9 per cent and the developed countries, 2.2 per cent.  Economic growth has been broad-based, with all subregions performing robustly.  Economic growth is projected at 7.4 per cent in 2007, somewhat lower than in 2006, due mainly to the slowing economy of the United States.  The Survey also assesses the economic and social costs of gender discrimination in the region.  It also assesses the progress made in gender equality in four areas (economic participation, education, health and empowerment), with a comparative analysis that highlights best practices, and proposes policy recommendations to minimize gender discrimination in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Council has before it the report Latin America and the Caribbean: economic situation and outlook, 2006-2007 (E/2007/19), which says, with an economic growth rate in 2006 of 5.6 per cent, the Latin American and Caribbean region marked up its third consecutive year of growth at rates of over 4 per cent, and the volume of goods and services exports was up by 8.4 per cent for the region as a whole.  The rise in national income (7.3 per cent) again exceeded gross domestic product (GDP) growth.  These regional averages, however, mask stark differences between countries and subregions.  Economic expansion is expected to slow slightly in 2007, with the region’s per capita GDP expected to show an increase of about 15 per cent for 2003-2007, or about 3.6 per cent per year.

The Council has before it the summary of the survey of economic and social developments in the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) region, 2006-2007 (E/2007/20), which says 2006-2007 marked another period of robust economic expansion in the region, with the exception of Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, where regional conflicts and political instabilities reduced significantly economic potential.  High oil prices continued to buoy the region.  While a deceleration of the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate was observed, the level of growth was still high in most ESCWA member countries in 2006.  Average GDP growth for the ESCWA region was an estimated 5.6 per cent for 2006, down from 6.9 per cent in 2005, and is forecast to decrease to 5.1 per cent in 2007.  The theme of the Survey this year is to draw lessons from the previous oil boom, and to search for policy alternatives capable of retaining financial and human resources in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The Council has before it the note of the Secretary-General on the Europe-Africa fixed link through the Strait of Gibraltar (E/2007/21), transmitting the report prepared by the Executive Secretaries of the Economic Commission for Europe and the Economic Commission for Africa on the activities carried out within the framework of the project for a Europe-Africa fixed link through the Strait of Gibraltar.  The annexed report summarizes the work done under the authority of the Spanish-Moroccan Joint Committee by the two engineering firms, Sociedad de Estudios para la Comunicación Fija a través del Estrecho de Gibraltar and Société Nationale d’Études du Détroit, in connection with the fixed-link project.  The activities primarily involved geodesy, geo-prospecting, deep bore drilling, engineering and environmental studies and socio-economic studies.

Introductory Statements on Implementation of Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on Regional Cooperation

REBECCA HERNANDEZ TOLEDANO, Representative of the Special Committee on Decolonization, said with regard to the situation concerning the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and international institutions associated with the United Nations, the Special Committee considered that these territories clearly stood to benefit from the cooperation of the United Nations institutions and bodies on the road to achieving a full measure of self-government.  Full implementation of the action called for in the resolutions adopted by ECOSOC and the General Assembly would assist these territories in the development of their capacity to assume their responsibilities for self-government foreseen in the United Nations Charter.  Cuba would later present, under item 9, a draft resolution on support to self-governing territories by United Nations bodies and organizations associated to it. 

As could be seen in documentation, a number of specialized agencies and institutions of the United Nations included non-self-governing territories in their work, fostering the participation in the latter in their work, and enhancing their integration and participation in the international development community.  The various United Nations programmes, funds and specialized agencies that provided aid to the various non-self-governing territories were thanked.  In 2006-2007, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) support to non-self-governing territories focused on disaster risk reduction, management and capacity building in the Caribbean regional context, as well as the development of small and medium entrepreneurship and environmental management.  UNDP should be commended for its work on implementation of United Nations mandates promoting the situation of non-self-governing territories.  The International Labour Organization was also working in the Caribbean and the Pacific regions, focusing on policymaking, capacity building, advisory services in labour and training, and other issues.  The Food and Agriculture Organization’s work on Small Island States was relevant to the work of non-self-governing territories. 

The Special Committee on Decolonization looked forward to working with the Council to advance the implementation of initiatives for the benefit of non-self-governing territories.  In 1999, the General Assembly began implementing provisions to allow for the associate members of regional commissions to participate in its relevant special sessions in the economic and social fields; however, the Council had not yet adopted the relevant provisions for the inclusion of the associate members that were the non-self-governing territories in its work.  The Committee was ready to continue to engage in fruitful cooperation with the Council in the common endeavour to assist and support the non-self-governing territories to make further progress in their economic and social advancement, and to help bring them closer to the ultimate goal of completing the decolonization process. 

AMR NOUR, Representative of the Regional Commissions’ New York Office, said that he would introduce the Secretary-General’s report on the review of the intergovernmental machinery of the Economic Commission for Africa (E/2007/15).  During the dialogue in the high-level segment, an overview analysis of the region’s assessments to eradicate poverty and hunger were highlighted.  The introductory statement would be on the efforts of the regional efforts to promote development.  The regional commissions had benefited from each others’ experiences and practices.  Since the last report to the Council, the interaction between the commissions had been intensified.  The outcome of the interaction had been satisfying.  Another reason of promoting regional cooperation was the signing of a regional agreement between the Economic Commission for Africa and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean to encourage South-South cooperation.  There were also several discussions taking place.  

The regional commissions were an important part of the regional landscape, he said.  Their partnerships with the institutions in the regions were revitalized.  Through reform and restructuring, the Economic Commission for Africa sought more complementarities.  The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean was further enhancing its cooperation with the Inter-American bank, for example.  The regional commissions had also signed memoranda of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund and other specialized agencies.  With regard to the decision and resolutions adopted by the Council, two of these resolutions required action by the Council.  It was hoped that the Council would adopt these two draft resolutions. 

Mr. NOUR, Representative of the Regional Commissions’ New York Office, said that he would introduce the note by the Secretary-General on the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan.  The report covered developments only until February 2007.  It contained detailed information.  As the report revealed, the occupation of the Palestinian territory by Israel continued to deepen the economic and social hardship for Palestinians.  The severe Israeli mobility restrictions and closure policies remained a primary cause of poverty and humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian Territory, and restricted Palestinian access to health and education services, employment, markets and social and religious networks.  Confiscation orders continued to be issued by the Israeli authorities throughout 2006.  According to the Office of for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the number of physical obstacles in the West Bank grew from 475 in January 2006 to 550 in February 2007.  The continuation by Israel to construct the barrier was having a major humanitarian impact on Palestinian communities living in the West Bank. 

Almost 15 per cent of all West Bank agricultural land had already been confiscated in connection to the construction of the barrier, including some of the most fertile land in the West Bank.  The fiscal situation of the Palestinian Authority was already considered unsustainable by the end of 2005.  Israel withheld Customs and Value Added tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority amounting to roughly $ 60 million.  That amounted to almost half of the Palestinian Authority’s monthly budget.  According to the International Monetary Fund, the financial resources of the Palestinian Authority shrank by 60 per cent from $ 1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2005 to $ 0.5 billion by the same quarter of 2006.  This financial crisis had left the public health system unable to sustain care levels.  Hospitals lacked adequate supplies, equipment maintenance, cleaning agents and the hygienic environments necessary to control infections.  Education services were disrupted as well.

General Discussion on Implementation of Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on Regional Cooperation

VASSILY NEFENZIA ( Russian Federation) said that, with regards to regional cooperation, the Russian Federation was determined to strengthen the role of the regional commissions to apply the United Nations’ socio-economic agenda in the regional context.  Recently, much attention had been devoted to ensure that the Commission’s attention was focused on the specific issues of the regions and sub-regions.  The Russian Federation was an active participant in two regional Commissions, and was interested in further interaction, in the interest of enhancing the economic potential of Member States.  There was an ongoing intensive and constructive discussion of problems on pan-European cooperation. 

The Russian Federation was interested in economic cooperation in Europe, and was determined to continue efforts to continue the integration of its economy in the European and world economies, and supported this through an annual contribution.  Socio-economic integration should be developed in the broadest terms, a positive role was played by the programmes of the Economic Commission for Europe and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in this regard.  Multilateral socio-economic integration in the ESCAP region was fully supported by the Russian Federation, in various ways, including the implementation of regional plans of action between the various organizations and bodies.  The practical significance of the Asia-Pacific Business Forum should not be disregarded. 

MOHAMMAD ABU-KOASH, Observer of Palestine said the tragedy of the Palestinian people had been manufactured in Europe during a colonial period from which many had suffered.  Independent developing countries had yet to recover from that terrible period of naked exploitation of the resources of the occupied to the benefit of the occupier.  The Palestinian people continued to suffer from a worse foreign occupation.  In its greed, Israel, the occupying power, was not accepting the creation of the promised Palestinian State, as its appetite for land had not abated.  That was the essence of the current conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, which should be resolved rather than the mere talk about the poor economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people, or the habitual action of engaging in lengthy negotiations demanding the occupied party offer more concessions on draft resolutions which had never been implemented after their adoption.

Multilayered inhibiting factors surrounded the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian society, crippling its institutions and tearing apart its social fabric.  Grappling for mere economic survival became remote amidst territorial disconuity.  The shift from development aid to humanitarian relief was the trend, and it appeared it would last long.  Striking a balance between the occupier and the occupied in dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict ignored the underlying causes of the socio-economic crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and only served to exacerbate the situation.  The first step to ease that crisis should be to ensure that Israel, the occupying power, complied with international law by assuming its responsibility for the well being of the occupied people.  There was an urgent need to revive the peace process through the determined efforts of the international community and the required political will of Israel to put an end to its occupation. 

KHALIL BITAR ( Syria) said that, concerning the repercussions of the occupation of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria took due note of the Secretary-General’s report.  The report was only a drop in the ocean by the practices exercised by the Israelis.  The economic situation of the Arabic Syrian population continued to deteriorate.  These practices had spread to all aspects of life.  The situation and practices of the Israeli occupiers against the Palestinian people were contrary to all fundamental rights, such as housing and work.  All of these practices were part of the Israeli strategy to put pressure on the Syrians so that they would leave the territory.  The annexation of the Syrian Golan was null and void under international law.  Syrian citizens expelled in 1976 were prevented from returning to their homes.  The establishment of Israeli settlements was continuing in the Syrian Golan.  With regard to the pressure exercised on Syrian citizens, there were shortages in medical services and first aid.  There was no authorization to exercise a medical profession in the occupied Golan.  The occupying authorities also imposed teaching curricula, which were blurring the link with Syria. 

There were prohibitive conditions and administrative overloads, he said.  Water flows were diverted away to the Israeli people.  There was shrinkage of agricultural farmland as well as seizure of farmland.  The size was getting worse and worse, also due to the minefields.  Those mines were now in farmland.  Nuclear waste had also been buried there.  These were the results of 40 years of Israeli occupation.  The Palestinian people were not able to move freely.  All this was discussed instead of the Millennium Development Goals.  The occupying authorities did not want to ensure the development of the Palestinians.  The practices were affecting children and women.  The occupying authorities were trying to divert the world’s attention from the deplorable conditions the Palestinian people were living in.  These people had already suffered enough daily humiliation.  They should catch up now with the rest of the world.  

SVETLANA MOSCHINSKAYA ( Belarus) said the report on the economic and social consequences of the occupation had been carefully studied.  Despite the efforts by the international community, the situation in Palestine continued to be of serious concern.  The Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory continued to impact the socio-economic and living conditions of the Palestinian people.  The basic reasons for poverty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continued to be the system of isolation of regions used by Israel, reducing the possibility for Palestinians to obtain education, employment, access to markets and communications, among others.  The policy of confiscation of land, running counter to the Geneva Conventions and other norms of international law, caused the isolation of the Palestinian people, with particular effects on the economy of the region.

The situation in Palestine particularly affected women, children and refugees.  The efforts of the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council were supported, and the Council should also follow the developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and take steps to reverse the serious decline in the economic and social situation in the area, caused by the Israeli occupation. 

TIBOR SHALEV-SCHLOSSER ( Israel) said he would not waste time answering the statement of the Syrian representative, designed only by his own rich imagination.  Israel wanted to express its disappointment that this forum was being exploited again for discussion of a situation which was political in nature and would only serve to overshadow the important work of the Economic and Social Council.  While the report was still inherently flawed by its one-sided scope and its heavy reliance on biased source material, Israel was interested to note some changes from previous years’ routine.  The report noted that the fiscal situation in the territories deteriorated after the election of the terror group Hamas-led Government in January 2006, with donors’ justifiable reluctance to support a Palestinian Authority who would not commit to the Quartet Principles of renunciation of violence, the recognition of Israel and the acceptance of previous agreements and obligations.  Notwithstanding this, the report stated that the international community channelled more than $450 million in direct humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians last year, revenue that was supplemented by the resumption of tax revenue transfer between Israel and the Palestinians in January 2007.

There were small comforts indeed, he said.  The report conspicuously failed to mention the campaign of terror and violence perpetuated against Israel over the past six years, including repeated attacks at border crossings, which understandably necessitated increased security measures.  Nor did the report take into account the undeniable fact that suicide bombings had decreased 100 per cent since the construction of the security barrier, the full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or the continued firing of rockets which targeted Israeli civilians.  The failings of the report paled in comparison to the deep-seated flaws of the draft resolution regarding the issue that was currently being circulated.  A resolution crammed with inflammatory language which pointedly refused to take into account any facts that did not support its pre-determined outcome should not have a place in either ECOSOC or the United Nations.  The motivation behind the introduction of this resolution was not improving the economic and social situation of the Palestinians or the Israelis to live in conditions of secure peace, but rather a persistent, politically motivated vilification of Israel in this and other United Nations forums.

PEDRO LUIS PEDROSO ( Cuba) said that, after nearly half a century, the United Nations, including the Economic and Social Council, had adopted many resolutions regarding systematic violations of international humanitarian law, in particular with regards to the situation of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  This had led to constant condemnation by the United Nations bodies.  The exactions by Israeli soldiers had destroyed infrastructure and led to many deaths, including that of children, and had impeded development.  They had impacted employment possibilities, as well as the economic well being of the Palestinian people, and had caused a deterioration of their situation.  The Israeli violations continued, despite the condemnation of international bodies.

The Palestinian Authority suffered economically from the violations, and the majority of the Palestinian people suffered from the occupation.  It was essential to continue to show solidarity and to ensure a continuing flow of medicine to the affected, with the provision of assistance, the building of hospitals and the provision of ambulances.  The military occupation was condemned, as were the exactions of the Israeli authorities.  The fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people should be respected, including the establishment of a Palestinian State with its capital in East Jerusalem.  There should be a lasting peace in the region, and the Council should work in consensus to find a solution to the problem.  The situation in the Gaza Strip should be resolved.  The people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be able to solve their problems through peaceful means.  The relevant resolutions of the United Nations should be implemented, and a peace that would bring a lasting end to the conflict be found.

IDRISS JAZAIRY ( Algeria) said that items 9 and 11 related to the same tragedy.  The land of the Palestinians had been transformed into a prison.  Algeria was left wordless by the repetition of the injustices by the occupation forces.  Destitution, marginalization and humiliation together with the destruction of infrastructure and the plundering of resources were the consequence of the political stalemate.  The humanitarian response by the United Nations was shrinking while the need of the Palestine population was increasing.  The international community should have the necessary courage to urge the parties concerned to engage in good faith in a dialogue towards achieving self-determination of occupied territories.  It was the refusal of such a dialogue, which had caused despair.  In all non-self-governing territories, the refusal of dialogue of occupying forces always led to violence.  The solution was to provide an outcome to ensure peace.  If there was going to be a new policy by Israel, changing from present practices, there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

QIAN JIN ( China) said with regards to regional cooperation, this was a matter of great importance, and China had always actively participated in this in the region.  It was an effective approach for dealing with the challenges of globalization.  China had always actively participated in a constructive manner with the various regional organizations for cooperation.  The economies of various countries in the region had demonstrated remarkable progress, especially the economies of the developing countries.  Good economic growth was strongly linked to economic demand and the low cost of international financing.  The economy in the region would continue its strong economic growth in 2007, thanks to efforts including regional cooperation. Since its founding, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific had done a great deal. 

MUHAMMAD ANSHOR ( Indonesia) said that Indonesia was deeply disturbed that the Palestinian people continued to suffer from daily violence and death inflicted by Israel.  With the continued violence, the death toll had continued to increase as reflected in the report.  Indonesia was dismayed at the total disregard of the Israeli Government and its forces for the inviolability of the lives and safety of the civilian population under its occupation.  Even within measures, including resolutions by the United Nations to stop the violence, Israel had continued with its belligerence and disregard for the rule of law.  Israel continued to construct the barrier and expand its settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territory as well as the systematic seizure of large tracts of Palestinian lands and housing in East Jerusalem in spite of General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 and the Advisory Opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice in July 2004. 

The consequence of all these actions was that the Palestinian people’s economic and social well-being had been severely undermined as the Palestinian fiscal crisis showed, he said.  Economic indicators showed that unemployment rates had doubled and poverty in the occupied Palestinian Territory had increased.  Food insecurity, lack of access to water resources and strains on the environment were threatening the very existence of the Palestinian people.  The deterioration of the humanitarian situation and socio-economic conditions in the occupied Palestinian Territory must be reversed.  Indonesia in this regard remained fully committed to support the struggle of Palestinians to achieve their inalienable rights and their aspirations to live in a secure and prosperous independent homeland.

ABDULLAH RASHWAN ( Saudi Arabia) said the Palestinians were going through a difficult and hard stage of their life due to their economic, social and living conditions.  Many resolutions had called for an intervention to put an end to the economic blockade against the Palestinian people, with a view to also allowing freedom of movement for the population and for goods.  Measures taken by the occupation ran counter to international law, and did not improve the situation of the Palestinian people.  The Secretary-General’s report showed that the economic situation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories was the cause of the majority of the suffering of Palestinians.

The blockade by the Israeli authorities was the very reason for the poverty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  The Council should adopt a uniform position by deciding to put an end to the sufferings of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Territories, and those of the Syrians in the Occupied Syrian Golan.  The peace process should be resumed on the basis of the appropriate Security Council resolutions.

RICHARD T. MILLER ( United States) said the debate was taking a character that was more anti-Israeli than pro-Palestinian, which was not the same thing.  The United States shared the concerns about the situation of the Palestinian people.  As a member of the Quartet, the United Nations must be seen by both sides as an honest broker.  One-sided debates and resolutions that ignored the facts could undermine the role of the United Nations in this regard.  It was a choice between violence on the one, and tolerance on the other.  Hamas had made its choice.  President Bush underscored the United States commitment for a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Right of Reply

Mr. LOULICHKI (Morocco), speaking in a right of reply, said with regards to the statement just made by Algeria, in that statement, the speaker had deemed fit to make a connection between the situation of the Palestinian people and that in the Southern Provinces of Morocco and the populations of the Sahara.  It was the responsibility of the Government of Algeria that the people of the Tinduf were imprisoned, and were not free to move.  In Morocco, the populations were free, and benefited from a wide scope of liberty.

Mr. JAZAIRY ( Algeria), speaking in a right of reply, said that at no stage in his statement had he spoken of prisoners or mentioned the people living in the Western Sahara.  In talking of the imprisonment of the Sahara population, it was difficult to see how the World Food Programme and other organizations that came to visit the population in Tinduf could be considered accomplices.  The speaker had referred to the Western Sahara as the South of Morocco.  This was in itself a refusal to recognize the status as set out by the United Nations.  There was no southern province in Morocco other than that in Morocco’s imagination.

Mr. LOULICHKI ( Morocco), speaking in a second right of reply, said all delegations and the Secretariat should note what Algeria had just said.  The Algerian Representative had denied speaking of the Western Sahara, but Morocco had carefully noted what had been said.  The Secretariat should listen to the recording and distinguish whether the Algerian speaker had spoken of the Western Sahara or not.  The Algerian speaker had spoken of tens of thousands, which raised a question with regards to the census of that population.  For many years, Morocco had been requesting figures, and the Algerian Government had refused permission to UNHCR to undertake such a census.  With regards to the situation of the Western Sahara, Morocco was convinced of its rights, but given the artificial difference created and maintained by neighbouring Algeria, it had insisted on an autonomous status, and this was finally being settled. 

Mr. JAZAIRY ( Algeria), speaking in a second right of reply, said when Algeria mentioned the populations living imprisoned by the occupying forces, it only made a reference to the Western Sahara in connection to Palestine.  The sentence of the prisons was before he mentioned the Western Sahara.  As to the status of the Sahara, the Security Council had reiterated its appeal for negotiations between Morocco and the population of the Western Sahara to discuss any solutions compatible with the principle of self-determination.  Algeria believed that if both sides showed good faith, a solution could be found.  

Documents

The Council has before it the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) (E/2007/56).  According to the report, in 2007, increases in incidence of new HIV infections and in the number of deaths owing to AIDS go hand-in-hand with a much expanded coverage rate of antiretroviral treatment.  At the country level, building on the “Three Ones” principles, partners in the response increasingly work together, including governments, multilateral and bilateral donors and agencies, the United Nations system, civil society and the private sector.  The coverage and quality of monitoring and evaluation, as well as HIV surveillance, have increased significantly, resulting in better and more specific information gathered at the country level and thus better global reporting.  Prevention has re-emerged as the mainstay of the response.  With “Uniting for HIV Prevention”, UNAIDS and its partners have intensified advocacy and policy guidance on prevention and are assisting countries in ensuring that national targets for universal access include specific and measurable targets for prevention.  The report also underscores the need for respect for, and promotion of, human rights, as without removing barriers such as stigma, discrimination, inequality of women and the marginalized position of people living with HIV, the goal of universal access will remain a distant ideal.  The report then offers a series of recommendations, focusing on support for UNAIDS efforts and policies.

The Council has before it report of the Secretary-General on genetic privacy and non-discrimination (E/2007/65 and Add.1 and 2), which includes information and comments received from Member States and entities of the United Nations system on Economic and Social Council resolution 2004/9 entitled “Genetic privacy and non-discrimination”.  The report highlights the potentials and dangers of new developments in the genetic field and reviews initiatives taken to provide a framework for ensuring respect for genetic privacy and non-discrimination, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, a major development at the international level since the Council considered the matter in 2004.  The report concludes with the recommendation that the Council may wish to decide on the most appropriate forums at which to consider the issue further.

A first addendum to the report contains information submitted by the Russian Federation on this topic, noting that forensic genetic work based on DNA analysis is performed in 30 criminal investigation units in the Russian Federation.  There is also a draft federal act on State genome registration aimed at laying the legal bases for the preventive collection, storage and use of biological material for the identification of individuals and for use in efforts to combat crime.

Addendum 2 sets out measures Cuba has adopted to preserve the genetic privacy of its citizens and to ensure non-discrimination against them, including the establishment of the Cuban National Genetic Network, comprising 184 medical genetic centres throughout the country, which is regulated by a set of ethical norms governing the use of the genetic information of Cuban citizens who benefit from public assistance or participate in genetic research.

Introductory Statements on the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and Genetic Privacy and Non-Discrimination

PETER PIOT, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), introducing the report of UNAIDS over the past biennium, said there had been some real progress since 2005.  In many populations in East Africa, the Caribbean and some parts of Asia, HIV infection levels were falling.  Investment in AIDS had increased steadily - there was good progress, but it still fell short of the $ 18 billion needed to counter the epidemic effectively.  Political support had remained solid.  Over the past two years, the Joint Programme had reinforced work in its five core areas.  It had accelerated and strengthened United Nations action at country level, and taken steps to work together more coherently at both global and national levels. 

Since 2006, one of UNAIDS’ prime tasks had been to help set national targets towards universal access.  There were now 65 Joint United Nations Teams working on AIDS, half of which had agreed joint programmes.  UNAIDS had built on its experience as a pathfinder for United Nations reform through the Unified Budget and Work Plan.  It had also focused on making the money work for universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.  It had scaled up efforts to harmonize and improve monitoring and evaluation activities at global and national levels, as well as strengthening capacity to track resource flows and enhance reporting.  Further, it had helped mobilize financial resources for the response to AIDS in low and middle-income countries.  Finally, it had promoted civil society and leadership.

UNAIDS was maturing - it was now 11 years old.  However, the global AIDS epidemic showed no signs of abating.  The world was at a new milestone in its response to AIDS - at a point where it should acknowledge that AIDS was not just a short-term emergency, but also a long-term crisis that would require serious commitment and serious resources for decades, not years to come.  It was time, therefore, to ensure that everything done now contributed to an effective response that could be sustained over the long term.  It was time to get more serious about coherence and accountability.  It was time to intensify efforts to mobilize funding, to strengthen prevention efforts, and to work harder to tackle the fundamental drivers of the epidemic.  AIDS should retain its appropriate place, high on international and national political agendas. 

NIKHIL SETH, Director of the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, said in an introductory statement on the agenda item on social and human rights questions: genetic privacy and non-discrimination, that this report included information and comments received from Member States.  These inputs highlighted the dangers in the genetic framework.  The report referred to the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights.  The issue of genetic privacy had been on the agenda of the Economic and Social Council since 2001.  During that time, important work had been carried out, particularly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.  Given the limited response and taking into account that the matter was considered in other United Nations fora, the Council may decide in which forum the matter should be discussed further on.

General Discussion on the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and Genetic Privacy and Non-Discrimination

Ms. MOSCHINSKAYA ( Belarus), said UNAIDS was the only body of the United Nations to cover this issue concerning HIV/AIDS exclusively.  It was making unprecedented efforts to mobilize all resources.  Its efforts were welcomed, as were its initiatives to deal with the epidemic, at the country level and in full use of country resources, to bring about a global resolution to the situation.  Thanks to its efforts, the international community had brought about considerable progress.  However, the situation required further measures, and the international community should extend practices and strategy to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS infection.  UNAIDS should continue to assist countries to coordinate and implement their national strategies. 

A systematic and State approach, as well as cooperation with the international community, UNAIDS, the Global Fund and other international organizations made it possible to develop an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS and treatment of the situation.  Work that had been done was already producing results.  Belarus occupied a leading position in Eastern Europe in combating HIV/AIDS, and in the light of current trends, it should be able not only to halt dissemination of the epidemic but also to reverse it entirely. 

Mr. JAZAIRY ( Algeria) thanked Dr. Piot for his presentation.  All regions of the world were seeing an increase of the number of people living with HIV/AIDS.  3 million persons had died.  Efforts to combat the pandemic were moving forward as there was more reliable data worldwide.  Algeria renewed its commitment with regard to this issue.  In the country, the fight against AIDS was a public health priority.  Hospital reforms had been introduced.  Yet, there were still gaps in the system.  Unsafe sex practices and transfer through drug use was still a problem.  The efforts were based on the declaration to combat AIDS from 2001. 

In terms of prevention, Algeria was half way to attaining the Millennium Development Goals 6, he said.  Algeria was pleased that UNAIDS had proposed a guide of measures to be taken.  Algeria adopted the three-ones principles in 2005.  This commitment had enabled the country to ensure universal access throughout the country and ensure measures for prevention and treatment.  Algeria was providing free care for people with HIV/AIDS through special centres.  With regard to monitoring, a mechanism for the health information system had been introduced.  Patient confidentiality should be ensured.  Evaluation systems had been put together for national databases. 

LIU ZHONGXIN ( China) said China had a good cooperative relationship with UNAIDS, and its successful work should be commended.  HIV/AIDS seriously affected the health of humankind, and the economic and social development of many countries.  Of HIV/AIDS carriers, 90 per cent of them were in developing countries, which faced serious challenges in this regard.  The international community should strengthen assistance to these countries in order to improve their ability to fight the epidemic. 

The Government of China had perfected and established mechanisms against HIV/AIDS, with resolute, effective and transparent policies in the legislative, medical and advocacy fields which had yielded good results.  China would continue to promote the implementation of General Assembly resolutions in this regard.  The international community should pay attention to health issues so as to accelerate economic and social development globally.  In principle, China agreed with the contents of the report, but paragraphs 58 and 58 included figures that showed that the coverage of those who had received treatment were low, and the reason for this should be studied, resulting in recommendations to improve these.  

Mr. MILLER ( United States) said that it was now a transformational moment with regard to the fight against AIDS.  At the recently concluded PCB meeting, the United States joined the PCB Bureau as Vice-chair.  In the fourth year of President’s Bush emergency plan for AIDS relief, the United States was supporting people through bilateral programmes and multilateral organizations.  The emergency plan had been extended to $30 billion for five additional years.  The leaders of the G-8 summit had pledged to scale up resource to $ 60 billion in the coming years and to adjust specific numerical targets.  This was a major step towards accountability.

The old donor-recipient approach, which failed, had been replaced through partnerships, he said.  The United States was privileged to partner with a number of governmental, non-governmental, local and other organizations to achieve these goals.  The United States was supportive of empowering national governments with regard to the fight against AIDS.  Responses must be tailored to each country’s specificities.  The crisis in human resources in health was a problem, especially in Africa.  Potential solutions like the task shift from higher scale to lower scale for health care workers must be found. 

SANSANEE SAHUSSARUNGSI ( Thailand) said Thailand attached great importance to the promotion of national ownership and leadership with regards to the AIDS process.  The goal of universal access could not be achieved without the active cooperation and involvement of the country concerned.  Enhancing national capacity was a key factor that would contribute to success in this common endeavour.  There was a clear need to enhance national capacity in the affected countries in many vital areas.  With a strong and healthy society and a population that was educated about HIV/AIDS, the people themselves would join in efforts on treatment, care, prevention and support.  All relevant partners should continue to actively build on the Three-Ones process, and support the process.

HIV/AIDS was one of the most daunting challenges of this era, and required the collective efforts of the national and international communities.  Access to treatment and care had increased in recent years - this was a welcome development, but this did not mean the international community should rest on its laurels.  Statistics showed that the number of people with HIV/AIDS had actually increased - it was important therefore to double and redouble national efforts.  Prevention programmes were instrumental and should be sustainable and adaptable to changes in terms of human behaviour and the changes in the epidemic.  HIV/AIDS not only affected health, but also had a direct effect on the socio-economic fabric of society. 

YASSIN EISA MOHAMED ( Sudan) said that Sudan was committed to control and fight HIV/AIDS.  One of the vital steps was to make use of the available funds.  Training courses had been organized on sexual transmitted diseases, among other subjects.  The development of the national policy documents was successfully accomplished last year.  All this had been carried out using Government resources.  But more resources were required from donors.   

TROY F. TORRINGTON ( Guyana) said regional cooperation was important in complementing other approaches to combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.  HIV/AIDS represented a critical development challenge for the countries of the Caribbean.  This had led to the formation of the Pan-Caribbean Formation against HIV/AIDS, which aimed to scale up the fight against the disease in the region.  Such regional cooperation approaches held many opportunities to increase the fight against HIV/AIDS at all levels. 

RUBEN MOLINA ( Venezuela) thanked Dr. Piot for his report.  In Venezuela, there was a national programme against AIDS with four components: education, management, treatment and epidemiological issues.  Among the most important results was that the programme made it possible to train professionals and students through prevention workshops.  Agreements had been set up with various universities.  In terms of treatment, universal and free retroviral medicines were provided.  Venezuela was also dealing with AIDS from a human rights point of view.  It guaranteed treatment of persons with AIDS on the basis of integration and solidarity. 

An integrated approach needed to be adopted to ensure that all sides of the problems were addressed, he said.  There had been an increase in the epidemic with a disproportionate number of infected women, and special measures had to be taken to help them.  Prevention campaigns must be directed at the most vulnerable populations, such as drug users and sex workers.  As a result of the human rights’ approach, Venezuela recognized the need for the latter’s legal protection.  Venezuela would like to reiterate its commitment to ensure universal access to retroviral medicines.

INGEBORG BREINES, of the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said it was important to underline that the text of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights was the beginning rather than the end of a process of internationalization of bioethics.  Special attention needed to be given to the application of the principles and the dissemination and the promotion of the Declaration.  Member States that had not already done so were encouraged to establish bioethics committees; to promote informed pluralistic debate; to foster bioethics education and training; and to take appropriate legal measures to facilitate transnational research.  International organizations such as UNESCO would continue to assist countries in developing an ethical infrastructure to help human beings everywhere to benefit from the advances of science and technology within a framework of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

While all of its sectors were engaged with the organization’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, UNESCO’s main participation in and contribution to UNAIDS was in the field of education.  In 2004, the UNAIDS Committee of Cosponsoring Organizations had launched the Global Initiative on Education and HIV/AIDS, in recognition of the vital role of the education sector in the national response to HIV/AIDS, which was led by UNESCO with the collaboration of UNAIDS cosponsors and key stakeholders.  There had been some achievements, success and lessons learned as to the cultural perspective on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, notably in relation to prevention, human rights and reducing vulnerability. 

Mr. PIOT, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said he wanted to thank the participants for their support and comments.  It was a transformational moment, as the representative of the United States said.  On the questions from Algeria and China, the issue in terms of treatment became more and more complex.  Significant progress had been made.  Now there were 2.5 million people under treatment.  Most of the people living with HIV did not know of their infection so they would not seek treatment.  The prices for the treatment had also come down.  It could be an obstacle if people became resistant and had to take second-line treatment. 

For every person put on treatment in the world, there were six new infections, he said.  Strong prevention elements in national development and AIDS plans were necessary.  Providing technical normative guidance was another important element.  Organizing technical support through South-South cooperation and the use of local expertise was also necessary.  Building a constituency for prevention was the fourth point.  Regional collaboration was absolutely vital.  UNAIDS had been extremely active in the Caribbean, for example.

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For information media • not an official record