UN Human Rights Treaties

UNITED NATIONS
A
General Assembly
Distr.
GENERAL
A/50/3
13 September 1995
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
Fiftieth session
REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL*
________________________
* The present document is a preliminary version of the parts of the
report of the Economic and Social Council relating to the organizational and
resumed organizational sessions for 1995 and the substantive session of 1995.
The part of the report relating to the resumed substantive session will be
issued as an addendum to this document. The final report will be issued as
Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 3
(A/50/3/Rev.1).
The resolutions and decisions adopted by the Council at the organizational
and resumed organizational sessions for 1995 and at the substantive session of
1995 were issued initially in documents E/1995/INF/4 and Add.1 and 2. Those
adopted at the resumed substantive session will be issued in document
E/1995/INF/4/Add.3. The resolutions and decisions will be issued in final form
in Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement No. 1
(E/1995/95).
95-27823 (E) 131095 /...
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
I. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR BROUGHT TO
ITS ATTENTION ................................................... 6
II. HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE COUNCIL ............................... 16
III. COORDINATION OF THE POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SPECIALIZED
AGENCIES AND OTHER BODIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM .......... 30
A. Coordinated follow-up by the United Nations system and
implementation of the results of the major international
conferences organized by the United Nations in the economic,
social and related fields ................................... 30
B. Implementation of the agreed conclusions of the 1994
coordination segment of the Council ......................... 37
IV. OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION ......................................... 39
V. SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS ................. 49
A. Special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance 49
B. Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third
Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination ........... 54
C. 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 .......................... 54
D. Human rights questions ...................................... 56
E. Advancement of women ........................................ 71
F. Social development questions ................................ 74
G. Crime prevention and criminal justice ....................... 78
H. Narcotic drugs .............................................. 81
I. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ............... 83
VI. ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS ............................ 85
A. Sustainable development ..................................... 87
B. Trade and development ....................................... 88
C. Food and agricultural development ........................... 88
D. Science and technology for development ...................... 88
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CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter Page
E. Implementation of the Programme of Action of the
International Conference on Population and Development ...... 91
F. International migration and development ..................... 94
G. Human settlements ........................................... 94
H. Environment ................................................. 95
I. Desertification and drought ................................. 95
J. Transport of dangerous goods ................................ 96
K. Women in development ........................................ 96
L. Prevention and control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) ...................................................... 97
M. International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade ... 98
N. International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction ......... 98
O. Statistics .................................................. 103
P. Energy ...................................................... 104
Q. Public administration and development ....................... 104
VII. REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND RELATED FIELDS . 105
VIII. PERMANENT SOVEREIGNTY OVER NATIONAL RESOURCES IN THE OCCUPIED
PALESTINIAN AND OTHER ARAB TERRITORIES .......................... 109
IX. COORDINATION QUESTIONS .......................................... 111
X. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS .................................. 116
XI. UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY ....................................... 119
XII. PROGRAMME AND RELATED QUESTIONS IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
RELATED FIELDS .................................................. 120
XIII. ELECTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, NOMINATIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS .......... 121
XIV. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS ................................ 127
A. Bureau of the Council ....................................... 127
B. Programme of work and agendas ............................... 127
C. Committee for Development Planning .......................... 129
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CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter Page
D. Full participation of the European Community in the
Commission on Sustainable Development ....................... 130
E. Commission on Population and Development and periodicity of
its meetings ................................................ 130
F. Dates of the fourth session of the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice ............................. 130
G. Dates of the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders ..................... 130
H. Dates of the Twelfth Meeting of Experts on the United Nations
Programme in Public Administration and Finance .............. 130
I. Agenda for development ...................................... 131
J. Extraordinary additional session of the Committee on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ........................ 131
K. 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations and second session of the Open-ended Working
Group on the Review of Arrangements for Consultations with
Non-Governmental Organizations .............................. 131
L. Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations Programme on Human
Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ... 132
M. Social, humanitarian and human rights questions: reports of
subsidiary bodies, conferences and related questions: human
rights questions ............................................ 132
N. Documentation ............................................... 133
O. Operational activities of the United Nations for
international development cooperation segment ............... 133
P. Informal consultations on the draft platform for action of
the Fourth World Conference on Women ........................ 133
Q. Open-ended Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests of the
Commission on Sustainable Development ....................... 133
R. Transformation of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and
Programmes of the World Food Programme into an Executive
Board ....................................................... 134
S. Accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the Fourth
World Conference on Women ................................... 134
T. Requests by non-governmental organizations for hearings ..... 135
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CONTENTS (continued)
Page
Annexes
I. Agendas of the organizational session for 1995 and the
substantive session of 1995 ..................................... 136
II. Composition of the Council and its subsidiary and related bodies*
III. Intergovernmental organizations designated by the Council under
rule 79 of the rules of procedure for participation in the
deliberations of the Council on questions within the scope of
their activities ................................................ 139
IV. List of resolutions and decisions adopted by the Council in 1995*
________________________
* To be issued in an addendum to the present document.
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Chapter I
MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION
1. In 1995, the Economic and Social Council adopted resolutions and decisions
that call for action by the General Assembly. The relevant paragraphs of those
resolutions and decisions are summarized below.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOOD AID POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES OF THE WORLD
FOOD PROGRAMME INTO AN EXECUTIVE BOARD
Revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme and
reconstitution of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes as the
Executive Board of the World Food Programme 1/
By decision 1995/227, the Council recommended to the General Assembly the
adoption of the draft resolution contained therein.
OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
COOPERATION
Target for World Food Programme pledges for the period 1997-1998 2/
By resolution 1995/3, the Council recommended to the General Assembly the
adoption of the draft resolution contained therein.
United Nations Population Fund: institutional arrangements 3/
By decision 1995/231, the Council, taking note of decision 95/20 of the
Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations
Population Fund, endorsed and recommended to the General Assembly for
endorsement at its fiftieth session the agreement between the Programme and the
Fund relating to resident country directors.
Office to Combat Desertification and Drought 4/
By decision 1995/232, the Council, taking into account decision 95/24 of
the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations
Population Fund, took note of the change of the name of the United Nations
Sudano-Sahelian Office to Office to Combat Desertification and Drought, the
acronym UNSO being retained, and decided to inform the General Assembly of the
change of name.
1/ See chap. XIV, sect. R, paras. 67-70.
2/ See chap. IV, paras. 29-30.
3/ See chap. IV, paras. 24-26.
4/ See chap. IV, para. 27.
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Operational activities of the United Nations for international development
cooperation segment 5/
By resolution 1995/50, the Council, recalling General Assembly resolutions
44/211, 46/219, 47/199 and 48/162, requested the Secretary-General to finalize
the report requested in paragraph 55 of Assembly resolution 47/199 and to submit
to the Assembly at its fiftieth session, in consultation with Member States, a
comprehensive analysis of the implementation of that resolution, with
appropriate recommendations, taking into account also the work and outcome of
the open-ended working group of the Assembly on a new funding system for
operational activities for development and the need to implement paragraph 3 of
resolution 47/199.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: SPECIAL ECONOMIC, HUMANITARIAN
AND DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE
Participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in activities of the United
Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical
cooperation for development 6/
By resolution 1995/44, the Council, recalling General Assembly resolution
49/139 B and reaffirming the guiding principles on humanitarian assistance
contained in Assembly resolution 46/182, requested the Secretary-General to
prepare an updated report on recent developments regarding the implementation of
the "White Helmets" initiative for submission to the General Assembly at its
fiftieth session, and recommended that the Assembly include the initiative and
the consideration of the above-mentioned report as a separate item in the agenda
of its fiftieth session.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS
Measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance 7/
By decision 1995/255, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/12, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General without further delay to provide the Special Rapporteur on contemporary
forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance with
all the necessary assistance in carrying out his mandate and enabling him to
submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and a
comprehensive report to the Commission at its fifty-second session.
World conference against racism, racial and ethnic discrimination,
xenophobia and other related contemporary forms of intolerance 8/
By decision 1995/294, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights decision 1995/104, approved the Commission’s recommendation to the
General Assembly to consider at its fiftieth session the possibility of
5/ See chap. IV, paras. 31-36.
6/ See chap. V, sect. A, paras. 23-26.
7/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 68.
8/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 103.
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convening a world conference against racism, racial and ethnic discrimination,
xenophobia and other related contemporary forms of intolerance.
Implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of
Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief 9/
By decision 1995/260, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/23, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for
three years the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The Council also approved
the Commission’s request to the Secretary-General to provide all necessary
assistance to the Special Rapporteur to enable him to carry out his mandate, to
submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and to
report to the Commission at its fifty-second session.
Assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law 10/
By decision 1995/270, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/54, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General to explore the possibilities of obtaining from all relevant institutions
of the United Nations system, including financial institutions, acting within
their mandates, technical and financial means to strengthen the capacity of the
Centre for Human Rights to provide assistance to national projects aiming at the
realization of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law, and to
submit a report on the matter to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
Situation of human rights in Cambodia 11/
By decision 1995/271, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/55, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General to renew the mandate of his Special Representative for Human Rights in
Cambodia as set out in paragraph 6 of Commission resolution 1993/6, and also
approved the Commission’s request to the Special Representative to submit an
interim report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and to report to
the Commission at its fifty-second session.
Human rights and disability 12/
By decision 1995/274, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/58, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General to report biennially to the General Assembly on the progress of efforts
to ensure the full recognition and enjoyment of the human rights of persons with
disabilities.
Composition of the staff of the Centre for Human Rights 13/
By decision 1995/275, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/61, endorsed the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
9/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 73.
10/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 111.
11/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 112.
12/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 113.
13/ See chap. V, sect. D, paras. 114-121.
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General to submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth
session on the geographical composition and functions of the staff of the Centre
for Human Rights and other categories of officers involved in its activities,
including measures adopted, and their results, and recommendations for improving
the current situation.
Respect for the universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of
family reunification 14/
By decision 1995/276, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/62, approved the Commission’s recommendation that the
General Assembly consider at its fiftieth session the question of respect for
the universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family
reunification.
Situation of human rights in Cuba 15/
By decision 1995/277, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/66, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for one
year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Cuba. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the Special
Rapporteur to maintain direct contacts with the Government and citizens of Cuba
as specified in previous resolutions of the Commission and the Commission’s
request to the Special Rapporteur to carry out his mandate, bearing in mind,
inter alia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to submit an interim
report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and to report to the
Commission at its fifty-second session on the results of his endeavours pursuant
to Commission resolution 1995/66.
Human rights situation in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa 16/
By decision 1995/278, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/67, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General to report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and to the
Commission at its fifty-second session on the results of his efforts.
Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran 17/
By decision 1995/279, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/68, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for a
further year the mandate of the Special Representative on the situation of human
rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as contained in Commission resolution
1984/54. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the Special
Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its
fiftieth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of
Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Baha’is, and to
report to the Commission at its fifty-second session.
14/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 122.
15/ See chap. V, sect. D, paras. 85-86.
16/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 123.
17/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 87.
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Situation of human rights in Haiti 18/
By decision 1995/281, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/70, approved the Commission’s request to the Secretary-
General to appoint an independent expert to furnish assistance to the Government
of Haiti in the area of human rights, to examine the development of the
situation of human rights in Haiti and to monitor the fulfilment by Haiti of its
obligations in the field. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to
the independent expert to submit a report on the implementation of Commission
resolution 1995/70 to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and to the
Commission at its fifty-second session.
Situation of human rights in Myanmar 19/
By decision 1995/283, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/72, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for one
year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Myanmar to establish or continue contacts with the Government and people of
Myanmar, including political leaders deprived of their liberty, their families
and their lawyers. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the
Special Rapporteur to report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and
to the Commission at its fifty-second session.
Situation of human rights in Afghanistan 20/
By decision 1995/285, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/74, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for one
year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Afghanistan. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the Special
Rapporteur to report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
Situation of human rights in Iraq 21/
By decision 1995/286, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/76, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for a
further year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in Iraq. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the
Special Rapporteur to report periodically to the Commission on the situation of
human rights in Iraq and to submit an interim report on the question to the
General Assembly at its fiftieth session and a report to the Commission at its
fifty-second session.
Situation of human rights in the Sudan 22/
By decision 1995/287, the Council, taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1995/77, approved the Commission’s decision to extend for an
additional year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
18/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 89.
19/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 91.
20/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 93.
21/ See chap. V, sect. D, para. 94.
22/ See chap. V, sect. D, paras. 95-96.
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rights in the Sudan. The Council also approved the Commission’s request to the
Special Rapporteur to report his findings and recommendations to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session and to the Commission at its fifty-second
session.
Payment of honoraria to members of the Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights 23/
By decisions 1995/302 A and B, the Council, recalling its decision
1993/297, in which it endorsed the recommendation of the Committee on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights that payment should be authorized to each member of
the Committee of an honorarium equivalent to that payable to the members of
other relevant treaty bodies, such as the Human Rights Committee, noted that no
action had yet been taken by the General Assembly and urged the Assembly to give
speedy attention to the matter. The Council, noting that members of the Human
Rights Committee, as well as of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination and the Committee on the Rights of the Child, all received a
modest honorarium for their services and that as a result of measures approved
by the General Assembly members of two of the remaining three human rights
treaty bodies would also do so, and recognizing that it was inequitable for the
one remaining committee to be treated differently in that respect, urged the
Assembly to authorize payment to each member of the Committee on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights of an honorarium equivalent to that payable to the
members of other relevant treaty bodies.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat 24/
By resolution 1995/28, the Council requested the Secretary-General to
ensure that a progress report on the status of women in the Secretariat
containing, inter alia, information on activities undertaken towards the
achievement of the goals and objectives contained in the strategic plan of
action for the improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat (1995-2000)
and policy measures aimed at the prevention of sexual harassment in the
Secretariat would be presented to the Commission on the Status of Women at its
fortieth session and to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS
International Year of Older Persons: towards a society for all ages 25/
By resolution 1995/21, the Council recommended to the General Assembly the
adoption of the draft resolution contained therein.
Social development 26/
By resolution 1995/60, the Council, recalling the Copenhagen Declaration on
Social Development, in particular commitment 10, and the Programme of Action of
23/ See chap. V, sect. D, paras. 124-127.
24/ See chap. V, sect. E, para. 145.
25/ See chap. V, sect. F, para. 165.
26/ See chap. V, sect. F, paras. 173-178.
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the World Summit for Social Development, in particular chapter V on
implementation and follow-up, requested the General Assembly, at its fiftieth
session, to give special consideration to the implications, including financial
aspects, of the follow-up and the implementation by the United Nations system of
the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action and to adopt decisions
thereon.
Tenth anniversary of the International Youth Year and world programme of
action for youth to the year 2000 and beyond 27/
By decision 1995/251, the Council decided to establish an open-ended
working group on youth during its resumed substantive session of 1995 to
complete the formulation of the draft world programme of action for youth to the
year 2000 and beyond, to be submitted by the Secretary-General to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL
JUSTICE
Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment
of Offenders 28/
By resolution 1995/8, the Council recommended to the General Assembly the
adoption of the draft resolution contained therein.
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: NARCOTIC DRUGS
Integration of demand reduction initiatives into a cohesive strategy to
combat drug abuse 29/
By resolution 1995/16, the Council requested the Executive Director of the
United Nations International Drug Control Programme to develop, in consultation
with Governments as well as organizations represented in the Commission on
Narcotic Drugs by observers, a draft declaration on the guiding principles of
demand reduction, for submission to the Commission at its thirty-ninth session
and subsequently, through the Economic and Social Council, to the General
Assembly for adoption.
Strengthening of international cooperation against the illicit production,
sale, demand, traffic and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances 30/
By resolution 1995/40, the Council, recalling General Assembly resolution
48/12, recommended that the Assembly should give priority consideration to the
proposal to convene an international conference for the purpose of evaluating
the international situation and the status of international cooperation against
the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution of narcotic drugs
and psychotropic substances and related activities.
27/ See chap. V, sect. F, paras. 167-171.
28/ See chap. V, sect. G, para. 185.
29/ See chap. V, sect. H, para. 212.
30/ See chap. V, sect. H, paras. 208-211.
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ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION
OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference
on Population and Development 31/
By resolution 1995/55, the Council, recalling General Assembly resolution
49/128, recalled that the Assembly, in paragraph 28 (c) of that resolution, had
requested the Council to consider the submission of recommendations to the
Secretary-General regarding the establishment of an appropriate inter-agency
coordination, collaboration and harmonization mechanism for the implementation
of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and
Development, noted that the Secretary-General had established an inter-agency
task force, with the United Nations Population Fund as the lead agency, for the
implementation of the Programme of Action, and recommended that the Assembly at
its fiftieth session consider further, in the context of the comprehensive
review of the implementation of its resolution 48/162, the establishment of a
separate executive board for the Fund, taking into account the role of the Fund
in the follow-up of the implementation of the Programme of Action and bearing in
mind the administrative, budgetary and programme implications of such a
proposal.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS: INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
International migration and development 32/
By decision 1995/313, the Council, recalling General Assembly resolution
49/127, recommended that the Assembly at its fiftieth session continue its
consideration of the question of international migration and development,
including the convening of the United Nations conference on international
migration and development.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS: INTERNATIONAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND
SANITATION DECADE
Water supply and sanitation 33/
By resolution 1995/46, the Council recommended to the General Assembly the
adoption of the draft resolution contained therein.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS: INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR NATURAL DISASTER
REDUCTION
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 34/
By resolution 1995/47 B, the Council requested the Secretary-General to
include in his report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session an
examination of options from all existing sources for an adequate funding of the
core functions of the secretariat of the International Decade for Natural
31/ See chap. VI, sect. E, paras. 37-42.
32/ See chap. VI, sect. F, paras. 46-49.
33/ See chap. VI, sect. M, paras. 75-77.
34/ See chap. VI, sect. N, paras. 80-83.
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Disaster Reduction and to specify those functions in his report, recommended
that the General Assembly at its fiftieth session consider the question of the
Decade as a separate sub-item under the item entitled "Environment and
sustainable development", and recommended to the Assembly the adoption of the
draft resolution annexed to the resolution.
REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND RELATED FIELDS
Implementation of phase II of the programme for the Second Transport and
Communications Decade in Africa 35/
By resolution 1995/23, the Council invited the General Assembly to consider
providing the Economic Commission for Africa with additional resources,
allocated within the regular budget, to enable it to pursue the major activities
of the programme for the Second Transport and Communication Decade in Africa.
Programme of work and priorities of the Economic Commission for Africa for
the biennium 1996-1997 36/
By resolution 1995/24, the Council urgently appealed to the General
Assembly to consider the possibility of converting, within existing resources,
the grant provided to the African Institute for Economic Development and
Planning to establish core posts in the regular budget, as called for by the
Council in its resolutions 1992/51 and 1993/68; endorsed the appeal of the
Economic Commission for Africa to the Committee for Programme and Coordination
to consider these proposals favourably and to recommend, through the Council,
their adoption by the General Assembly at its fiftieth session; and called upon
the Assembly, through its Second and Fifth Committees, to take the necessary
action to ensure that adequate resources were made available to the Commission
for the implementation of its work programme.
2. The following resolutions and decision adopted by the Council are also
brought to the attention of the General Assembly:
Resolutions
1995/11 Implementation of the Naples Political Declaration and Global
Action Plan against Organized Transnational Crime
1995/29 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women
1995/43 Assistance for the reconstruction of Madagascar following the
natural disasters of 1994
1995/49 Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on
the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory, including
Jerusalem, occupied since 1967, and on the Arab population of
the occupied Syrian Golan
1995/51 Overall guidance on operational activities for development to
the United Nations funds and programmes
35/ See chap. VII, paras. 12-14.
36/ See chap. VII, paras. 15-17.
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1995/56 Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian
assistance of the United Nations
1995/58 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
1995/63 Malaria and diarrhoeal diseases, in particular cholera
Decisions
1995/202 Elections to subsidiary bodies of the Economic and Social
Council, nominations and confirmation of representatives on the
functional commissions
1995/221 Elections and nominations
1995/230 Elections and appointments
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Chapter II
HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE COUNCIL
1. At its organizational session for 1995, the Council decided:
(a) That the high-level segment should be devoted to the consideration of
the following major theme: "Development of Africa, including the implementation
of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s";
(b) That proper consideration should also be given to this theme in the
policy dialogue during the high-level segment (decision 1995/203).
2. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 45/264, the high-level segment was
open to all Member States in accordance with Article 69 of the Charter of the
United Nations.
3. The high-level segment was held from 4 to 6 July 1995 (23rd to 29th
meetings of the Council). An account of the proceedings is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.23-29). The Council had before it the
following documents:
(a) World Economic and Social Survey, 1995 (E/1995/50);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the development of Africa,
including the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the
Development of Africa in the 1990s (E/1995/81);
(c) Note by the Secretariat (E/1995/105) transmitting the letter dated
19 June 1995 from the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
addressed to the Secretary-General (A/50/254-S/1995/501), containing the final
documents of the Summit of the seven major industrialized countries held at
Halifax, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 1995;
(d) Note verbale dated 6 July 1995 from the Permanent Mission of Germany
to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the President of the
Economic and Social Council (E/1995/110);
(e) Statement submitted by the International Chamber of Commerce, a
non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/3);
(f) Statement submitted by the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/7).
4. At the 23rd meeting, on 4 July, the President of the Council made an
opening statement. The Secretary-General made a statement.
5. At the same meeting, statements were made by the Permanent Representative
of the Philippines to the United Nations (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), the State
Secretary for International Cooperation of Spain (on behalf of the States
members of the European Union), the Minister-Delegate for Cooperation and
Development of France, the Minister of the Environment and Development
Cooperation of Finland, the Minister for Raw Materials of Côte d’Ivoire, the
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Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, the Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs of Senegal, the Vice Foreign Minister of China, the Under-
Secretary for Multilateral Affairs of Denmark, the Minister of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs and Minister for Overseas Development of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Permanent Representative
of Benin to the United Nations.
6. Statements were also made by the Director-General of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Director-General of the
World Health Organization.
7. At the 24th meeting, on 4 July, the President of the forty-ninth session of
the General Assembly made a statement.
8. At the same meeting, statements were made by the Special Assistant to the
Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United
Nations, the Minister for the Planning Commission of Zimbabwe, the Permanent
Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations, the Director of
Development Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Cooperation with Eastern and
Central European Countries of Switzerland, the Foreign Secretary, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, of Bangladesh, the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the
United Nations Office at Geneva, the Minister of State at the Department of
Foreign Affairs of Ireland, the Minister for Development Cooperation of Norway,
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs (Trade and Economic
Development for Africa) of the United States of America, the Minister of State
for Finance and Economic Planning of Uganda, the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the
Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva,
the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations Office at
Geneva, the Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations and the
Minister for Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation.
9. Also at the same meeting, statements were made by the Executive Director of
the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Deputy Director-General of the
International Labour Organization, the Administrator of the United Nations
Development Programme, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme and
the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund.
10. At the 25th meeting, on 5 July, statements were made by the Minister of
State for the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Cooperation of Luxembourg, the Deputy Foreign
Minister of Malaysia, the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Austria, the
Minister without Portfolio of South Africa, the Deputy Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Ukraine, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Swaziland, the Assistant
Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of Nigeria, the Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada, the Minister for
Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, the Minister of State for External
Affairs of India, the Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations,
the Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade of Egypt, the Deputy Foreign Minister
of Poland and the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations
Office at Geneva.
11. At the same meeting, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
also made statements.
-17-
12. At the 26th meeting, on 5 July, statements were made by the Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Algeria, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of
Sweden and the Permanent Representative of the Congo to the United Nations.
13. At the same meeting, the Director-General of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization made a statement. The
Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa also made a statement.
14. At the 27th meeting, on 5 July, statements were made by the representative
of Belgium, the Secretary of State for Cooperation of Portugal, the Permanent
Representative of Australia to the United Nations, the Secretary, General
People’s Committee, for the Economy and Trade of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the
Vice-Minister for External Relations of Brazil, the Deputy Foreign Minister of
the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the
United Nations, the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the
United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the
Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the
Minister of State for Planning and Territorial Administration of Gabon, the
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, the Deputy Minister of Trade
and Industry of Namibia, the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United
Nations Office at Geneva, the Permanent Representative of Chile to the United
Nations, the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at
Geneva, the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the
United Nations Office at Geneva, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico
to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Permanent Representative of Tunisia
to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Permanent Representative of Lesotho
to the United Nations, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Nicaragua, the Permanent
Representative of Botswana to the United Nations, the Permanent Representative
of Angola to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Director, Ministry for
Foreign Affairs, of Jamaica, the representative of Cameroon, the Permanent
Representative of the Gambia to the United Nations and the Ambassador, Ministry
for Foreign Affairs, of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
15. Statements were made by the following observers: the Commissioner for
Humanitarian Affairs, Consumer Protection and Fisheries of the European
Commission and the Permanent Observer for the Organization of African Unity to
the United Nations.
16. Statements were also made by the Secretary-General of the World
Meteorological Organization, the Director of the Eastern Africa Department of
the World Bank and the Director of the Office of the Secretary-General of the
International Civil Aviation Organization.
17. The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme also
made a statement.
18. At the 28th meeting, on 6 July, the President of the Council made a
statement to launch the policy dialogue with the heads of multilateral financial
and trade institutions of the United Nations system. The Secretary-General
participated in the policy dialogue.
19. Statements were made by the President of the World Bank, the Managing
Director of the International Monetary Fund, the Director-General of the World
Trade Organization and the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development.
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20. The exchange of views was opened by the Administrator of the United Nations
Development Programme.
21. During the exchange of views, statements were made by the representative of
Côte d’Ivoire and the observer for Spain (on behalf of States members of the
European Union).
22. The President of the World Bank, the Managing Director of the International
Monetary Fund, the Director-General of the World Tourism Organization and the
Officer-in-Chart of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
responded to questions raised.
23. At the 29th meeting, on 6 July, the Council continued its policy dialogue.
During the exchange of views, statements were made by the representatives of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China), the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Canada, the
Russian Federation, the United States of America, Japan, Denmark and Canada and
the observers for Sweden, Benin and Angola.
24. Statements were also made by the Executive Secretary of the Economic
Commission for Europe and the Director-General of the World Health Organization.
25. The President of the World Bank, the Managing Director of the International
Monetary Fund, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization and the
Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
responded to questions raised.
26. At the 55th meeting, on 27 July, the President of the Council presented the
summary and conclusions of the high-level segment (E/1995/117).
27. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Uganda
and the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that
are members of the Group of 77 and China) and the observer for Spain (on behalf
of the States members of the European Union.
28. The observer for the Organization of African Unity also made a statement.
29. The principal elements emerging from the discussions are summarized below.
Summary and conclusions by Ambassador Ahmad Kamal,
President of the Economic and Social Council
"INTRODUCTION
"The Economic and Social Council’s high-level segment on the
development of Africa, including the implementation of the United Nations
New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s, was held from 4 to
6 July 1995. The segment was attended by a large number of ministers and
other high-level representatives.
"During the segment, the Council devoted one day to an intensive
policy dialogue with Mr. Camdessus, Executive Director of the International
Monetary Fund, Mr. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, Mr. Ruggiero,
Director-General of the World Trade Organization and Mr. Fortin, Officerin-
Charge of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, on
major issues in the world economy.
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"AFRICA
"The Secretary-General’s report on the development of Africa,
including the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the
Development of Africa in the 1990s (E/1995/81), provided the basic
background documentation for the high-level segment debate. The Council
was also apprised of the recommendations made at a parallel event, held on
3 July 1995, entitled "Priority Africa: A Policy Dialogue among
Development Actors", which emphasized the role of non-State development
actors, particularly non-governmental organizations. In addition, during
the policy dialogue with the executive heads of multilateral finance and
trade institutions, numerous references were made to African development.
The African States also made a substantive, written contribution to the
main theme of the high-level segment.
"Africa is a test case for international cooperation for development
and for the United Nations, in particular the Economic and Social Council,
in promoting such cooperation. The Council’s contribution to the
alleviation of the critical situation in Africa should not rest on old
diagnoses and prescriptions. The recent past is replete with instances
where the international community has adopted programmes of action, goals
and targets for Africa, which have remained unrealized. Concrete and
innovative actions are required which will help Africa overcome the myriad
complex problems it faces.
"The development of Africa is an urgent priority and calls for
solidarity by the international community. The fiftieth anniversary of the
United Nations is a fitting occasion to show our commitment to support the
development of Africa. Not only solidarity is required. Enlightened selfinterest
calls for partnership between Africa and the international
community. That is, support should be based on the fact that mutual
benefits are to be gained by all concerned through intensified cooperation.
"Africa has great potential in terms of both human and natural
resources. The challenge is to transform the potential into reality.
Africa has taken up this challenge and is making progress in the difficult
dual task of political and economic reform.
"Many African countries have undertaken far-reaching political and
economic reforms. Some have achieved growth rates of 6 per cent of gross
domestic product (GDP). Many others are registering modest but positive
growth rates. Public deficits have been reduced. There is encouraging
evidence of economic diversification. The countries in the CFA zone have
taken the courageous step of devaluation.
"Democracy is spreading. Many countries have held elections since
1990. Improved public administration, popular participation, respect for
human rights and the rule of law are increasingly manifest. Socio-economic
indicators are also encouraging. Life expectancy is increasing, infant
mortality is falling and improvements in education and housing are evident.
Declines in military expenditure are being registered. And there is
evidence that regional cooperation and integration are increasing.
"Thus, Africans themselves have shown their determination to overcome
the problems of underdevelopment and have made substantial strides over the
past decade in terms of economic, social and political change.
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"None the less, progress has been slow and insufficient. Economic
growth rates remain far too low for far too many countries. Two more
African countries were recently added to the list of the least developed
countries while only one was removed. Infrastructure and institutional
development remain weak, human resources development is still lacking,
terms of trade are deteriorating, the debt burden is debilitating, open
unemployment in both the informal and formal sectors is rising, population
growth remains high, epidemics and diseases continue to take their toll,
and environmental degradation is pervasive.
"In a number of countries, these problems are further aggravated by
ethnic conflicts and civil wars. Such conflicts result in humanitarian
emergencies characterized by increasing numbers of refugees and displaced
persons as well as the breakdown of social and physical infrastructure.
Resources that could have been used for long-term development objectives
are diverted to cope with emergencies. Therefore preventive action should
be of utmost concern to all: African leaders and the international
community alike. Indeed, conflict resolution and peace-keeping should be
major priorities for the international community.
"As reaffirmed by the recent Summit of the Organization of African
Unity (OAU) at Addis Ababa, Africans themselves have the main
responsibility for achieving economic and social development. Africa’s
development is first and foremost the responsibility of the countries
themselves.
"However, if national efforts are not supported by the international
community, reforms undertaken thus far cannot be sustained. It should not
be forgotten that the consensus on the United Nations New Agenda for the
Development of Africa in the 1990s (UN-NADAF) rests on the full support of
the international community based on genuine partnership. As African
Governments have undertaken courageous reforms, there is both a moral and
an economic and financial obligation on the part of the international
community to assist Africa.
"African economic development has to be considered in the context of
an increasingly globalized world economy. Globalized markets have a
decisive influence on economic prospects everywhere. Global markets pose
risks but also offer opportunities. Thus far Africa has suffered the risks
or has been altogether bypassed by the globalization process. It is time
to enable Africa to take advantage of the opportunities.
"A number of issues require priority attention. Conflict prevention,
management and resolution, external debt, financial flows, international
trade, capacity-building, South-South cooperation, agricultural
productivity and food security, population growth, and increasing the role
of women in development are some of the most pressing ones. To be
successful with African development, all these issues need to be addressed
simultaneously. This makes African development a daunting task,
particularly for the African countries themselves. International support
for Africa is therefore indispensable.
"Conflict prevention, management and resolution
"Many of the causes of conflict in Africa are socio-economic. The
strengthening of democratic processes and achieving accountable and
efficient administration are major factors in preventing conflicts. Strong
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support is necessary for the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention,
Management and Resolution and for its Peace Fund. There should be adequate
resources for peace-keeping operations in Africa and continuous support for
efforts at conflict prevention. Africa should also take advantage of the
experiences of other developing regions of the world in the peaceful
solution of conflicts, including post-conflict peace-building and the
continuum from relief to rehabilitation and development.
"Natural disasters
"Africa is one of the continents prone to natural disasters which
adversely affect development efforts. Programmes for disaster
preparedness, prevention and mitigation in accordance with the Yokohama
Strategy for a Safer World and its Programme of Action should be instituted
to assist Africa to cope with the effects of natural disasters.
"External debt
"The crushing external debt problem of Africa requires urgent
attention. African countries are accumulating unmanageable arrears and
only a few of them can service their debt even under the easiest of terms.
Furthermore, the debt problem has a negative effect on the investment
climate in Africa.
"Despite the cancellation of some official debt, bilateral debt owed
to official creditors remains a major problem. The measures taken by the
Paris Club, including the Naples Terms, are to be welcomed but only few
countries are benefiting. These measures should be applied to the largest
number of countries possible. The Secretary-General’s call for improved
Naples Terms that raise the ceiling for debt relief and extend coverage to
more countries and to more types of debt should be pursued. New
initiatives, including proposals for debt cancellation, should be
supported.
"Particular attention should be devoted to multilateral debt, which,
for the poorest countries, constitutes the highest proportion of their
external debt. Credit on soft terms should be extended to reduce their
debt-servicing burden. The international financial institutions (IFIs)
should be urged to use existing instruments in a flexible way and to
explore innovative measures to deal with the problem of multilateral debt.
Furthermore, under certain conditions debts owed to IFIs should be
cancelled and donors should compensate for these non-repayments. This
would be an important gesture of solidarity with the African continent. In
general, better use should be made of the resources of IFIs in order to
help countries with debt servicing and debt stock reduction.
"While most of Africa’s debt is owed to official and multilateral
creditors, there are also considerable debts owed to commercial creditors.
Innovative measures are also required to address the debt and debtservicing
problems related to commercial debt.
"Overall, a multi-pronged debt relief strategy tailored to each
country’s specific situation should be pursued. The commitments made at
the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, and the proposals
contained in the Secretary-General’s report (E/1995/81), are some of the
concrete suggestions which enjoy much support.
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"Resource flows
"Economic stability is key to the development of Africa. A majority
of African countries have adopted structural adjustment programmes which
are showing some positive results. These are essential for long-term
economic recovery. However, they entail high social costs. Reforms will
have to be accompanied by appropriate social policies. In this regard the
Bretton Woods institutions should reassess their policies in order to avoid
social hardships, integrate poverty alleviation measures and encourage the
elaboration of home-grown economic reforms. Furthermore, these programmes
will bear fruit only if there is support from the donor community based on
partnership.
"Most African countries face a critical shortage of domestic resources
for development. African countries need to strengthen their production
structures for both domestic and export markets by improving conditions for
entrepreneurship and supporting private sector development. By stimulating
growth and increasing the opportunities for income generation, African
countries will also be able to increase saving rates. In addition,
improving administrative efficiency to increase revenue collection requires
urgent attention.
"None the less, domestic resources need to be augmented with external
flows. The level of financial assistance to the continent has to be
raised. This still has to come mostly from official sources as private
capital flows are largely bypassing Africa. Even though the share of
Africa in total official development assistance (ODA) has increased, flows
of ODA to the continent have stagnated, if not decreased, in real terms.
The recommended level in UN-NADAF of US$ 30 billion in ODA for Africa, with
annual increases of 4 per cent per annum, has fallen short.
"Enhanced bilateral assistance is needed more than ever. The level of
ODA should be increased in accordance with the internationally agreed
targets of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP) and 0.15 per cent
of GNP for the least developed countries. Furthermore, better donor
coordination, including coordination among non-governmental organizations,
is needed, as well as concentration of aid on the poorest countries and the
most vulnerable groups within them. At the same time, recipient
Governments should utilize these resources efficiently.
"African Governments have agreed to invest more in the social sectors
through the 20/20 initiative. This initiative should be implemented on a
voluntary basis where feasible.
"Multilateral financial assistance is also essential. The Extended
Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) should be kept in place. Shortfalls in the tenth replenishment of
the International Development Association (IDA) and adverse prospects for
the eleventh replenishment, as well as for the seventh replenishment of the
African Development Fund (ADF), arouse concern. The Economic and Social
Council should give full support for the implementation of the resolution
on the mobilization of resources for economic and social development for
Africa, adopted by OAU at its thirty-first Summit, and call upon IDA and
ADF to ensure increases in the flow of resources to African countries.
"Financing from official sources is not enough. Foreign direct
investment (FDI) is one of the most important components in financing
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development. However, Africa’s share in FDI has fallen even though by some
accounts the profitability of investments in Africa is higher than
elsewhere in the developing world. In order to attract private investment,
political stability, sound monetary and fiscal policies, a skilled labour
force, an impartial judiciary and competent, transparent public
administration are necessary. A sound and predictable investment climate
would reduce the high-risk premiums required to attract foreign investment.
This would also contribute to increased domestic savings, which in the
final analysis will be the most important source for financing development
in Africa.
"Trade
"Africa’s share in international trade is exceedingly small, which is
further evidence that the continent is not fully integrated in the world
economy. Major improvements on this front are of fundamental importance to
African development.
"The outcome of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations
could have negative effects on Africa. The impact of the Round by itself
is such that in Africa the number of poor could increase in the short run.
To reap the benefits of trade liberalization, supplementary actions are
needed. African countries will have to transform their production and
trade structures to face the challenge of an increasingly competitive
global environment. Moreover, concrete complementary actions are needed
from the international community.
"There are legitimate concerns with respect to reduced margins of
preference in traditional markets and of higher world food prices. In the
adjustment from a regime of preferences to one of competition, assistance
is required. Therefore the Economic and Social Council should call for the
implementation of the resolution of African Ministers of Trade, adopted at
Tunis in 1994, appealing to international organizations to elaborate a
programme of technical assistance to facilitate Africa’s implementation of
the outcome of the Uruguay Round, as well as the implementation of the
decisions made at the Ministerial Conference at Marrakesh in April 1994,
concerning net food importing countries and least developed countries. The
international community should support African countries in offsetting
adverse short-to-medium-term effects of the Uruguay Round agreements
through measures identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) and other appropriate organizations.
"Diversification of African economies is essential. New export
capacities have to be created and diversification across markets and
products should be encouraged. Measures to support small and medium-scale
enterprises are particularly important in achieving diversification.
"The need to support Africa’s efforts at commodity diversification is
essential. In particular, the proposal in General Assembly resolution
49/142 to make an adequate special contribution to finance the preparatory
phase of commodity diversification projects and programmes should be
considered.
"Ultimately trade is more important than aid. It is not enough to
remove trade barriers. Enlargement of domestic markets, strengthening of
subregional and regional markets, and external assistance in
diversification and in trade development are required. As most African
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countries are commodity-dependent it is also essential that mechanisms for
stabilizing commodity prices at profitable levels be evolved.
"Capacity-building
"Capacity-building is one of the most important prerequisites for the
development of Africa. Emphasis should be placed on human resources
development and institution-building. Human capital is critical for the
effective functioning of an economy. Therefore investments in basic
education and vocational training are fundamental.
"Institution-building, public administration, civic education,
facilitating the participation of non-governmental organizations in
development, and enhanced access to information technology are other areas
that are essential to capacity-building. The challenge is to galvanize
concerted action at all levels to fully address the indigenous capacitybuilding
needs of the region. In this regard, Capacity 21 of the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) should be strengthened.
"South-South cooperation
"Capacity-building also requires upgrading of technical skill and
know-how. In this regard, not only economic and technical cooperation
among developing countries but South-South cooperation in general are
essential so as to increase self-reliance. The sharing of development
experiences is particularly important. For example, the Asia/Africa forum
held at Bandung provides concrete proposals concerning technical
cooperation among developing countries based on practical experiences with
structural adjustment programmes undertaken in Asian countries. In this
regard, avenues for tripartite arrangements with other development partners
should be explored.
"The recommendation to hold intergovernmental meetings in 1996 and
1998 between the Economic Commission for Africa and the Economic Commission
for Latin America and the Caribbean in order to define areas of mutual
cooperation should be pursued. The proposal to establish, with the
assistance of UNDP, an exchange of journalists between the two regions and
to promote contacts and cooperation between private sector organizations of
these regions in order to increase the quality and quantity of available
information and to encourage economic relations should be explored.
Furthermore, the establishment of the African-Latin American Institute is a
practical example of South-South cooperation which should be supported.
"Besides the need to strengthen regional cooperation with other
countries outside Africa, cooperation within the continent needs to be
intensified as well. The establishment of the African Economic Community
is an important development which should be supported effectively by the
international community.
"Agriculture and food security
"Revitalizing the agricultural sector is essential. Africa has great
potential with respect to its agricultural sector, but little of it has
been exploited.
"Growth in food production is not keeping up with population growth in
Africa. Agricultural production will have to reach an annual growth rate
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of 4 per cent. This will require considerable improvement in agricultural
productivity, including through irrigation and better crop varieties. A
strong agricultural sector will be a major engine of growth for African
economies.
"At the same time, achieving food security should have the highest
priority. Food security continues to be one of the overriding concerns,
specially of the chronically food-deficit countries. Continued initiatives
need to be taken for storage, transport and communication facilities; for
support for regional strategies and regional trade; for the establishment
and expansion of early-warning systems; for the mobilization of resources
for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification; and for the
strengthening of networks in support of agriculture and water management.
"Population growth
"Population growth rates in Africa continue to be high, leading to
unprecedented growth in urbanization. This has negative repercussions on
food security and on the labour force, which is growing at a rate exceeding
growth in GDP in many countries. Besides affecting development prospects,
population growth is also increasingly posing a threat to the environment.
In this regard, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on
Population and Development requires urgent implementation.
"Women
"The importance of women in development cannot be overestimated.
Improving their role and status is essential for development in Africa.
Access to productive resources, education and primary health care,
including reproductive health care, are of vital importance. Therefore,
the international community should support the implementation of the
African Platform for Action prepared for the Fourth World Conference on
Women.
"United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s
"The United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the
1990s, which was adopted in 1991, was a good initiative for addressing the
critical economic and social situation and ensuring sustainable growth and
development in Africa. As we approach its mid-term review, there are signs
of a turnaround in many parts of Africa but essentially the situation in
the continent remains precarious.
"The entire range of issues identified in UN-NADAF require urgent
attention, including intensification of the democratization process, a
commitment to human rights, gender equality, attention to the needs of
children and the role of African non-governmental organizations. Poverty
eradication, prevention of environmental degradation and promotion of
social development are the crucial elements of the required multi-pronged
strategy. Greater progress in the implementation of UN-NADAF has to be
achieved if it is not to suffer the same fate as the United Nations
Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development.
Commitments made in UN-NADAF have to be met.
"While UN-NADAF is a good initiative and remains the appropriate
framework for the United Nations to deal with the critical situation in
Africa, the inclusion of Africa in the proposed agenda for development as a
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priority area for action by the United Nations gives further evidence of
the commitment of the international community to African development.
Similarly, the Secretary-General’s special initiative on Africa through the
Administrative Committee on Coordination, whose steering committee is to
focus on food security, strengthening of institutions, desertification,
social development and private sector development, is evidence of the
United Nations system doing the same. African development must remain a
high priority on the international agenda.
"POLICY DIALOGUE
"In the course of the policy dialogue, the Secretary-General made a
statement pointing to the need for the United Nations and the Bretton Woods
institutions to identify and take cooperative measures to prevent
conflicts. Furthermore, when a conflict occurs, there should be close
cooperation to address its socio-economic consequences and to respond to
the need for post-conflict peace-building.
"Besides the considerable attention paid to the critical situation in
Africa, as reflected in the sections the dialogue focused mainly on the
issues of globalization and trade. In this regard, the World Economic and
Social Survey, 1995 provided useful background information and input.
"Globalization
"Globalization and liberalization have created enormous opportunities
for developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This
does not mean, however, that no interventions are necessary by national
Governments and international communities. The process of liberalization
needs to be supplemented and sometimes corrected. This is clear in the
areas of protecting the environment and poverty alleviation.
"While there are risks arising from globalization, it results in
enhanced economic efficiency, expands markets and opens opportunities of
growth.
"The integration of international financial markets is irreversible.
The goal of international cooperation should be to minimize the risks of
financial crisis and deal with them promptly and effectively if they occur.
"In taking corrective actions, lessons of the past should be kept in
view. A more careful analysis of the composition of financial flows to
Latin America, if acted upon, could have prevented the recent crisis. More
stable and long-term forms of financial flows need to be promoted and
speculative flows should be discouraged. The proposal for a tax on
currency transactions should be given careful consideration.
"Sound, stable and consistent economic policies at the national level
and strong international cooperation at the global level are the most
effective means of avoiding crises. The multilateral institutions have an
important role to play in promoting such policies by providing consistent
advice and assistance and by cooperating more closely to prevent and deal
with crises.
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"Trade
"The creation of the World Trade Organization is a major step towards
the full integration of all countries in the global trading system. In a
globalized and interdependent world economy the rule of law is essential -
without it anarchy would prevail and no country, large or small, would
benefit. Commitments undertaken must be respected and implemented by all
and resort to unilateral actions or bilateral solutions should be avoided,
because that would erode an open and multilateral trading system.
"Resurgent protectionism aimed at artificially safeguarding a
perceived market advantage must be resisted. Trade restrictions based on
labour, social and environmental standards need to be avoided. Such trade
restrictions will reduce growth prospects of developing countries and
undermine their ability to implement those standards. Other avenues of
cooperation should be pursued for applying internationally agreed
standards.
"The danger of a possible imbalance between overextended regional
initiatives and the multilateral trading system exists. Such a development
may lead to tension not only in the economic but also in the political and
security arenas. It may also fuel the old North-South division which the
Uruguay Round tried to overcome. Consequently, regional arrangements
should be based on respect for the principles of free and open global
trade.
"Cooperation and coordination
"All the executive heads reiterated their commitment to cooperating
and working closely together with the United Nations in pursuit of the
common goal of eradication and alleviation of poverty and in the promotion
of sustainable development and social justice. Such cooperation should be
based on the principles of comparative advantage and should respect the
governance structure, mandate and competence of each organization and the
policy guidance received from their respective governing boards.
"A strengthened Economic and Social Council should facilitate and
catalyse such cooperation and coordination in fulfilment of its
responsibilities under the Charter. The goals and objectives agreed upon
by the international community at the highest political level in major
global conferences should provide the framework for such cooperation.
"The development and pursuit of a coordinated approach to the followup
to global conferences should facilitate greater coherence and a better
integration of the development activities of the organizations of the
system, particularly at the country level.
"Specific modalities for achieving greater complementarity between the
Bretton Woods institutions and the other organizations of the United
Nations system could be pursued in the context of the work on the policy
framework papers and the country strategy notes.
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"INNOVATIONS IN WORKING METHODS
"During the high-level segment this year there were several
innovations which, it is hoped, can be carried forward in the future.
"First, the suggestion of having five-minute statements, with the full
texts being taken as read, was acted upon by many delegations.
"Second, during the high-level segment, the members of the Economic
and Social Council had the opportunity to participate in a number of panel
discussions and briefings, some as part of the Council and others in the
margin. Panel discussions were held on the role of non-governmental
organizations in the development of Africa; the future of international
development cooperation; the role of non-governmental organizations as
partners in development; and private finance and development. An informal
briefing was held by the executive secretaries of the regional commissions
on the work of the commissions. These discussions and briefings generated
many valuable ideas and allowed a better appreciation of the role of
different actors in the development process. While all this was initiated
as part of the fiftieth anniversary of the Council, it would be useful for
the Council to continue the practice of interacting with different
developmental actors in a structured manner. The Council could probably
ask the executive secretaries of the regional commissions to brief the
members on a regular basis during the Council’s substantive sessions.
"Third, the Bureau of the Council took advantage of the presence of
ministers and high-level representatives to hold two early morning meetings
with them. At these meetings many ideas were raised for the Council’s
consideration, not only in regard to the development of Africa but also in
regard to the working methods of the Council. Some of the ideas expressed
at the meetings - for instance the timely selection of themes for the highlevel
and coordination segments, as well as the need for some process that
would enable a constant review of the working methods of the Council to be
carried out - could be pursued further in an appropriate manner.
"Finally, the high-level policy dialogue was attended for the first
time this year by the executive heads of all the major multilateral finance
and trade institutions, including the President of the World Bank and the
Director-General of the World Trade Organization. A happy consequence of
this year’s dialogue was an understanding that there would be a further
informal, full-day dialogue in New York between IMF and the Council and the
World Bank and the Council, some time during the autumn. This bodes well
for the ongoing efforts to enhance interaction between the Council and the
Bretton Woods institutions."
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Chapter III
COORDINATION OF THE POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SPECIALIZED
AGENCIES AND OTHER BODIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM
A. Coordinated follow-up by the United Nations system
and implementation of the results of the major
international conferences organized by the United
Nations in the economic, social and related fields
1. The Council considered the question of coordinated follow-up by the United
Nations system and implementation of the results of the major international
conferences organized by the United Nations in the economic, social and related
fields at its substantive session (agenda item 3 (a)). It had before it the
following documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General on coordinated follow-up to major
international conferences in the economic, social and related fields
(E/1995/86);
(b) Note by the Secretariat (E/1995/105) transmitting the letter dated
19 June 1995 from the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
addressed to the Secretary-General (A/50/254-S/1995/501), containing the final
documents of the Summit of the seven major industrialized countries held at
Halifax, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 1995;
(c) Statement submitted by the International Federation of Settlements and
Neighborhood Centres, a non-governmental organization in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council, category II (E/1995/NGO/1);
(d) Statement submitted by the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/4).
2. The Council considered the item at its 15th to 20th and 57th meetings, from
28 to 30 June and on 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in
the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.15-20 and 57).
3. At the 15th to 20th meetings, the Council held a general discussion on the
item. At the 15th meeting, on 28 June, the Council heard an introductory
statement by the Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development. The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme also
made a statement.
4. Also at the 15th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China), France (on behalf of the States members
of the European Union), Japan, Norway, the Russian Federation, the Republic
of Korea, Chile and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the observer for Bangladesh.
5. Statements were made by the representatives of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization.
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6. The representative of the Economic Commission for Europe and the Under-
Secretary-General for Development Support and Management Services also made
statements.
7. At the 16th meeting, on 28 June, statements were made by the
representatives of the United States of America, Pakistan, China, Canada,
Indonesia, Ukraine, India, Australia, Mexico, Belarus, Uganda, Brazil, Cuba and
Egypt.
8. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization.
9. Also at the same meeting and with the agreement of the Council, the
observers for the International Organisation of Employers and the World
Confederation of Labour, non-governmental organizations in consultative status
with the Council, category I, made statements.
10. At the 17th meeting, on 29 June, the President of the Council made a
statement.
11. The Council entered into a dialogue on the item and heard statements by the
representatives of the United States of America and France (on behalf of the
States members of the European Union).
12. At the 18th meeting, on 29 June, the Council continued the dialogue and
heard statements by the representatives of France (on behalf of the States
members of the European Union), the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members
of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Japan, the
Russian Federation, Colombia, Malaysia, Norway, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Cuba, Canada, Chile, China, the United States of America, India, Venezuela,
Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, Greece, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and Indonesia and the observer for Iraq.
13. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and
the representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations and the International Labour Organization also made statements.
14. At the 19th meeting, on 30 June, the Council held a panel discussion on the
item and heard introductory statements by the Under-Secretary-General for Policy
Coordination and Sustainable Development, the Administrator of the United
Nations Development Programme, the Executive Director of the United Nations
Population Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the
Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
15. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Greece, Norway, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Canada and the observer for the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
16. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the
Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Officer-in-Charge of the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development responded to questions raised during
the panel discussion.
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17. At the 20th meeting, on 30 June, the Council continued the panel discussion
and heard statements by the representatives of the Netherlands, the Philippines
(on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
Group of 77 and China), Poland, Colombia, India, Chile, Bulgaria, the United
States of America, China, Germany, Malaysia, the Russian Federation, France,
Canada, Japan, the Philippines and the observer for Finland.
18. The representative of the International Labour Organization, the Executive
Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe and the representatives of the
World Bank and the International Monetary Fund also made statements.
19. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the
Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Officer-in-Charge of the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development responded to questions raised.
20. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Alexandru Niculescu (Romania), introduced the draft agreed conclusions
(E/1995/L.58) on coordinated follow-up by the United Nations system and
implementation of the results of the major international conferences organized
by the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields.
21. After approval of the agreed conclusions, the United States of America made
a statement.
22. Agreed conclusions 1995/1 are set out below.
AGREED CONCLUSIONS ON COORDINATED FOLLOW-UP BY THE UNITED
NATIONS SYSTEM AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ORGANIZED BY THE UNITED
NATIONS IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND RELATED FIELDS
"The Economic and Social Council takes note of the report of the
Secretary-General on the coordinated follow-up to major international
conferences in the economic, social and related fields (E/1995/86) and of
the suggestions contained in it to assist in the formulation of a
coordinated approach to the follow-up to those conferences.
"The Economic and Social Council emphasizes that each conference
has its thematic unity and recognizes that a coordinated follow-up
implies that the major conferences should be viewed as interlinked and
contributing to an integrated framework of and a global partnership
for development.
"Governments have the primary responsibility for the implementation of
the declarations and programmes of action adopted by international
conferences. The United Nations system has an important role in
contributing to, assisting in, facilitating and reviewing the progress of
the implementation of the results of those conferences at all levels and in
further promoting their goals and objectives.
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"I. INTERGOVERNMENTAL LEVEL
"A. Role of the General Assembly
"The General Assembly, in its capacity as the highest
intergovernmental mechanism for the formulation and appraisal of policy on
matters relating to economic, social and related fields, has the overall
responsibility for ensuring the implementation of conference results and
facilitating and reviewing the progress achieved. The Economic and Social
Council shall assist in this task by making recommendations to the General
Assembly on policies for an effective, efficient and coordinated follow-up
to major international conferences.
"The Council recommends that the General Assembly also address, within
the framework of the discussions on an agenda for development, the
integrated consideration of the themes common to major international
conferences with a view to promoting better coherence and providing
harmonized and integrated policy guidance. To this end, the General
Assembly may consider improving the coherence of its Committees to ensure
that the system is equipped to follow up effectively the integrated
approach related to the outcomes of United Nations conferences. This
should also result in improved complementarity and coherence in the
follow-up to United Nations conferences between the Council and the General
Assembly.
"B. Strengthening the role of the Economic and Social Council
"The Economic and Social Council shall promote a coordinated and
integrated follow-up to and implementation of major international
conferences in the economic, social and related fields. Each year, within
the framework of its coordination segment, the Council shall carry out a
review of cross-cutting themes common to major international conferences
and/or contribute to an overall review of the implementation of the
programme of action of a United Nations conference. The theme related to
the follow-up of conferences, to be considered at the coordination segment,
shall be chosen at the Council’s previous substantive session to allow for
adequate preparations by the functional commissions, other relevant
intergovernmental bodies and the Secretariat. The Secretary-General is
invited, taking into account the suggestions made in paragraph 57 of his
report (E/1995/86) and based on the work of relevant subsidiary bodies and
through consultations with Member States, relevant organs of the United
Nations system and specialized agencies, to offer suggestions for possible
common themes for consideration and decision by the Council.
"Drawing on the reports of the functional commissions and other
intergovernmental bodies, the Secretariat shall prepare a single
consolidated report outlining the activities being carried out by the
United Nations system in order to achieve the goals and objectives related
to the chosen theme and identifying the coordination and policy issues, at
all levels, to be addressed by the Council and the General Assembly. The
report shall contain an analysis of progress achieved and problems
encountered as well as specific recommendations.
"The consideration by the Council of the chosen theme could benefit
from the active participation, through the submission of reports and
dialogue, of the funds and programmes, the regional commissions and the
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relevant specialized agencies, including the Bretton Woods institutions, as
well as the World Trade Organization, as appropriate. The Council should
develop a more focused dialogue with them.
"The operational activities segment, within its role of providing
overall coordination and guidance to the United Nations development system,
may, in addition to the segment functions identified in General Assembly
resolution 48/162, also consider themes related to the follow-up to major
international conferences.
"Reports of the functional commissions considered by the Council in
its general segment should clearly identify issues that require the
attention of the Council and/or a coordinated response.
"The Council stresses the need to further review its work programme
and working methods with a view to better fulfilling its responsibilities
for coordination, guidance and conference follow-up.
"In the context of the coordinated follow-up to major international
conferences, improvements are needed in the functioning of the relevant
segments.
"In the follow-up to United Nations conferences, the Economic and
Social Council shall ensure the harmonization and coordination of the
agendas and work programmes of the functional commissions by promoting a
clearer division of labour among them and providing clear policy guidance
to them. To this end, better preparation of the meetings of the Council
should be assured. The Council could periodically organize meetings on
specific issues to allow for more dialogue with the chairpersons and the
secretariats, as appropriate, of the functional commissions, other
subsidiary and related bodies and the relevant executive boards. If an
effective and coordinated follow-up process suggests the need, then the
consolidation of activities of subsidiary bodies may be considered, as
appropriate. The aim of sustaining and strengthening the quality and
impact of the output of these bodies must be assured.
"The regional commissions shall play an important role in assisting
countries in each region in the implementation of the recommendations of
conferences. The Council and the General Assembly shall take appropriate
measures to ensure that the regional commissions can carry out this task
effectively. The Council shall enhance coordination with and among the
regional commissions, including through their more effective participation
in its substantive work relating to conference follow-up, as indicated in
paragraph 8 above.
"Within the context of the follow-up to United Nations conferences,
the interaction between the Council and the Committee for Programme and
Coordination should be improved. The General Assembly should also consider
a stronger link between substantive, programming, coordination and
budgeting processes.
"C. Streamlining the work and strengthening
the role of the functional commissions
"The Council notes the present practice of assigning one functional
commission or relevant intergovernmental body with the primary
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responsibility for the follow-up and review of the implementation of each
conference. Inevitably, there may be some overlap and cases, when the
themes and/or recommendations from different conferences are closely
related, where one commission may have the responsibility for following up
all aspects of a theme common to several conferences or where such
responsibility may be shared. The functional commissions, within their
respective mandates, should develop multi-year programmes of work for the
follow-up and review of conference programmes of action. The Council, in
cooperation with its functional commissions, shall ensure a better division
of labour among them and coordination among their multi-year programmes and
shall clarify the particular forms under which common themes should be
considered by them. This would require that each commission or body focus
on the core issues relating to the conference for which it is responsible
and obtain inputs from other relevant bodies on related issues.
"The mandates, composition and working methods of the functional
commissions should be further reviewed, as appropriate, based on the scope
of work involved and adjusted accordingly, to enable them to achieve
greater coherence and mutual reinforcement and to better assist the Council
in a strengthened and action-oriented manner in the coordinated follow-up
and review of the progress of implementation of the outcomes of United
Nations conferences.
"II. INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION AT ALL LEVELS
"The Economic and Social Council takes note of the steps taken to
enhance the effectiveness and improve the functioning of the Administrative
Committee on Coordination (ACC) and its subsidiary bodies. Measures should
be taken to further strengthen the role of ACC and its standing committees
and ensure the systematic exchange of information and a rational division
of labour between its standing committees, as well as between established
ACC machinery and ad hoc mechanisms set up in the context of the follow-up
to individual conferences. The examples of the Inter-Agency Committee on
Sustainable Development and the inter-agency task force on the
implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Population
and Development could be useful for the follow-up to other conferences but
should not be seen as an automatic precedent. ACC is invited to bring
system-wide coordination issues to the attention of the Council and to make
recommendations thereon. Wider distribution of the report of ACC and
further information for Member States on its work would be highly
desirable. The relevant intergovernmental bodies should be kept fully
informed of the establishment of any inter-agency task forces for the
follow-up to conferences and of the work undertaken by them on a regular
basis.
"At the country level, the national government has the primary
responsibility for coordinating, on the basis of national strategies and
priorities, follow-up activities of conferences. The follow-up of
activities that are relevant to the mandates of operational activities for
development of the United Nations should, through the resident coordinator
system, take into account common themes and goals and should be within the
framework of national plans and strategies and the country strategy note,
where they exist or are in preparation. In line with General Assembly
resolution 47/199, the resident coordinator, in consultation with the
government and in the light of national priorities, could utilize thematic
groups composed of the agencies concerned, with a designated lead agency or
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task manager under his or her overall leadership, to serve as the
coordination mechanism with the responsibility of developing integrated
approaches for the realization of common goals, including, where
appropriate, the development of a common data system at the national level
to facilitate reviewing and reporting on the progress achieved.
"III. REPORTING
"In the preparation of reports by the Secretariat for the General
Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies,
greater use could be made of the practice of having task managers, so that
a particular United Nations agency would be responsible for coordinating
the response of the entire United Nations system on a given subject,
including the formulation of recommendations for future action. All
reports should be presented in a timely manner and in a concise format,
clearly identifying the issues and outlining options for action and their
implications, so as to enable the Council and its subsidiary bodies to take
decisions. The Secretary-General is requested to present proposals, for
consideration by the Council in 1996 and by the General Assembly at its
fifty-first session, on the simplification of existing reporting
requirements, taking into account the reports that will be required for the
follow-up of United Nations conferences.
"Other methods for the promotion of integrated reporting by the
Secretariat should be explored. Requests for reports should be limited to
the minimum strictly necessary. The Secretary-General should use
information and data already provided by Governments to the maximum extent
possible, avoiding duplication in requests for such information.
"The Council stresses that the voluntary submission of national
information, including, for example, information in the form of periodic
communications or national reports by Governments, represents a valuable
contribution for the follow-up and review of the implementation of the
recommendations of relevant conferences. The Secretary-General is
requested to prepare a standardized and simplified format, which could be
used by Governments in preparing information on a single subject or in
clusters of subjects.
"IV. COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS, THE BRETTON
WOODS INSTITUTIONS AND THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
"The Council emphasizes the need to further enhance the interaction
and cooperation between the United Nations, the Bretton Woods institutions
and the World Trade Organization at all levels, inter alia, to ensure
effective follow-up to major international conferences. It notes also that
the question of cooperation between the United Nations and the Bretton
Woods institutions will also be addressed within the framework of the
discussions on an agenda for development.
"V. COORDINATION IN THE SECRETARIAT
"Efforts towards coordinated follow-up to international conferences
also require appropriate measures to avoid and/or eliminate duplication of
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functions within the United Nations Secretariat, in conformity with the
mandates provided in relevant General Assembly resolutions.
"VI. MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES
"Effective follow-up to conferences requires the urgent mobilization
of resources for implementation. It is therefore critical to bring
together the political will to mobilize and make available the necessary
resources from all sources, public and private, both financial and human,
at the national and international levels, if Member States, the United
Nations system and the international community as a whole are to mount a
full and effective response to conference agendas. To this end, it is
important to enhance the effectiveness of official development assistance
(ODA) and to increase it with the objective of achieving the accepted
United Nations target for ODA of 0.7 per cent of gross national product, as
reaffirmed in chapter 33.13 of Agenda 21 and by other relevant
international conferences, such as the International Conference on
Population and Development and the World Summit for Social Development, as
soon as possible. The mobilization of substantial new and additional
resources from all sources, domestic and international, public and private,
and from traditional and new sources in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the programmes of action, would also be instrumental."
B. Implementation of the agreed conclusions of the
1994 coordination segment of the Council
23. The Council considered the question of the implementation of the agreed
conclusions of the 1994 coordination segment of the Council relating to
(i) science and technology for development and (ii) international cooperation
within the United Nations system against the illicit production, sale, demand,
traffic and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances at its
substantive session (agenda item 3 (b)). It had before it the following
documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General on coordination in science and
technology for development (E/1995/62 and Corr.1);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation within
the United Nations system on drug control (E/1995/68);
(c) Note by the Secretariat (E/1995/105) transmitting the letter dated
19 June 1995 from the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
addressed to the Secretary-General (A/50/254-S/1995/501), containing the final
documents of the Summit of the seven major industrialized countries held at
Halifax, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 1995.
24. The Council considered the item at its 13th and 14th meetings, on
27 June 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary
records (E/1995/SR.13 and 14).
25. At the 13th and 14th meetings, the Council held a general discussion on the
item. At the 13th meeting, on 27 June, the Council heard introductory
statements by the Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development and the Executive Director of the United Nations
International Drug Control Programme.
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26. Also at the 13th meeting, the Council entered into a discussion on the
report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation within the United
Nations system on drug control (E/1995/68). Statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Thailand, France
(on behalf of the States members of the European Union), Australia, Mexico,
Bulgaria, the Republic of Korea, the United States of America, Brazil, Uganda,
the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and Colombia and the observers for Austria and Iraq.
27. The representative of the World Bank also made a statement, and the
Executive Director of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme
responded to questions raised.
28. At the 14th meeting, on 27 June, the Council entered into a discussion on
the report of the Secretary-General on coordination in science and technology
for development (E/1995/62 and Corr.1). Statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Japan, India,
France (on behalf of the States members of the European Union), Pakistan, the
United Republic of Tanzania, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, China, the United
States of America, Malaysia, Brazil and Australia and the observer for the Czech
Republic.
29. The Council then entered into a dialogue on the item and heard statements
by the Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development and the Director for the Division for Sustainable Development.
30. Statements were also made by the representatives of the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Cuba, Canada, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Japan, the United Republic of Tanzania,
Malaysia and Egypt.
31. The representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development also
made statements.
32. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development made a concluding statement in which he responded to questions
raised.
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Chapter IV
OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
1. The Council considered the question of operational activities of the United
Nations for international development cooperation at its substantive session
(agenda item 4). It had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the High-level Committee on Technical Cooperation among
Developing Countries on the work of its ninth session (A/50/39); 1/
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General
Assembly resolution 49/128 on the report of the International Conference on
Population and Development (A/50/190-E/1995/73);
(c) Report of the Secretary-General containing comprehensive statistical
data on operational activities for development for the year 1993
(A/50/202/Add.2-E/1995/76/Add.2);
(d) Note by the Secretariat containing a summary of actions taken by the
executive boards of United Nations development funds and programmes and United
Nations bodies in the implementation of Economic and Social Council resolution
1994/33 (A/50/202/Add.3-E/1995/76/Add.3);
(e) Report of the World Summit for Social Development (A/CONF.166/9);
(f) Report of the International Conference on Population and Development
(A/CONF.171/13 and Add.1);
(g) Reports of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development
Programme/United Nations Population Fund on its first and second regular
sessions of 1995 (DP/1995/9 and DP/1995/16);
(h) Report of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund on
the work of its first and second regular sessions of 1995 (E/1995/33, Parts I
and II);
(i) Annual report of the United Nations Population Fund to the Economic
and Social Council (E/1995/55);
(j) Annual report of the United Nations Development Programme to the
Economic and Social Council (E/1995/89);
(k) Annual report of the United Nations Children’s Fund to the Economic
and Social Council (E/1995/90 and Add.1);
(l) Report of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes
(E/1995/96);
(m) Note by the Secretariat on the triennial policy review of operational
activities for development undertaken by the United Nations system (E/1995/98);
1/ For the final text, see Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 39 (A/50/39).
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(n) Note by the Secretariat on the target for World Food Programme pledges
for the period 1997-1998 (E/1995/107);
(o) Note by the Secretariat transmitting decisions taken by policy-making
organs of the International Labour Organization regarding follow-up to the World
Summit for Social Development (E/1995/109);
(p) Excerpt from the report of the Executive Board of the United Nations
Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund on its annual session
(E/1995/L.22);
(q) Excerpt from the report of the Executive Board of the United Nations
Children’s Fund on its annual session (E/1995/L.23);
(r) Statement submitted by the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/4).
2. The Council considered the item at its 30th to 38th, 45th and 57th
meetings, from 7 to 13 and on 20 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion
is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.30-38, 45 and 57).
3. At the 30th meeting, on 7 July, the Council heard introductory statements
by the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund and the Under-
Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development.
4. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77), Japan, Denmark, Germany, Pakistan, Norway, South
Africa, the Netherlands and Chile and the observers for Spain (on behalf of the
States members of the European Union) and Sweden. The representatives of the
International Labour Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization made statements. The representatives of the United
Nations Development Programme and the Economic Commission for Europe (on behalf
of the five regional commissions) also made statements.
5. At the 31st meeting, on 7 July, statements were made by the representatives
of Portugal, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, China,
Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, the United States of America, France, the Republic of
Korea, India, Romania, Australia, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, Mexico,
Ukraine, Thailand, Ireland and the United Republic of Tanzania and the observers
for the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, Slovakia, the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia and the Gambia. Statements were also made by the
representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
and the World Health Organization. The Under-Secretary-General for Development
Support and Management Services made a statement.
6. At the 32nd meeting, on 10 July, the President of the Council made a
statement.
7. At the same meeting, the Director of the Division for Policy Coordination
and Economic and Social Council Affairs introduced the note by the Secretariat
on the triennial policy review of operational activities for development
undertaken by the United Nations system (E/1995/98).
8. The Council then entered into a dialogue on the item. Statements were made
by the representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of
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the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), China, the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, India, Norway, Ukraine,
the Republic of Korea, Brazil, Uganda, Poland, Malaysia, Cuba, Japan, Pakistan,
Finland, Belarus, Canada and Denmark and the observers for Spain (on behalf of
the States members of the European Union), the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia and Switzerland.
9. The representatives of the United Nations Development Programme, the United
Nations Children’s Fund, the International Labour Organization and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Division for Policy
Coordination and Economic and Social Affairs responded to questions raised.
10. At the 33rd meeting, on 10 July, the Council continued the dialogue. It
heard statements by the representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the
States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and
China), Germany, Denmark, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia,
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of
America, Ireland, Malaysia, Uganda, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Romania,
Thailand, Japan, Chile and Egypt and the observers for Belgium, Nigeria,
Switzerland, Swaziland and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The
representatives of the International Labour Organization and the World Bank also
made statements.
11. The representatives of the United Nations Development Programme, the United
Nations Population Fund, the World Food Programme and the Division for Policy
Coordination and Economic and Social Council Affairs responded to questions
raised.
12. At the 34th meeting, on 11 July, the Council entered into a dialogue with
the United Nations system country team from Viet Nam. The Chief of the
Operational Activities Unit of the Division for Policy Coordination and Economic
and Social Council Affairs made an introductory statement. Introductory
statements were also made by the four United Nations system representatives in
Viet Nam, namely, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the representative of
the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Country Directors of the United
Nations Population Fund and the World Food Programme.
13. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Denmark, Pakistan, the
Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Australia, the
Russian Federation, the United States of America and Uganda. The observer for
the Organization of African Unity also made a statement.
14. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam and the representative
of the United Nations Children’s Fund there, as well as the Country Directors of
the United Nations Population Fund and the World Food Programme in that country,
responded to the comments made and questions raised.
15. At the 35th meeting, on 11 July, the Council entered into a dialogue with
field representatives of the organizations of the United Nations system. The
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, the representative of the
United Nations Children’s Fund in China and Mongolia, the Country Director of
the United Nations Population Fund in Nigeria and the representative of the
World Food Programme in Ethiopia made introductory statements.
16. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Denmark, Brazil, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
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Germany, Canada, Uganda, France, Norway, Nigeria, Japan, the Netherlands and
Australia and the observer for Swaziland. The representative of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization also made a statement.
17. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, the representative of
the United Nations Children’s Fund in China and Mongolia, the Country Director
of the United Nations Population Fund in Nigeria and the representative of the
World Food Programme in Ethiopia responded to the comments made and questions
raised.
18. At the 36th meeting, on 12 July, the Administrator of the United Nations
Development Programme made a statement. Statements were also made by the
representatives of the Republic of Korea, Canada, Germany, Denmark, the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, the
United States of America, Norway and Australia and the observers for Swaziland
and Spain (on behalf of the States members of the European Union).
19. The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the
Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the Executive Director
of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Executive Director of the World
Food Programme responded to questions raised.
20. At the 37th meeting, on 12 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Japan, Cuba, the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members
of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Brazil,
Uganda, Indonesia, France, Thailand, Chile and the observers for Switzerland and
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Statements were also made by the
representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Labour
Organization and the World Bank.
21. The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the
Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the Executive Director
of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Executive Director of the World
Food Programme responded to questions raised.
22. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, the Council continued its dialogue and
heard statements by the representatives of the United States of America, the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Pakistan, Japan, Canada, Australia, Uganda, Germany and Cuba and the observers
for Swaziland, the Czech Republic and Spain (on behalf of the States members of
the European Union). Statements were also made by the representatives of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Labour
Organization.
23. The representatives of the United Nations Development Programme, the
Director of the Division for Policy Coordination and Economic and Social Council
Affairs and the Chief of the Operational Activities Unit of the Division
responded to questions raised.
United Nations Population Fund: institutional arrangements
24. The excerpt from the report of the Executive Board of the United Nations
Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund on its annual session
(E/1995/L.22) contained a decision that was brought to the attention of the
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Council: decision 95/20 entitled "United Nations Population Fund:
institutional arrangements".
25. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, statements were made by the representative
of India and the observer for Swaziland. The representative of the United
Nations Population Fund responded to questions raised.
26. At the same meeting, the Council, taking note of the decision, endorsed and
recommended to the General Assembly for endorsement the agreement between the
United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund to
designate Fund resident country directors as Fund representatives. See Council
decision 1995/231.
Office to Combat Desertification and Drought
27. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, on the proposal of the President, and
following a statement by the observer for Swaziland to which the representative
of the United Nations Development Programme responded, the Council taking into
account decision 95/24 of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development
Programme/United Nations Population Fund (see E/1995/L.22), took note of the
change of the name of the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian Office to Combat
Desertification and Drought. See Council decision 1995/232.
Reports considered by the Economic and Social Council in connection with the
question of operational activities of the United Nations for international
development cooperation
28. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the documents before it in connection with the question of
operational activities of the United Nations for international development
cooperation. See Council decision 1995/233.
Target for World Food Programme pledges for the period 1997-1998
29. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretariat (E/1995/107) transmitting a draft resolution entitled "Target for
World Food Programme pledges for the period 1997-1998", recommended by the
Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes for adoption by the Council.
30. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/3.
Operational activities of the United Nations for international development
cooperation segment
31. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, the observer for Spain, 2/ on behalf of
the States members of the European Union, introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.26) entitled "Organization of the operational activities of the United
Nations for international development cooperation segment", which read as
follows:
2/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
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"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling that, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 48/162
of 20 December 1993, the role of the operational activities of the United
Nations for international development cooperation segment includes the
provision to the United Nations system of cross-sectoral coordination and
overall guidance on a system-wide basis,
"1. Requests the executive boards of the funds and programmes of the
United Nations to ensure that their annual sessions are scheduled early
enough to enable their reports to the Economic and Social Council of the
United Nations to be issued, in all the official languages of the United
Nations, in good time so as to enable the Council to undertake its policy
guidance function;
"2. Decides that, in 1996, the high-level meeting of the operational
activities segment should focus on how to promote future international
development cooperation and strengthen collaboration between member States,
the United Nations development system and the Bretton Woods institutions at
the field level;
"3. Decides further that the themes for the working-level meetings in
1996 should include:
"(a) Issues relating to the setting of priorities by the funds and
programmes of the United Nations, including:
"(i) The priority to be given to the least developed countries, lowincome
countries and Africa;
"(ii) Sectoral priorities;
"(iii) The linkages between national development strategies, the
country strategy note, where in place, and decisions of the
executive boards;
"(b) Issues relating to a common format for the budgets of the funds
and programmes of the United Nations, with the aim of:
"(i) Promoting greater budgetary transparency;
"(ii) Enabling clear comparisons to be made between the administrative
costs of different funds and programmes;
"(iii) Addressing the linkages between administrative and programme
expenditure, ensuring the most efficient use of resources."
32. At the same meeting, the representative of the Philippines, on behalf of
the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and
China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.30) entitled "Operational
activities of the United Nations for international development cooperation
segment", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling General Assembly resolutions 44/211 of 22 December 1989,
46/219 of 20 December 1991 and 47/199 of 22 December 1992, in which the
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General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit to it, through
the Economic and Social Council, a comprehensive analysis of the
implementation of the resolution,
"Recalling also General Assembly resolution 48/162 of 20 December 1993
and its own resolution 1994/33 of 28 July 1994,
"Having considered the note by the Secretariat on the triennial policy
review of operational activities for development within the United Nations
system (E/1995/98) and the reports on the annual sessions of the United
Nations funds and programmes,
"Deeply concerned about the decrease in resources allocated to the
operational activities for development of the United Nations system,
"1. Takes note of the note by the Secretariat;
"2. Reaffirms that the strengthening of the efficiency and the
effectiveness of the operational activities of the United Nations system in
the delivery of its assistance for development requires a real commitment
by donor countries to substantially increase the availability of resources;
"3. Requests the Secretary-General to finalize the report requested
in paragraph 55 of Assembly resolution 47/199 and to submit to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session, in consultation with Member States, a
comprehensive analysis of the implementation of Assembly resolution 47/199,
with appropriate recommendations;
"4. Requests further that the report mentioned in operative
paragraph 3 above should also include appropriate recommendations regarding
the urgent need to substantially increase resources for operational
activities for development on a predictable, continuous and assured basis,
commensurate with the increasing needs of developing countries;
"5. Reiterates that the United Nations funds and programmes should
submit their reports to the Council, in all the official languages of the
United Nations in good time, so as to enable the Council to carry out its
policy guidance function;
"6. Decides that in 1996 the high-level meeting of the operational
activities segment should focus on strengthening collaboration between the
United Nations development system and the Bretton Woods institutions in the
fields of social and economic development;
"7. Urges donor countries to present, for discussion during the
operational activities segment in 1996 a report on how they will implement
paragraph 3 of Assembly resolution 47/199; the report should indicate
future commitments of the country to funding of operational activities for
development, including multi-year commitments on contributions to United
Nations funds and programmes;
"8. Decides further that the themes for the working-level meetings of
the operational activities segment should include:
"(a) Issues relating to the follow-up of the theme of the high-level
segment of the previous substantive session of the Council;
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"(b) Issues relating to the budgets of the United Nations funds and
programmes, with the aim of:
"(i) Promoting greater budgetary transparency, including
administrative costs of different funds and programmes;
"(ii) Addressing the linkages between administrative expenditure and
programme expenditure;
"(iii) Ensuring the most efficient use of resources;
"(iv) Enabling an assessment of the extrabudgetary resources mobilized
by developing countries for operational activities for
development of the United Nations, including resources from the
private sector;
"(c) Issues relating to evaluation:
"(i) Strengthening national capacity for management and coordination
of international assistance;
"(ii) Improving national participation in the process of evaluation of
United Nations funds and programmes;
"(iii) Promoting greater collaboration among United Nations funds and
programmes in the evaluation of their activities;
"(d) Issues relating to the use of national experts and procurement
of equipment, in particular from developing countries."
33. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.65) entitled "Operational activities of the United Nations for
international development cooperation segment", submitted on the basis of
informal consultations held on draft resolution E/1995/L.30.
34. At the same meeting, the representative of Colombia made a statement.
35. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.65. For the final text,
see Council resolution 1995/50.
36. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.65, draft
resolutions E/1995/L.26 and E/1995/L.30 were withdrawn by their sponsors.
Overall guidance on operational activities for development to the United Nations
funds and programmes
37. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, the observer for Spain, 2/ on behalf of
the States members of the European Union, introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.31) entitled "Policy guidance on operational activities for
development to the funds and programmes", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council
"1. Decides, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 48/162,
to provide to the United Nations funds and programmes the following policy
guidance on operational activities for development:
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"I
"PRIORITY SETTING
"2. Requests the United Nations funds and programmes to continue to
give high priority in their budget allocations to the least developed
countries, low-income countries and Africa;
"3. Also requests the funds and programmes to ensure that their
sectoral priorities take fully into account the relevant conclusions of
United Nations conferences in the economic, social and related fields, in
accordance with their respective mandates and comparative advantages;
"II
"COUNTRY PROGRAMMING
"4. Requests the heads of the funds and programmes to ensure that
there is an improved link between their country programmes, the country
strategy note, where in place, and with the programming framework of other
external donors, particularly the Bretton Woods institutions;
"5. Takes note of decision 1995/8 concerning country programming,
adopted by the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund on
6 February 1995, and requests other funds and programmes to consider both a
similar approach, in the light of the experience of the United Nations
Children’s Fund, and joint or consecutive meetings on country programmes in
order to ensure a more integrated consideration of the country programmes
of different funds and programmes in an individual country;
"III
"MONITORING, EVALUATION AND IMPACT
"6. Requests the heads of the funds and programmes to report to the
Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 1996, through
their Executive Boards, on the steps taken to further refine and
effectively apply procedures for monitoring, evaluation and impact, with
greater emphasis on their overall impact and on performance measurement,
and to ensure that higher priority is given to monitoring and evaluation
activities as well as the implementation of recommendations and findings;
"IV
"REPORTS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
ON OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
"7. Requests the Executive Boards, in their reports to the Council,
to identify specific problems, opportunities and areas in which the Council
must provide cross-sectoral coordination and overall guidance on a systemwide
basis and to make appropriate proposals, which should be summarized in
the annual report of the Secretary-General called for in paragraph 5 of
Council resolution 1994/33;
-47-
"8. Invites the specialized agencies to identify specific problem
areas for consideration by the Council in line with paragraph 7 above;
"9. Requests the funds and programmes to report jointly to the
Council on questions relating to coordination, cooperation, the division of
labour, common procedures and guidelines and on other issues they consider
appropriate;
"V
"COMMON ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
"10. Requests the funds and programmes, and invites the specialized
agencies, to explore the scope of using common administrative services at
the field level and to report thereon to the Council at its substantive
session of 1996."
38. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), introduced and orally revised a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.66) entitled "Overall guidance on operational activities for
development to the United Nations funds and programmes", submitted on the basis
of informal consultations held on draft resolution E/1995/L.31.
39. At the same meeting, the representative of Colombia made a statement.
40. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.66, as orally revised.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/51.
41. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.66, draft
resolution E/1995/L.31 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
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Chapter V
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS
A. Special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance
1. The Council considered the question of special economic, humanitarian and
disaster relief assistance at its substantive session (agenda item 5 (a)). 1/
It had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General on the strengthening of the
coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations system
(A/50/203-E/1995/79);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the participation of volunteers,
"White Helmets", in activities of the United Nations in the field of
humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development
(A/50/203/Add.1-E/1995/79/Add.1);
(c) Report of the Secretary-General on measures taken following the
cyclones and floods that have affected Madagascar (A/50/292-E/1995/115);
(d) Report of the Secretary-General on assistance for the reconstruction
and development of Lebanon (E/1995/53).
2. The Council considered the item at its 47th to 50th, 52nd, 53rd, 56th and
57th meetings, on 21 and from 24 to 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion
is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.47-50, 52, 53, 56 and
57).
3. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the Council heard oral reports by the
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the representative of the
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
4. At the same meeting, the representative of the United Nations Development
Programme made an introductory statement.
5. Also at the 437th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China), the United States of America, Paraguay
and Norway and the observers for Spain (on behalf of the States members of the
European Union), the Syrian Arab Republic, Argentina and Lebanon.
6. At the 48th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba, the Russian Federation, Brazil, Senegal, the Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya, Mexico, China, Egypt, Venezuela, Australia, Canada and the
Republic of Korea and the observers for Madagascar and Armenia.
7. Also at the 48th meeting, the observer for the International Federation of
Red cross and Red Crescent Societies made a statement.
1/ Items 5 (a) (Special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief
assistance), 5 (f) (Social development questions), 5 (g) (Crime prevention and
criminal justice); 5 (h) (Narcotic drugs) and 5 (i) (United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees) were considered together.
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8. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
United Nations Volunteers programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
9. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the observer for the International
Committee of the Red Cross made a statement.
10. Also at the 49th meeting, the representative of the United Nations Centre
for Human Settlements (Habitat) made a statement.
Provision of assistance for the repair of war damage in the Republic of Yemen
11. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of Egypt, also on
behalf of Lebanon, 2/ the Sudan and Yemen, 2/ introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.35) entitled "Provision of assistance for the repair of war damage in
the Republic of Yemen". Subsequently, Algeria, 2/ the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Morocco, 2/ Qatar 2/ and the Syrian Arab Republic 2/ joined in sponsoring the
draft resolution.
12. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Secretary of the Council read out
revisions to the draft resolution, which had been agreed upon during informal
consultations.
13. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/41.
Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon
14. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of Romania, on behalf
of Algeria, 2/ Bahrain, 2/ Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Honduras, 2/
Jordan, 2/ Kuwait, 2/ Lebanon, 2/ the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, 2/
Morocco, 2/ Oman, 2/ the Philippines, Qatar, 2/ Romania, Somalia, 2/ the Sudan,
the Syrian Arab Republic, 2/ Tunisia, 2/ the United Arab Emirates 2/ and
Yemen, 2/ introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.41) entitled "Assistance for
the reconstruction and development of Lebanon". Subsequently, Colombia, Côte
d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Spain 2/ joined in sponsoring the
draft resolution.
15. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/42.
16. After the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of France made a
statement.
Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the
United Nations
17. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the observer for Spain, 2/ on behalf of
Argentina, 2/ Austria, 2/ Belgium, 2/ Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech
Republic, 2/ Denmark, Finland, 2/ France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, 2/ Ireland,
Italy, 2/ Latvia, 2/ Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania the Russian Federation, Slovakia, 2/ Spain, 2/ Sweden, 2/ Turkey, 2/
Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and
Uruguay, 2/ introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.45) entitled "Strengthening
2/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
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of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations",
which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling the relevant General Assembly resolutions, in particular
resolutions 46/182 of 19 December 1991, 47/168 of 22 December 1992, 48/57
of 14 December 1993 and 49/139 A of 20 December 1994, and the relevant
agreed conclusions of the coordination segment of its substantive session
of 1993,
"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General (A/50/203-
E/1995/79),
"Noting with concern the imbalances in the capacity of different
agencies, organizations, programmes and funds of the United Nations system
to address effectively and in a comprehensive and coordinated manner the
need for preparedness and a humanitarian response, as well as prevention,
rehabilitation, recovery and development,
"Recognizing the need to initiate a process of review of the capacity
of the United Nations system for humanitarian assistance,
"1. Strongly encourages Governments to ensure greater coherence in
the direction given to the governing bodies of relevant agencies,
organizations, programmes and funds of the United Nations system, with the
aim of improving coordination and efficiency of humanitarian assistance in
the United Nations system;
"2. Urges the governing bodies of relevant United Nations
organizations to review, during the period 1995 to 1997, issues concerning
the role and operational responsibilities as well as the operative and
financial capacities of their respective organizations to respond, within
their mandates, to broad and comprehensive humanitarian programmes,
encompassing prevention, preparedness, humanitarian response,
rehabilitation, recovery and development, taking into account the
indicative agenda of issues for consideration by the governing bodies of
the appropriate agencies, organizations, programmes and funds of the United
Nations system contained in the annex to the present resolution;
"3. Requests relevant agencies, organizations, programmes and funds
of the United Nations system to include in their reports to the Economic
and Social Council at its substantive session of 1996 a section on the
progress achieved in the review of these issues;
"4. Requests the Department of Humanitarian Affairs of the
Secretariat, in close cooperation with relevant United Nations agencies, to
submit to the Council at its substantive session of 1996 a progress report
on the issues identified and to further provide, at a date to be determined
by the Council at that session, a comprehensive report, including options
and proposals for a review of all aspects of the capacity of the United
Nations system for humanitarian assistance;
"5. Calls upon the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, in this
context, to convene regular, informal and open information meetings with
Member States, non-member States and relevant intergovernmental and other
organizations on the review of the above issues, in order to ensure that
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they are coherently addressed, as well as to report on outstanding issues
that need to be addressed."
"Annex
"INDICATIVE AGENDA OF ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNING
BODIES OF THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMMES
AND FUNDS OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM
"Consider specific measures to strengthen local capacity and coping
mechanisms.
"Review the role and the operational responsibilities of each specific
organization in humanitarian situations in regard to prevention,
preparedness, humanitarian response, rehabilitation, recovery and
development, as applicable (both as regards countries of origin and
countries of asylum).
"Review the impact of the allocation of resources on the relationship
between live-saving needs, prevention, preparedness and recovery.
"Promote the development of operative memoranda of understanding between
different organizations to ensure interlinkages between and coherence of
the operational activities of relevant actors.
"Review the operational and financial capacity of each organization to act
in a timely manner and effectively in relation to its role and mandate.
"Review the practical implications for each agency of participating fully
in Department of Humanitarian Affairs coordinated programming and in
related consolidated appeals.
"Consider the development of strategies for comprehensive staff
development, including inter-agency training modules.
"Enhance and promote administrative and other procedures which provide
flexibility and facilitate rapid response.
"Review levels of delegation of authority to the field level."
18. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Council had before it a draft
resolution (E/1995/L.62), submitted by the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Enrique Tejera-París (Venezuela), on the basis of informal consultations
held on draft resolution E/1995/L.45.
19. At the same meeting, the Secretary of the Council read out corrections to
draft resolution E/1995/L.62.
20. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.62, as orally corrected.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/56.
21. Before the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba and Norway.
22. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.62, draft
resolution E/1995/L.45 was withdrawn by the sponsors.
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Participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in activities of the United
Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical
cooperation for development
23. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the observer for Argentina, 2/ on behalf
of Angola, 2/ Argentina, 2/ Armenia, 2/ Australia, Austria, 2/ the Bahamas,
Belgium, 2/ Bhutan, Bolivia, 2/ Brazil, Burundi, 2/ Cameroon, 2/ Canada, Chile,
China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, 2/ Ecuador, 2/
Egypt, El Salvador, 2/ Finland, 2/ France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Guatemala, 2/ Honduras, 2/ Ireland, Israel, 2/ Italy, 2/ Jamaica, Japan,
Luxembourg, Madagascar, 2/ the Netherlands, Nicaragua, 2/ Norway, Pakistan,
Panama, 2/ Peru, 2/ the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea,
Romania, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Sierra Leone, 2/ South Africa,
Spain, 2/ Sri Lanka, Swaziland, 2/ Switzerland, 2/ Sweden, 2/ Tunisia, 2/
Uganda, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the
United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, Uruguay, 2/ Venezuela
and Zimbabwe, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.46) entitled
"Participation of volunteers, ’White Helmets’, in activities of the United
Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical
cooperation for development". Subsequently, Belarus, Bulgaria, Paraguay and
Thailand joined in sponsoring the draft resolution.
24. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the observer for Argentina orally revised
the draft resolution on behalf of the sponsors.
25. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/44.
26. After the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of Indonesia
made a statement.
Assistance for the reconstruction of Madagascar following the natural disasters
of 1994
27. At the 53rd meeting, on 26 July, the representative of Gabon, on behalf of
Cameroon, 2/ Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, India, Lebanon, 2/ Madagascar, 2/
Mauritius, 2/ Senegal and Uganda, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.48)
entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction of Madagascar following the natural
disasters of 1994".
28. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Secretary of the Council read out
revisions to the draft resolution, which had been agreed upon during informal
consultations.
29. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/43.
Reports relating to special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief
assistance
30. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of reports relating to special economic, humanitarian and
disaster relief assistance. See Council decision 1995/314.
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B. Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third
Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
31. The Council considered the question of the implementation of the Programme
of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination at its
substantive session (agenda item 5 (b)). 3/ It had before it the report of
the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the
Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (E/1995/111 and Add.1).
32. The Council considered the item at its 51st and 57th meetings, on 25 and
28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary
records (E/1995/SR.51 and 57).
33. At the 51st meeting, on 25 July, the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights made an introductory statement.
34. Also at the 51st meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Brazil and the United States of America.
Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism
and Racial Discrimination
35. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the representative of Senegal, on behalf
of Algeria, 2/ Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, 2/ France, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, 2/
Madagascar, 2/ Morocco, 2/ Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia 2/ and
Zimbabwe, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.56) entitled "Implementation
of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial
Discrimination". Subsequently, Angola, 2/ Cuba, Egypt, the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Uganda and Venezuela joined in sponsoring the draft resolution.
36. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/59.
C. 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
37. The Council considered the question of 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 at its substantive session (agenda item 5 (c)). 3/ It had before
it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General 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 (A/50/212);
3/ Items 5 (b) (Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third
Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination), 5 (c) (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) and 5 (d) (Human rights questions) were considered together.
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(b) Report of the Secretary-General on assistance to the Palestinian
people (A/50/286-E/1995/113);
(c) Report of the President of the Council on consultations held with the
Chairman of 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/1995/85);
(d) Preliminary report of the United Nations Seminar on Palestinian
Administrative, Managerial and Financial Needs and Challenges, Paris,
28-30 June 1995; 4/
38. The Council considered the item at its 51st, 56th and 57th meetings, on 25,
27 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant
summary records (E/1995/SR.51, 56 and 57).
39. At the 51st meeting, on 25 July, the acting Chairman of the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration
on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples made a
statement.
40. Also at the 51st meeting, the representative of Brazil made a statement.
41. At the same meeting, the observer for Palestine made a statement.
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
42. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the representative of the United Republic
of Tanzania, on behalf of Afghanistan, 2/ Chile, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the
Islamic Republic of Iran, 2/ Iraq, 2/ the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Namibia, 2/
Swaziland 2/ and the United Republic of Tanzania, introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.53) entitled "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".
43. In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of the United
Republic of Tanzania orally revised it as follows:
(a) In the third preambular paragraph, the words "and resolutions of the
Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples"
were inserted before the words "as well as other relevant resolutions";
(b) In operative paragraph 1, the word "acting" was deleted before the
word "Chairman" and the words "suggestions arising thereon" were replaced by the
words "suggestions arising therefrom".
44. Subsequently, Colombia joined in sponsoring the draft resolution, as orally
revised.
45. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, at the request of the representatives of
the United States of America and Cuba, the Council voted on draft resolution
E/1995/L.53, as orally revised. The draft resolution which was subsequently
4/ Subsequently issued in document A/50/278-E/1995/114 and Corr.1.
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circulated in document E/1995/L.53/Rev.1, was adopted by a roll-call vote of 31
to none, with 20 abstentions. For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/58. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia,
Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Federation, Senegal, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of
Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstaining: Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France,
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Ukraine,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United
States of America.
46. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United States of America and the Russian Federation.
Report of the Secretary-General on assistance to the Palestinian people
47. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Secretary-General on assistance to the
Palestinian people (A/50/286-E/1995/113). See Council decision 1995/314.
D. Human rights questions
48. The Council considered human rights questions at its substantive session
(agenda item 5 (d)). 3/ It had before it the following documents:
(a) Letter dated 30 January 1995 from the Permanent Representative of
Croatia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (A/50/75-
E/1995/10);
(b) Letter dated 1 February 1995 from the Permanent Representative of the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations addressed to the
Secretary-General (A/50/78-E/1995/11);
(c) Letter dated 7 March 1995 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the
Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations addressed to the
Secretary-General (A/50/92-E/1995/15);
(d) Letter dated 8 March 1995 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the
Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations addressed to the
Secretary-General (A/50/93-E/1995/16);
(e) Letter dated 24 March 1995 from the Permanent Representative of
Slovenia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (A/50/122-
E/1995/18);
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(f) Report of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on its
tenth and eleventh sessions (E/1995/22 and Corr.1); 5/
(g) Report of the Commission on Human Rights on its fifty-first session
(E/1995/23 and Corr.1 and 2); 6/
(h) Note by the Secretariat transmitting a general comment of the Human
Rights Committee (E/1995/49);
(i) Letter dated 7 June 1995 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the
Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations addressed to the
Secretary-General (E/1995/88);
(j) Note by the Secretary-General on the review of the composition,
organization and administrative arrangements of the Committee on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (E/1995/93);
(k) Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
(E/1995/112);
(l) Letter dated 26 July 1995 from the Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent
Mission of Albania to the United Nations Office and other international
organizations at Geneva addressed to the Secretary-General (E/1995/118);
(m) Extract of the report of the Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights on its twelfth session (E/1995/L.21); 7/
(n) Note by the Secretariat containing statements of the programme budget
implications of resolutions adopted by the Commission on Human Rights at its
fifty-first session (E/1995/L.25). 8/
49. The Council considered the item at its 51st to 53rd and 57th meetings, on
25, 26 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.51-53 and 57).
50. At the 51st meeting, on 25 July, the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights made an introductory statement.
51. Also at the 51st meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Brazil, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Poland, Nigeria,
Senegal, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the United States of America, China,
Australia and Ukraine, the observer for Angola and the observer for Spain (on
behalf of the States members of the European Union), who indicated that the
delegations of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania
and Slovakia associated themselves with his statement.
5/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 2 and corrigendum (E/1995/22 and Corr.1).
6/ Ibid., Supplement No. 3 and corrigenda (E/1995/23 and Corr.1 and 2).
7/ For the final text, see Official Records of the Economic and Social
Council, 1995, Supplement No. 2A (E/1995/22/Add.1).
8/ For the final text, see Official Records of the Economic and Social
Council, 1995, Supplement No. 3A (E/1995/23/Add.1).
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52. At the same meeting, statements were made by the observers for the World
Muslim Congress and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Council, category I.
Rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic
minorities
53. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of Japan proposed an
amendment to draft resolution I, entitled "Rights of persons belonging to
national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A).
54. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/31.
55. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of India, Japan and Nigeria.
Establishment of a working group of the Commission on Human Rights to elaborate
a draft declaration in accordance with paragraph 5 of General Assembly
resolution 49/214
56. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft resolution II,
entitled "Establishment of a working group of the Commission on Human Rights to
elaborate a draft declaration in accordance with paragraph 5 of General Assembly
resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A). For the final text, see Council
resolution 1995/32.
57. Before the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of Japan made a
statement.
Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
58. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft resolution III,
entitled "Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A).
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/33.
Question of human rights and states of emergency
59. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of Japan proposed an
amendment to draft resolution IV, entitled "Question of human rights and states
of emergency", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23,
chap. I, sect. A).
60. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/34.
Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the
basic measures needed for their prevention and eradication
61. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council, at the request of the
representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
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voted on draft resolution V, entitled "Question of a draft optional protocol to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child
prostitution and child pornography, as well as the basic measures needed for
their prevention and eradication", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A). The draft resolution was adopted by a roll-call
vote of 34 to none, with 15 abstentions. For the final text, see Council
resolution 1995/35. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, France,
Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Philippines, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan,
Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela,
Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstaining: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Japan, Malaysia,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea,
Romania, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland, United States of America.
Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography
62. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of Japan proposed an
amendment to draft resolution VI, entitled "Special Rapporteur on the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A).
63. The representative of Cuba made a statement.
64. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/36.
Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflicts
65. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft resolution VII,
entitled "Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights
of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflicts", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A). For the final
text, see Council resolution 1995/37.
Question of a draft declaration on the right and responsibility of individuals,
groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognized human
rights and fundamental freedoms
66. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft resolution VIII,
entitled "Question of a draft declaration on the right and responsibility of
individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally
recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms", recommended by the Commission
on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. A). For the final text, see Council
resolution 1995/38.
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Use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples
to self-determination
67. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Council voted on
draft decision 1, entitled "Use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the
exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision
was adopted by a roll-call vote of 31 to 1, with 16 abstentions. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/254. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Philippines, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, United Republic of
Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
Measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance
68. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 2,
entitled "Measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text,
see Council decision 1995/255.
Effects on the full enjoyment of human rights of the economic adjustment
policies arising from foreign debt and, in particular, of the implementation of
the Declaration on the Right to Development
69. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
Canada, the Council voted on draft decision 3, entitled "Effects on the full
enjoyment of human rights of the economic adjustment policies arising from
foreign debt and, in particular, of the implementation of the Declaration on the
Right to Development", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23,
chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 31 to
18, with 1 abstention. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/256. The
voting was as follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia,
Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Senegal, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of
Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland,
Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
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Romania, Russian Federation, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.
Abstaining: Bulgaria.
Question of the realization in all countries of the economic, social and
cultural rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and study of
special problems which the developing countries face in their efforts to achieve
these human rights
70. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 4,
entitled "Question of the realization in all countries of the economic, social
and cultural rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and
in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and study
of special problems which the developing countries face in their efforts to
achieve these human rights", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/257.
The right to development
71. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United States of America, the Council voted on draft decision 5, entitled
"The right to development", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call
vote of 30 to 8, with 11 abstentions. For the final text, see Council decision
1995/258. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia,
Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania,
Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: Canada, Germany, Japan, Poland, Russian Federation, Ukraine,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United
States of America.
Abstaining: Australia, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania.
Promoting the realization of the right to adequate housing
72. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 6,
entitled "Promoting the realization of the right to adequate housing",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/259.
Implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance
and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
73. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 7,
entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of
Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief", recommended by
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the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/260.
Work of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
Minorities
74. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 8,
entitled "Work of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/261.
Permanent forum for indigenous people in the United Nations
75. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 9,
entitled "A permanent forum for indigenous people in the United Nations",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/262.
Report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on
Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities
76. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 10,
entitled "Report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the
Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/263.
Special process dealing with the problem of missing persons in the territory of
the former Yugoslavia
77. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 11,
entitled "Special process dealing with the problem of missing persons in the
territory of the former Yugoslavia", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/264.
Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
78. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 12,
entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I,
sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/265.
Question of enforced disappearances
79. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 13,
entitled "Question of enforced disappearances", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/266.
Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights in the
Asia and Pacific region
80. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 14,
entitled "Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights
in the Asia and Pacific region", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
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(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/267.
Assistance to Guatemala in the field of human rights
81. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 15,
entitled "Assistance to Guatemala in the field of human rights", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/268.
Advisory services and the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field
of Human Rights
82. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 16,
entitled "Advisory services and the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in
the Field of Human Rights", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights
(E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/269.
Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights
83. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 18,
entitled "Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/272.
Internally displaced persons
84. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 19,
entitled "Internally displaced persons", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/273.
Situation of human rights in Cuba
85. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
Cuba, the Council voted on draft decision 20, entitled "Situation of human
rights in Cuba", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23,
chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 23 to
10, with 18 abstentions. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/277.
The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire,
Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea,
Romania, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela.
Against: China, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of
Tanzania.
Abstaining: Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Gabon,
Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines,
Senegal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Ukraine, Zimbabwe.
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86. Before the draft decision was adopted, the representative of Cuba made a
statement.
Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
87. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
Cuba, the Council voted on draft decision 21, entitled "Situation of human
rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision was adopted by a rollcall
vote of 28 to 8, with 15 abstentions. For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/279. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, South
Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
United States of America, Venezuela.
Against: China, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Malaysia, Pakistan, Sudan.
Abstaining: Belarus, Bhutan, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Philippines,
Republic of Korea, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda,
Ukraine, United Republic of Tanzania, Zimbabwe.
Situation of human rights in Zaire
88. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 22,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Zaire", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/280.
Situation of human rights in Haiti
89. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 23,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Haiti", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/281.
Situation of human rights in Equatorial Guinea
90. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 24,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Equatorial Guinea", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text,
see Council decision 1995/282.
Situation of human rights in Myanmar
91. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 25,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Myanmar", recommended by the Commission
on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/283.
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Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
92. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 26,
entitled "Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text,
see council decision 1995/284.
Situation of human rights in Afghanistan
93. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 27,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Afghanistan", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text,
see Council decision 1995/285.
Situation of human rights in Iraq
94. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 28,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Iraq", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/286.
Situation of human rights in the Sudan
95. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the Sudan, the Council voted on draft decision 29, entitled "Situation of human
rights in the Sudan", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23,
chap. I, sect. B). The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 33 to
8, with 10 abstentions. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/287. The
voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, France, Gabon,
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian
Federation, South Africa, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America,
Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: China, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan.
Abstaining: Bhutan, Egypt, Ghana, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Republic
of Korea, Senegal, Thailand, United Republic of Tanzania.
96. Before the draft decision was adopted, the representative of the Sudan made
a statement.
Adverse effects on the enjoyment of human rights of the illicit movement and
dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes
97. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Council voted on
draft decision 30, entitled "Adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping
of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 29 to 17, with 5
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abstentions. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/288. The voting was
as follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India,
Indonesia, Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela,
Zimbabwe.
Against: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, United States of America.
Abstaining: Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Ukraine.
Question of integrating the human rights of women into the human rights
mechanisms of the United Nations
98. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 31,
entitled "Question of integrating the human rights of women into the human
rights mechanisms of the United Nations", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/289.
Situation of human rights in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the
Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and
Montenegro)
99. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 32,
entitled "Situation of human rights in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and
Montenegro)", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I,
sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/290.
Situation of human rights in Burundi
100. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 33,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Burundi", recommended by the Commission
on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/291.
Situation of human rights in Rwanda
101. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 34,
entitled "Situation of human rights in Rwanda", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/292.
Evaluation of the human rights programme of the United Nations system, in
accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
102. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 35,
entitled "Evaluation of the human rights programme of the United Nations system,
in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action", recommended
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by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/293.
World conference against racism, racial and ethnic discrimination, xenophobia
and other related contemporary forms of intolerance
103. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 36,
entitled "A world conference against racism, racial and ethnic discrimination,
xenophobia and other related contemporary forms of intolerance", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/294.
Human rights and income distribution
104. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 37,
entitled "Human rights and income distribution", recommended by the Commission
on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/295.
Dates of the fifty-second session of the Commission on Human Rights
105. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 38,
entitled "Organization of the work of the fifty-second regular session",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/296.
Protection of the heritage of indigenous people
106. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 39,
entitled "Protection of the heritage of indigenous people", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text,
see Council decision 1995/297.
Study on treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between States
and indigenous populations
107. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 40,
entitled "Study on treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements
between States and indigenous populations", recommended by the Commission on
Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/298.
The right to a fair trial
108. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of Japan made a
statement in which he corrected draft decision 41, entitled "The right to a fair
trial", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I,
sect. B). The draft decision was adopted, as orally corrected. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/299.
Traditional practices affecting the health of women and children
109. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 42,
entitled "Traditional practices affecting the health of women and children",
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B).
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/300.
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Organization of the work of the fifty-second session of the Commission on Human
Rights
110. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted draft decision 43,
entitled "Organization of the work of the fifty-second session", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/301.
Assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law
111. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law", recommended by
the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2, para. 2). For the final text,
see Council decision 1995/270.
Situation of human rights in Cambodia
112. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "The situation of human rights in Cambodia", recommended by the
Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2, para. 3). For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/271.
Human rights and disability
113. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Human rights and disability", recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2, para. 4). For the final text, see Council decision
1995/274.
Composition of the staff of the Centre for Human Rights
114. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council considered the draft decision
entitled "Composition of the staff of the Centre for Human Rights", recommended
by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2, para. 4).
115. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland requested a roll-call vote on the draft decision.
116. The representative of the United States of America proposed an amendment to
the draft decision, whereby the words "in accordance with article 101 of the
Charter" would be added at the end of the text.
117. Statements were made by the representatives of Cuba, the Netherlands, India
and China.
118. The representative of Cuba requested a vote on the proposed amendment.
119. Statements were made by the representatives of the United States of
America, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Netherlands and China.
120. The proposed amendment was rejected by a roll-call vote of 18 to 31, with 1
abstention. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
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Romania, South Africa, 9/ Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.
Against: Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, India,
Indonesia, Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian
Federation, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda,
United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Abstaining: Ireland.
121. The Council then adopted the draft decision by a roll-call vote of 29 to
20. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/275. The voting was as
follows:
In favour: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Philippines, Republic of Korea, Senegal, South Africa, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania,
Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France,
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation,
Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
United States of America.
Abstaining: None.
Respect for the universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family
reunification
122. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United States of America, the Council voted on the draft decision entitled
"Respect for the universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family
reunification", recommended by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2,
para. 4). The draft decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 20 to 7, with
23 abstentions. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/276. The voting
was as follows:
In favour: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire,
Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela.
Against: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Norther Ireland, United States of
America.
Abstaining: Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Gabon,
Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines,
9/ The delegation of South Africa subsequently indicated that its vote on
the amendment should have been recorded as being against and not as being in
favour.
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Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian
Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine,
Zimbabwe.
Human rights situation in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa
123. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United States of America, the Council voted on the draft decision entitled
"Human rights situation in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa", recommended
by the Commission on Human Rights (E/1995/23/Corr.2, para. 5). The draft
decision was adopted by a roll-call vote of 47 to 1, with 1 abstention. 10/
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/278. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba,
Denmark, Egypt, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian
Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand,
Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Philippines
Payment of honoraria to members of the Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights
124. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
Japan, the Council voted on draft decision II, entitled "Payment of honoraria to
members of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights", recommended
by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/1995/22, chap. I).
The draft decision was adopted by 33 votes to 5. For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/302 A.
125. Before the draft decision was adopted, the representative of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland made a statement.
126. Also at the 52nd meeting, the Council adopted draft decision I, entitled
"Payment of honoraria to members of the Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights", recommended by the Committee (E/1995/L.21, chap. I). For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/302 B.
127. Before the draft decision was adopted, the representative of the
Netherlands made a statement.
Annual sessions of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
128. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "Annual sessions of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights", recommended by the Committee (E/1995/L.21, chap. I). For the final
text, see Council resolution 1995/39.
10/ The delegation of Pakistan subsequently stated that it had intended to
vote in favour of the draft decision.
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129. Before the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland made a statement.
Resources to enable the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to
obtain access to specialized expertise in its work
130. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
Japan, the Council voted on draft decision II, entitled "Resources to enable the
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to obtain access to
specialized expertise in its work", recommended by the Committee (E/1995/L.21,
chap. I). The draft decision was adopted by 43 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions.
For the final text, see Council decision 1995/303.
131. Before the draft decision was adopted, the representative of Japan made a
statement.
* * *
132. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, before the draft resolutions and draft
decisions were adopted, statements were made by the representatives of Cuba and
the Netherlands; after the draft resolutions and draft decisions were adopted
statements were made by the representatives of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, Japan, China, the Philippines, Norway, South
Africa, the Russian Federation and Ireland.
133. Statements were also made by the observers for Morocco, Spain and the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
134. At the 53rd meeting, on 26 July, the representative of the Programme
Planning and Budget Section of the United Nations Office at Geneva made a
statement on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Commission on
Human Rights and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
135. The President of the Council made a statement.
136. Statements were also made by the representatives of Cuba, the United States
of America, Uganda, the Netherlands and Canada.
137. The representative of the Programme Planning and Budget Section of the
United Nations Office at Geneva responded to questions raised during the
discussion.
Reports relating to human rights questions
138. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of reports before it relating to human rights questions. See
Council decision 1995/314.
E. Advancement of women
139. The Council considered the question of the advancement of women at its
substantive session (agenda item 5 (e)). It had before it the following
documents:
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(a) Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women on its fourteenth session (A/50/38); 11/
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the improvement of the situation of
women in rural areas (A/50/257-E/1995/61);
(c) Report of the Commission on the Status of Women at its thirty-ninth
session (E/1995/26); 12/
(d) Report of the Board of Trustees of the International Research and
Training Institute for the Advancement of Women on its fifteenth session
(E/1995/80);
(e) Note by the Secretariat on accreditation of non-governmental
organizations to the Fourth World Conference on Women (E/1995/91 and
Corr.1); 13/
(f) Statement submitted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a
non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/5).
140. The Council considered the item at its 49th to 51st, 54th, 56th and 57th
meetings, from 24 to 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in
the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.49-51, 54, 56 and 57).
141. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Secretary-General of the Fourth World
Conference on Women made an introductory statement.
142. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Acting Director of the International
Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women made an
introductory statement.
143. Also at the 50th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
China, the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations
that are members of the Group of 77), the United States of America, the Republic
of Korea, Ukraine and Belarus and the observers for the Dominican Republic,
Israel, Namibia, Iraq and Spain (on behalf of the States Members of the European
Union).
144. At the same meeting, the observer for Soroptimist International, a
non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Council,
category I, made a statement.
Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat
145. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution I,
entitled "Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat", recommended by
11/ For the final text, see Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 38 (A/50/38).
12/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 6 (E/1995/26).
13/ Considered by the Council under organizational matters (see chap. XIV,
sect. S).
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the Commission on the Status of Women (E/1995/26, chap. I, sect A). For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/28.
Palestinian women
146. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft
resolution II, entitled "Palestinian women", recommended by the Commission on
the Status of Women (E/1995/26, chap. I, sect. A), and heard statements by the
representatives of the United States of America and the observer for Spain.
147. At the 51st meeting, on 25 July, at the request of the representative of
the United States of America, the Council voted on draft resolution II. The
draft resolution was adopted by a roll-call vote of 43 to 1, with 4 abstentions.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/30. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico,
Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Norway, Ukraine.
148. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United States of America, the Russian Federation and
Germany and the observers for Spain (on behalf of the States members of the
European Union) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
149. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of Japan proposed an
amendment to draft resolution III, entitled "Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women", recommended by the Commission on the
Status of Women (E/1995/26, chap. I, sect. A).
150. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/29.
151. Before the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of the Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya made a statement.
Report of the Commission on the Status of Women on its thirty-ninth session and
provisional agenda and documentation for the fortieth session of the Commission
152. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Commission on the Status of Women on its thirty-ninth
session and provisional agenda and documentation for the fortieth session of the
Commission", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/26, chap. I, sect. B). For
the final text, see Council decision 1995/252.
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Report of the Commission on the Status of Women
153. At the 51st meeting, on 25 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council adopted a decision relating to resolution 39/9 of the Commission on the
Status of Women, entitled "Women in agriculture and rural development". See
Council decision 1995/253.
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women
154. At the 54th meeting, on 26 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.51) entitled "International
Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women".
155. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Secretary of the Council read out
revisions to the draft resolution which had been agreed upon during informal
consultations.
156. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/45.
Reports relating to the question of the advancement of women
157. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, in the proposal on the President, the
Council took note of reports before it relating to the question of the
advancement of women. See Council decision 1995/314.
F. Social development questions
158. The Council considered social development questions at its substantive
session (agenda item 5 (f)). 1/ It had before it the following documents:
(a) Interim report of the Secretary-General on the world social situation
(A/50/84-E/1995/12);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General and the Director-General of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on progress made and
problems encountered in the struggle against illiteracy: a mid-decade review
(A/50/181-E/1995/65);
(c) Report of the Commission for Social Development on its thirty-fourth
session (E/1995/24); 14/
(d) Note by the Secretariat on implementation and follow-up to the
Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action of the
World Summit for Social Development (E/1995/102);
(e) Note by the Secretariat transmitting decisions taken by policy-making
organs of the International Labour Organization regarding follow-up to the World
Summit for Development (E/1995/109).
14/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 4 (E/1995/24).
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159. The Council considered the item at its 47th to 50th, 52nd and 57th
meetings, on 21, 24, 25 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.47-50, 52 and 57).
160. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, introductory statements were made by the
Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis,
the Director of the Division for Social Development and the Director of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Liaison Office.
161. Also at the 47th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China) and Ukraine and the observer for Spain (on
behalf of the States members of the European Union).
162. At the 48th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Brazil, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mexico, China, Egypt,
Venezuela, Australia, Canada, Uganda and Norway.
163. Also at the 48th meeting, the observer for the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies made a statement. The observer for the
International Federation of Associations of the Elderly, a non-governmental
organization in consultative status with the Council, category I, also made a
statement.
164. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of the United Nations
Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) made a statement.
International Year of Older Persons: towards a society for all ages
165. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "International Year of Older Persons: towards a society for all ages",
recommended by the Commission for Social Development (E/1995/24, chap. I,
sect. A). For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/21.
Report of the Commission for Social Development on its thirty-fourth session and
provisional agenda and documentation for the thirty-fifth session of the
Commission
166. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Commission for Social Development on its thirty-fourth
session and provisional agenda and documentation for its thirty-fifth session",
recommended by the Commission (E/1995/24, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/248.
Tenth anniversary of the International Youth Year and world programme of action
for youth to the year 2000 and beyond
167. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered Commission for
Social Development resolution 34/1, entitled "Tenth anniversary of the
International Youth Year and world programme of action for youth to the year
2000 and beyond", which called for action by the Council (E/1995/24, chap. I,
sect. C).
168. Statements were made by the representatives of Egypt and the Philippines
(on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
Group of 77 and China) and the observer for Spain (on behalf of the States
members of the European Union).
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169. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council decided to establish an open-ended working group on youth during its
resumed substantive session in September 1995. See Council decision 1995/251.
170. After the draft decision was adopted, the observer for Spain made a
statement on behalf of the States members of the European Union.
171. In the light of the adoption of the draft decision, no further action was
taken by the Council on Commission resolution 34/1.
Confirmation of members of the Board of the United Nations Research Institute
for Social Development
172. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council decided to confirm the
nomination by the Commission for Social Development in its decision 34/101
(E/1995/24, chap. I, sect. D) of members of the Board of the United Nations
Research Institute for Social Development. For the text of the decision, see
Council decision 1995/249.
Social development
173. At the 52nd meeting, on 25 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.44) entitled "Social
development", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, in
particular commitment 10, and the Programme of Action of the World Summit
for Social Development, in particular chapter V on implementation and
follow-up, in which, inter alia, the Economic and Social Council was
invited to review, at its substantive session of 1995, the mandate, agenda
and composition of the Commission for Social Development, including
considerations of the strengthening of the Commission, taking into account
the need for synergy with other related commissions and conference followup,
"Taking note of the report of the Commission for Social Development on
its thirty-fourth session (E/1995/24), at which the World Summit for Social
Development was the priority subject,
"Taking into account Commission resolution 34/4 and 34/5, including
the annexes thereto, concerning the follow-up to the World Summit for
Social Development, in particular the recommendation that the Commission
should have a central role in the follow-up of the Copenhagen Declaration
and Programme of Action,
"1. Takes note of the note by the Secretariat (E/1995/102);
"2. Decides that the Commission for Social Development should review
on a yearly basis the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen
Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action of the World
Summit for Social Development in a manner consistent with the functions and
contributions of other relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the
United Nations system;
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"3. Also decides that a strengthened Commission for Social
Development, in addition to the functions and terms of reference set out in
paragraph 3 of the annex to Commission resolution 34/4, should:
"(a) Define a multi-year programme of work up to the year 2000,
leading to the contribution of the Commission to the overall review by the
General Assembly of the implementation of the outcome of the Summit;
"(b) Review in 1996 the reporting practices to and by the Commission
in order to enhance the multi-year programme of work;
"4. Reiterates that the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration
and Programme of Action will require substantial new and additional
resources at the national and international levels, as agreed to by the
World Summit for Social Development;
"5. Decides to enlarge the membership of the Commission for Social
Development to fifty-three members, duly elected by the Economic and Social
Council for a term of three years, bearing in mind the membership of other
functional commissions of the Council;
"6. Further decides that in accordance with the new terms of
reference and mandate of the Commission, it should modify its calendar of
meetings in order to hold annual sessions as of 1996;
"7. Requests the Secretary-General to make the appropriate
arrangements for the session of the Commission in 1996;
"8. Requests the General Assembly to give priority consideration to
and adopt pertinent decisions on the financial implications of the followup
to and implementation of the agreements reached by the World Summit for
Social Development."
174. A statement of the programme budget implications of the draft resolution,
submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with rule 31 of the rules of
procedure of the Council, was circulated in document E/1995/L.60.
175. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Council had before it the text of a
draft resolution (subsequently issued in document E/1995/L.64) entitled "Social
development", which was submitted by the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Enrique Tejera-París (Venezuela), on the basis of informal consultations
held on draft resolution E/1995/L.44.
176. The Secretary of the Council orally corrected the text of the draft
resolution and read out revisions to the programme budget implications contained
in document E/1995/L.60.
177. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.64, as orally corrected.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/60.
178. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.64, draft
resolution E/1995/L.44 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
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Reports relating to social development questions
179. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of reports before it relating to social development questions.
See Council decision 1995/314.
G. Crime prevention and criminal justice
180. The Council considered the question of crime prevention and criminal
justice at its substantive session (agenda item 5 (g)). 1/ It had before it the
following documents:
(a) Report of the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime
and the Treatment of Offenders (A/CONF.169/16);
(b) Report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on
its fourth session (E/1995/30 and Add.1); 15/
(c) Report of the Secretary-General on capital punishment and
implementation of the safeguards guaranteeing the protection of the rights of
those facing the death penalty (E/1995/78 and Add.1 and Add.1/Corr.1);
(d) Statement submitted by Amnesty International, a non-governmental
organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
category II (E/1995/NGO/2).
181. The Council considered the item at its 47th to 50th, 53rd and 57th
meetings, on 21, 24, 26 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.47-50, 53 and 57).
182. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the Chief of the Crime Prevention and
Criminal Justice Branch made an introductory statement.
183. Also at the 47th meeting, the observer for the Syrian Arab Republic made a
statement.
184. At the 48th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Japan, China, Egypt, Venezuela, Uganda, Pakistan and
Portugal.
Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of
Offenders
185. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the
Treatment of Offenders", recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention and
Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. A). For the final text, see Council
resolution 1995/8.
15/ For the final text, see Official Records of the Economic and Social
Council, 1995, Supplement No. 10 and addendum (E/1995/30 and Add.1).
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Implementation of the resolutions and recommendations of the Ninth United
Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders
186. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft resolution I,
entitled "Implementation of the resolutions and recommendations of the Ninth
United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of
Offenders", recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal
Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B).
187. A statement of the programme budget implications of the draft resolution,
submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with rule 31 of the rules of
procedure of the Council, was before the Council in document E/1995/30/Add.1.
188. At the same meeting, the observer for Spain made a statement on behalf of
the States members of the European Union.
189. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/27.
190. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and
the United States of America and the observer for Spain (on behalf of the States
members of the European Union).
Guidelines for the prevention of urban crime
191. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution II,
entitled "Guidelines for the prevention of urban crime", recommended by the
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I,
sect. B). For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/9.
Criminal justice action to combat the organized smuggling of illegal migrants
across national boundaries
192. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution III,
entitled "Criminal justice action to combat the organized smuggling of illegal
migrants across national boundaries", recommended by the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council resolution 1995/10.
Implementation of the Naples Political Declaration and Global Action Plan
against Organized Transnational Crime
193. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution IV,
entitled "Implementation of the Naples Political Declaration and Global Action
Plan against Organized Transnational Crime", recommended by the Commission on
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/11.
Establishment of a clearing-house for international projects in the field of
crime prevention and criminal justice
194. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution V,
entitled "Establishment of a clearing-house for international projects in the
field of crime prevention and criminal justice", recommended by the Commission
on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/12.
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United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice
195. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution VI,
entitled "United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal
justice", recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
(E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/13.
Action against corruption
196. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution VIII,
entitled "Action against corruption", recommended by the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council resolution 1995/14.
Technical cooperation and interregional advisory services in crime prevention
and criminal justice
197. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution VIII,
entitled "Technical cooperation and interregional advisory services in crime
prevention and criminal justice", recommended by the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council resolution 1995/15.
Appointment of members of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations
Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
198. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision I,
entitled "Appointment of members of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations
Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute", recommended by the
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I,
sect. C). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/241.
Organization of the work of the fifth session of the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice
199. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision II,
entitled "Organization of work for the fifth session of the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice", recommended by the Commission on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. C). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/242.
Report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on its fourth
session and provisional agenda and documentation for the fifth session of the
Commission
200. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision III,
entitled "Report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on
its fourth session and provisional agenda and documentation for the fifth
session of the Commission", recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice (E/1995/30, chap. I, sect. C). For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/243.
Capital punishment
201. At the 53rd meeting, on 26 July, the observer for Spain, on behalf of
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, 2/ Portugal, Spain 2/ and Sweden, 2/
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introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.47) entitled "Capital punishment".
Subsequently, Romania, South Africa and Switzerland 2/ joined in sponsoring the
draft resolution.
202. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Secretary of the Council read out
revisions to the draft resolution, which had been agreed upon during informal
consultations.
203. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/57.
H. Narcotic drugs
204. The Council considered the question of narcotic drugs at its substantive
session (agenda item 5 (h)). 1/ It had before it the following documents:
(a) Letter dated 13 March 1995 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the
Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations addressed to the
Secretary-General (A/50/95-E/1995/17);
(b) Report of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on its thirty-eighth
session (E/1995/29 and Corr.1 and Add.1); 16/
(c) Note verbale dated 28 March 1995 from the Permanent Mission of
Colombia to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the Director-
General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (E/1995/47);
(d) Summary of the report of the International Narcotics Control Board for
1994 (E/1995/48).
205. The Council considered the item at its 47th to 49th and 56th meetings, on
21, 24 and 27 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.47-49 and 56).
206. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Colombia and the
United States of America.
207. At the 48th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Japan, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, Venezuela, the Republic of
Korea and Pakistan and the observers for Israel, Bolivia, Myanmar, the Czech
Republic and Nicaragua.
Strengthening of international cooperation against the illicit production, sale,
demand, traffic and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
208. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 as well as China and Mexico, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.34)
entitled "Strengthening of international cooperation against the illicit
production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances".
16/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, Supplement No. 9
and corrigendum and addendum (E/1995/29 and Corr.1 and Add.1).
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209. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the representative of Colombia read out
revisions to the draft resolution, which had been agreed upon during informal
consultations.
210. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see resolution 1995/40.
211. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United States of America and the Russian Federation.
Integration of demand reduction initiatives into a cohesive strategy to combat
drug abuse
212. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution I,
entitled "Integration of demand reduction initiatives into a cohesive strategy
to combat drug abuse", recommended by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
(E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. A). For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/16.
Enhanced regional cooperation to reduce the risks of drug abuse
213. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution II,
entitled "Enhanced regional cooperation to reduce the risks of drug abuse",
recommended by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. A).
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/17.
Promoting the use of memoranda of understanding to facilitate cooperation
between customs authorities and other competent administrations and the
international trading community, including commercial carriers
214. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution III,
entitled "Promoting the use of memoranda of understanding to facilitate
cooperation between customs authorities and other competent administrations and
the international trading community, including commercial carriers", recommended
by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. A). For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/18.
Demand for and supply of opiates for medical and scientific needs
215. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution IV,
entitled "Demand for and supply of opiates for medical and scientific needs",
recommended by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. A).
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/19.
Measures to strengthen international cooperation to prevent diversion of
substances listed in table I of the United Nations Convention against Illicit
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 and used in the
illicit manufacture of stimulants and other psychotropic substances
216. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution V,
entitled "Measures to strengthen international cooperation to prevent diversion
of substances listed in table I of the United Nations Convention against Illicit
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 and used in the
illicit manufacture of stimulants and other psychotropic substances",
recommended by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. A).
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/20.
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Provisional agenda and documentation for the thirty-ninth session of the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs
217. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision I,
entitled "Provisional agenda and documentation for the thirty-ninth session of
the Commission on Narcotic Drugs", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/29,
chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/244.
Report of the International Narcotics Control Board
218. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision II,
entitled "Report of the International Narcotics Control Board", recommended by
the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. B). For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/245.
Report of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
219. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision III,
entitled "Report of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs", recommended by the
Commission (E/1995/29, chap. I, sect. B). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/246.
Reconvened session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
220. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft decision IV,
entitled "Reconvened session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs", recommended
by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (E/1995/29/Corr.1). For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/247.
I. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
221. The Council considered the report of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (E/1995/52) 17/ at its substantive session (agenda item 5 (i)).
1/
222. The Council considered the item at its 47th to 49th and 57th meetings, on
21, 24 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.47-49 and 57).
223. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Republic of Tanzania and Ukraine.
224. At the 48th meeting, on 21 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba, Brazil, Senegal, Venezuela, Pakistan and Indonesia and
the observers for Morocco, Afghanistan and the Sudan.
225. Also at the 48th meeting, the observer for the Organization of African
Unity made a statement.
226. At the same meeting, the representative of the United Nations Children’s
Fund made a statement.
17/ For the final text, see Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 12 (A/50/12).
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227. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the observer for the International
Committee of the Red Cross made a statement.
228. Also at the 49th meeting, the representative of the United Nations Centre
for Human Settlements (Habitat) made a statement.
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
229. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (E/1995/52). See Council decision 1995/314.
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Chapter VI
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS
1. The Council considered economic and environmental questions at its
substantive session (agenda item 6). It had before it the following documents:
(a) World Economic and Social Survey, 1995 (E/1995/50); 1/
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on consumer protection (E/1995/70);
(c) Report of the Secretary-General on the methods of work of the
Committee for Development Planning (E/1995/82);
(d) Note by the Secretariat containing elements of a draft programme for
the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty (E/1995/92).
2. The Council considered item 6 as a whole at its 39th to 41st, 45th and 57th
meetings, on 14, 17, 20 and 28 July 1995. It held a discussion on the item at
its 39th to 41st meetings. An account of the discussion is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41, 45 and 57).
3. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, introductory statements were made by the
Director of the Division for Policy Coordination and Economic and Social Council
Affairs of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development
and the Chief of the Developed Market Economies Section of the Department for
Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis.
4. At its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July, the Council held a general
discussion also on sub-items:
(a) Sustainable development;
(b) Trade and development;
(c) Food and agricultural development;
(e) Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development;
(f) International migration and development;
(g) Human settlements;
(h) Environment;
(i) Desertification and drought.
An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary records
(E/1995/SR.39-41).
5. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), the United States
1/ United Nations publication, Sales No. E.95.II.C.1.
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of America, China, Mexico, Ukraine, Brazil and the observers for Spain (on
behalf of the States members of the European Union) and Tunisia. The
representative of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific
Organization made a statement. The observer for the International Organization
for Migration also made a statement.
6. At the 40th meeting, on 14 July, statements were made by the
representatives of the Russian Federation, Belarus, the United Republic of
Tanzania, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia and Norway and the observers for Iraq and
the Czech Republic. The representative of the International Labour Organization
made a statement. The observer for the Organization of African Unity made a
statement. Statements were made by the observers for the World Confederation of
Labour, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and Consumers
International, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council, category I.
7. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Egypt, Uganda, Bulgaria, Brazil, Nigeria, India, Mexico and
China and the observers for Israel and Bangladesh.
8. At its 42nd and 43rd meetings, on 18 July, the Council held a general
discussion under the following sub-items:
(d) Science and technology for development;
(j) Transport of dangerous goods;
(k) Women in development;
(l) Prevention and control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
(m) International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade;
(n) International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction;
(o) Statistics;
(p) Energy;
(q) Public administration and development.
An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary records
(E/1995/SR.42 and 43).
9. At the 42nd meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77), the United States of America, Thailand, Chile,
Ukraine, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Russian Federation, Jamaica, the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Nigeria and China and the observer for Spain (on behalf
of the States members of the European Union). Statements were also made by the
representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization and the World Meteorological Organization.
10. At the 43rd meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Indonesia, Pakistan, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Belarus, Costa Rica, Colombia,
Uganda and Japan and the observers for Angola, Italy, Namibia and Bangladesh.
The representative of the United Nations Population Fund made a statement.
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Statements were made by the representatives of the World Health Organization and
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The observer for
the Organization of African Unity also made a statement.
Consumer protection
11. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, the representative of Chile, on behalf of
Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, 2/ Egypt, Norway and the Philippines, introduced a
draft resolution (E/1995/L.27) entitled "Consumer protection". Subsequently,
Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Japan, Lebanon, 2/ Malaysia, South
Africa and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland joined in
sponsoring the draft resolution.
12. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire) orally revised the text as a result
of informal consultations held on the draft resolution.
13. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
revised. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/53.
Documents considered by the Economic and Social Council in connection with
economic and environmental questions
14. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of documents before it in connection with economic and
environmental questions. See Council decision 1995/234.
A. Sustainable development
15. The Council considered the question of sustainable development (agenda
item 6 (a)) at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The
Council had before it the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on
its third session (E/1995/32). 3/
Report of the Commission on Sustainable Development
16. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on
its third session and endorsed the recommendations contained in chapter I,
sections A, E and F, thereof. See Council decision 1995/235.
17. After the adoption of the decision, the representative of Belarus made a
statement.
2/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
3/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 12 (E/1995/32).
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B. Trade and development
18. The Council considered the question of trade and development (agenda
item 6 (b)) at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The
Council had before it the report of the Trade and Development Board on the
second part of its forty-first session. 4/
Report of the Trade and Development Board
19. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Trade and Development Board on the second
part of its forty-first session. See Council decision 1995/234.
C. Food and agricultural development
20. The Council considered the question of food and agricultural development
(agenda item 6 (c)) at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account
of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary records
(E/1995/SR.39-41); for the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4
to 7 above. The Council had before it a note by the Secretary-General
transmitting the report of the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations on cooperation in fisheries in Africa
(E/1995/94).
21. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the representative of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations made an introductory statement.
Note by the Secretary-General on cooperation in fisheries in Africa
22. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report
of the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations on cooperation in fisheries in Africa. See Council decision 1995/234.
D. Science and technology for development
23. The Council considered the question of science and technology for
development (agenda item 6 (d)) at its 42nd to 44th, 47th, 49th, 56th and 57th
meetings, on 18, 19, 21, 24, 27 and 28 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44, 47, 49, 56 and 57)
for the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The
Council had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on
its second session (E/1995/31); 5/
4/ (TD/B/41(2)15 (Vol.I)). For the final text, see Official Records of
the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 15 (A/50/15), vol. I.
5/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 11 (E/1995/31).
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(b) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Joint
Inspection Unit entitled "United Nations system support for science and
technology in Africa" (A/50/125-E/1995/19) and the comments of the
Administrative Committee on Coordination thereon (A/50/125/Add.1-
E/1995/19/Add.1);
(c) Statement submitted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a
non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council, category I (E/1995/NGO/6).
24. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the representative of the Joint Inspection
Unit made an introductory statement.
Science and technology for development
25. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.32) entitled "Science
and technology for development", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Considering the critical and catalytic role of science and technology
for development,
"Recognizing the unique role of the Commission on Science and
Technology for Development as a global forum for the examination of science
and technology questions, for improving understanding of science and
technology policies for development and for the formulation of
recommendations and guidelines on science and technology matters within the
United Nations system, all in relation to development,
"Recognizing further that the Commission, in carrying out its work,
should pay special attention to the needs and requirements of developing
countries, in particular the least developed countries,
"Deeply concerned about the decline in resources allocated to
activities of the United Nations system in the field of science and
technology for development,
"1. Takes notes of the report of the Commission on Science and
Technology for Development on its second session (E/1995/31);
"2. Urges donor countries to increase their contributions to United
Nations funds and programmes in the field of science and technology for
development;
"3. Decides that the Commission on Science and Technology for
Development should ensure greater transparency in its working methods and
decision-making processes, including the allocation and utilization of
budgetary and extrabudgetary resources;
"4. Requests the Commission on Science and Technology for
Development, through the Secretariat, to maintain efficient, rapid and
regular contact with members of the Commission and provide them with
advance information on reports, forecasts, resources and other elements
that would facilitate active participation in the work of the Commission,
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including the working groups and panels that might need to be established
to implement its work programme;
"5. Requests United Nations organizations, funds and programmes:
"(a) To sensitize the international community regarding the critical
and catalytic role of science and technology for development;
"(b) To strengthen their capabilities to contribute towards
strengthening capacities in developing countries to generate applied
research and development activities and results, and the application of
these results to the industry and the actual user, including through pilotscale
projects;
"(c) To facilitate and finance, including by catalysing other forms
of financial support, South-South technology transfer and cooperation as an
effective ingredient of self-sustaining development; in this context,
possibilities of cooperation between developing countries and economies in
transition should also be explored;
"(d) To work in a coordinated manner to develop a catalogue of proved
technologies to enable effective technology choice by developing countries
of state-of-the-art technologies;
"(e) To promote more effective technology cooperation between
developed and developing countries, in particular by providing better
access to technology and transfer of technology from developed to
developing countries, including in the areas of new and emerging
technologies;
"(f) To enhance research and development institutions of developing
countries, in particular of the least developed countries, in order to
encourage and implement activities so as to reduce technological dependence
on developed countries and promote South-South cooperation."
26. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.59)
entitled "Science and technology for development", submitted on the basis of
informal consultations held on draft resolution E/1995/L.32.
27. At the same meeting, the Council adopted E/1995/L.59. For the final text,
see Council resolution 1995/54.
28. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.59, draft
resolution E/1995/L.32 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
Terms of office of members of the Commission on Science and Technology for
Development
29. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of Jamaica introduced a
draft decision (E/1995/L.40) entitled "Terms of office of members of the
Commission on Science and Technology for Development". Subsequently, the States
Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77, the States
members of the European Union and Belarus joined in sponsoring the draft
decision.
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30. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), orally revised the text on the basis of informal
consultations held on the draft decision.
31. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision, as orally
revised. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/312.
Science and technology for development
32. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "Science and technology for development", recommended by the Commission
on Science and Technology for Development (E/1995/31, chap. I, sect. A). For
the final text, see Council resolution 1995/4.
Report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its second
session and provisional agenda and documentation for the third session of the
Commission
33. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on
its second session and provisional agenda and documentation for the third
session of the Commission", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/31, chap. I,
sect. B). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/237.
Documents relating to the question of science and technology for development
34. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report
of the Joint Inspection Unit entitled "United Nations system support for science
and technology in Africa" and the comments of the Administrative Committee on
Coordination thereon. See Council decision 1995/234.
E. Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development
35. The Council considered the question of the implementation of the Programme
of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (agenda
item 6 (e)) at its 39th to 41st, 45th and 57th meetings, on 14, 17, 20 and
28 July. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary
records (E/1995/SR.39-41, 45 and 57); for the general discussion on the
sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The Council had before it the following
documents:
(a) Report of the International Conference on Population and Development,
Cairo, 5-13 September 1994 (A/CONF.171/13 and Add.1);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General
Assembly resolution 49/128 on the report of the International Conference on
Population and Development (A/50/190-E/1995/73);
(c) Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its twentyeighth
session (E/1995/27). 6/
6/ Ibid., Supplement No. 7 (E/1995/27).
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36. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the Director of the Division for Policy
Coordination and Economic and Social Council Affairs of the Department for
Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development made an introductory statement.
Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on
Population and Development
37. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.28) entitled
"Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on
Population and Development", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling General Assembly resolution 49/128 of 19 December 1994 on
the report of the International Conference on Population and Development,
including the Programme of Action of the Conference, and bearing in mind
Economic and Social Council decision 1995/.. of .. July 1995,
"1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the
implementation of General Assembly resolution 49/128 (A/50/190-E/1995/73),
"2. Notes with satisfaction the action taken so far by Governments
and the international community to implement the Programme of Action and
encourages them to strengthen their efforts in this regard;
"3. Decides that the terms of reference and mandate of the Commission
on Population and Development should reflect the comprehensive and
integrated nature of population and development issues and to this end
decides:
"(a) That the revitalized Commission on Population and Development,
as a functional commission assisting the Economic and Social Council,
should, in addition to the functions set out in paragraph 23 (c) of General
Assembly resolution 49/128, review the findings of research and analysis
pertaining to the interrelationship between population and development at
the national, regional and global levels and advise the Council thereon;
"(b) That Government representatives nominated to serve on the
Commission should have the relevant background in population and
development;
"4. Also decides that the Commission should monitor the progress made
in achieving the targets for financial resources set out in chapters XIII
and XIV of the Programme of Action, taking fully into account paragraph 7
of General Assembly resolution 49/128;
"5. Further decides, in accordance with the new terms of reference
and mandate of the Commission, to enlarge the membership of the Commission
to 53 members, duly elected by the Council for a term of three years,
bearing in mind the membership of the other functional commissions of the
Council;
"6. Endorses the proposal that the Commission adopt a topic-oriented
and prioritized multi-year work programme, as set out in the report of the
Commission on its twenty-eighth session (E/1995/27);
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"7. Recalls that the General Assembly, in paragraph 28 (c) of its
resolution 49/128, requested the Council to consider the submission of
recommendations to the Secretary-General regarding the establishment of an
appropriate inter-agency coordination, collaboration and harmonization
mechanism for the implementation of the Programme of Action;
"8. Notes that the Secretary-General has established an Inter-Agency
Task Force for the Implementation of the Programme of Action;
"9. Further notes that the work programme of the Commission set out
in the report of the Commission on its twenty-eighth session contains a
request that the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force be expanded to include
migration issues (E/1995/27, annex I, sect. III);
"10. Recommends that the Inter-Agency Task Force, with the United
Nations Population Fund as the lead agency, be made accountable to the
Council, through the Commission, for system-wide coordination;
"11. Invites the Department for Economic and Social Information and
Policy Analysis of the Secretariat to work closely with relevant agencies
and organizations, in particular the United Nations Population Fund, in the
preparation of reports for the Commission;
"12. Recommends that the General Assembly at its fiftieth session
consider further, in the context of the comprehensive review of the
implementation of its resolution 48/162 of 20 December 1993, the
establishment of a separate executive board for the United Nations
Population Fund, taking into account the role of the Fund in the follow-up
of the implementation of the Programme of Action and bearing in mind the
administrative, budgetary and programme implications of such a proposal."
38. On 25 July a statement of the programme budget implications of draft
resolution E/1995/L.28 (E/1995/L.49), submitted by the Secretary-General in
accordance with rule 31 of the rules of procedure of the Economic and Social
Council, was circulated.
39. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.61)
entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development", submitted on the basis of informal
consultations held on draft resolution E/1995/L.28.
40. The Council was informed that the programme budget implications set out in
document E/1995/L.49 did not apply to draft resolution E/1995/L.61.
41. At the same meeting, the Council adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.61. For
the final text, see Council resolution 1995/55.
42. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.61, draft
resolution E/1995/L.28 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its twenty-eighth
session and provisional agenda for the twenty-ninth session of the Commission
43. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its
twenty-eighth session and provisional agenda for the twenty-ninth session of the
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Commission", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/27, chap. I, sect. A). For
the final text, see Council decision 1995/236.
F. International migration and development
44. The Council considered the question of international migration and
development (agenda item 6 (f)) at its 39th to 41st, 45th and 56th meetings, on
14, 17, 20 and 27 July. An account of the discussion is contained in the
relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41, 45 and 56); for the general
discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The Council had before
it the report of the Secretary-General on international migration and
development (E/1995/69).
45. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the Director of the Population Division of
the Department for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis made an
introductory statement.
International migration and development
46. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China, introduced a draft decision (E/1995/L.29) entitled
"International migration and development".
47. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), informed the Council of the results of the
informal consultations held on the draft decision.
48. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/313.
49. Before the adoption of the draft decision, the representative of the United
States of America made a statement.
G. Human settlements
50. The Council considered the question of human settlements (agenda
item 6 (g)) at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The
Council had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Commission on Human Settlements on its fifteenth session
(A/50/8); 7/
(b) Report of the Commission on Human Settlements on the implementation of
the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 (A/50/8/Add.1). 7/
51. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the Assistant Secretary-General and
Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements
(Habitat II) made an introductory statement.
7/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement
No. 8 and addendum (A/50/8 and Add.1).
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Reports of the Commission on Human Settlements
52. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the reports of the Commission on Human Settlements on its
fifteenth session and on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter
to the Year 2000. See Council decision 1995/234.
H. Environment
53. The Council considered the question of the environment (agenda item 6 (h))
at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account of the discussion
is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41); for the general
discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The Council had before
it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment
Programme on its eighteenth session (A/50/25); 8/
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on products harmful to health and the
environment (A/50/182-E/1995/66 and Corr.1).
54. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the Director of the Division for Policy
Coordination and Economic and Social Council Affairs of the Department for
Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development made an introductory statement.
Reports relating to the question of the environment
55. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the reports before it relating to the question of the
environment. See Council decision 1995/234.
I. Desertification and drought
56. The Council considered the question of desertification and drought (agenda
item 6 (i)) at its 39th to 41st meetings, on 14 and 17 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.39-41); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 4 to 7 above. The
Council had before it a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of
the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme on the
implementation of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification and of the
medium-term and long-term recovery and rehabilitation programme in the Sudano-
Sahelian region (A/50/227-E/1995/99).
57. At the 39th meeting, on 14 July, the Executive Director of the United
Nations Environment Programme made an introductory statement.
Note by the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Plan of Action to
Combat Desertification and of the medium-term and long-term recovery and
rehabilitation programme in the Sudano-Sahelian region
58. At the 41st meeting, on 17 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report
8/ For the final text, see Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 25 (A/50/25).
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of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme on the
implementation of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification and of the
medium-term and long-term recovery and rehabilitation programme in the Sudano-
Sahelian region. See Council decision 1995/234.
J. Transport of dangerous goods
59. The Council considered the question of the transport of dangerous goods
(agenda item 6 (j)) at its 42nd to 44th meetings, on 18 and 19 July. An account
of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary records
(E/1995/SR.42-44); for the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8
to 10 above. The Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on
the work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
(E/1995/56).
Work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous goods
60. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted draft resolution I,
entitled "Work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous goods",
recommended by the Committee (E/1995/56, sect. I). For the final text, see
Council resolution 1995/5.
Role of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in the
development of a harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals
for implementing chapter 19 of Agenda 21
61. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted draft resolution II,
entitled "Role of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
in the development of a harmonized system of classification and labelling of
chemicals for implementing chapter 19 of Agenda 21", recommended by the
Committee (E/1995/56, sect. I). For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/6.
K. Women in development
62. The Council considered the question of women in development (agenda
item 6 (k)) at its 42nd to 44th meetings, on 18 and 19 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The
Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the effective
mobilization and integration of women in development: gender issues in
macroeconomic policy-making and development planning (E/1995/75).
63. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the Deputy Director of the Division for
the Advancement of Women of the Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development made an introductory statement.
Report of the Secretary-General on the effective mobilization and integration of
women in development: gender issues in macroeconomic policy-making and
development planning
64. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Secretary-General on the effective
mobilization and integration of women in development: gender issues in
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macroeconomic policy-making and development planning. See Council decision
1995/234.
L. Prevention and control of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
65. The Council considered the question of the prevention and control of
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (agenda item 6 (l)) at its 21st and
42nd to 44th meetings, on 3, 18 and 19 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.21 and 42-44); for the
general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The Council
had before it the following documents:
(a) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Director-
General of the World Health Organization on the progress made in the
implementation of the global strategy for the prevention and control of AIDS
(A/50/175-E/1995/57);
(b) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Committee
of Co-sponsoring Organizations on the Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS (E/1995/71).
66. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the Acting Director of the Global
Programme on AIDS of the World Health Organization made an introductory
statement.
Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency
Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
67. At the 21st meeting, on 3 July, the Administrator of the United Nations
Development Programme made a statement in his capacity as Chairman of the
Programme Coordination Board for the Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS.
68. At the same meeting, the representative of Australia, introduced and orally
revised a draft resolution (E/1995/L.24) entitled "Joint and Co-sponsored United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS".
69. Statements were made by the representatives of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Cuba, China, Uganda, the Russian Federation, the Philippines (on behalf of the
States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and
China), Japan and the United States of America and the observer for Spain (on
behalf of the States members of the European Union).
70. Also at the 21st meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as
orally revised and amended during the discussion (text subsequently circulated
in document E/1995/L.24/Rev.1). For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/2.
71. The Executive Director of the Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS made a statement.
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Progress in the implementation of the global strategy for the prevention and
control of AIDS
72. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report
of the Director-General of the World Health Organization on the progress made in
the implementation of the global strategy for the prevention and control of
AIDS. See Council decision 1995/234.
M. International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade
73. The Council considered the question of the International Drinking Water
Supply and Sanitation Decade (agenda item 6 (m)) at its 42nd to 44th, 50th and
56th meetings, on 18, 19, 24 and 27 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44, 50 and 56); for the
general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The Council
had before it the report of the Secretary-General on progress made in providing
safe water supply and sanitation for all during the first half of the 1990s
(A/50/213-E/1995/87).
74. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the Director of the Division for
Sustainable Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development made an introductory statement.
Water supply and sanitation
75. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.36) entitled "Water
supply and sanitation".
76. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), orally revised the text on the basis of informal
consultations held on the draft resolution.
77. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
revised. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/46.
N. International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
78. The Council considered the question of the International Decade for Natural
Disaster Reduction (agenda item 6 (n)) at its 42nd to 44th, 47th, 49th and 56th
meetings, on 18, 19, 21, 24 and 27 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44, 47, 49 and 56); for
the general discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The
Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the International
Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (A/50/201-E/1995/74).
79. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the Under-Secretary-General for
Humanitarian Affairs made an introductory statement.
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
80. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the representative of the Philippines, on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
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of 77, China and Japan, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.33) entitled
"International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council
"1. Recognizes that disaster reduction forms an integral part of
sustainable development strategies and national development plans of
vulnerable countries and communities;
"2. Recognizes also that concerted international action is required
to promote and apply disaster reduction effectively and that it must be
supported by effective coordination of the day-to-day activities for which
the secretariat of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
is responsible;
"3. Commends the work of the International Framework of Action for
the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, in particular its
contribution to the implementation of the Yokohama Strategy for a Safer
World and the Plan of Action contained therein;
"4. Notes with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on
the implementation of General Assembly resolution 49/22 A of
2 December 1994 (A/50/201-E/1995/74);
"5. Takes note in particular of the recommendations contained in the
report of the Secretary-General concerning the development of a coordinated
international programme for disaster reduction, including the strengthening
of the International Framework of Action for the Decade and the closing
event of the Decade;
"6. Urges again all United Nations bodies that are involved in
disaster reduction activities to give priority to integrating, coordinating
and strengthening their work to build the capacities of disaster-prone
countries and regions in the field of disaster prevention, mitigation and
preparedness, with particular consideration for the needs of the least
developed countries and small island and land-locked developing States;
"7. Expresses its concern about the continuing financial limitations
with regard to effective support for the International Framework of Action
for the Decade and in relation to the national, subregional, regional and
international activities for the implementation of the Yokohama Strategy
and the Plan of Action contained therein, as endorsed by the General
Assembly in its resolution 49/22 A;
"8. Calls upon Member States, relevant intergovernmental bodies and
all others involved in the Decade to provide adequate financial resources
and technical support for the activities of the Decade;
"9. Invites the Secretary-General, therefore, to include in his
report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session an examination of
options for the adequate funding of core functions of the secretariat of
the Decade, including through the United Nations regular budget, and to
specify those functions in his report;
"10. Recommends that the General Assembly, at its fiftieth session,
consider the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction as a
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separate sub-item under the item entitled ’Environment and sustainable
development’;
"11. Recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the following
draft resolution:
’The General Assembly,
’Recalling its resolutions 44/236 of 22 December 1989, 48/188
of 21 December 1993, 49/22 A of 2 December 1994 and 42/22 B of
20 December 1994,
’Expressing its solidarity with the people and countries that
suffer as a result of natural disasters,
’Emphasizing once again the urgent need for concrete measures to
reduce the vulnerability of societies to natural hazards, the loss of
human lives and the heavy physical and economic damage that occur as a
result of natural disasters, in particular in developing countries,
small island States and land-locked countries,
’Reiterating the validity of the conclusions of the first World
Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction held at Yokohama in 1994, in
particular with regard to its call for increased bilateral,
subregional, regional and multilateral cooperation in the field of
disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation,
’Commending those countries, national and local institutions,
organizations and associations that have adopted policies, allocated
resources and initiated action programmes, including international
assistance, for disaster reduction and, in this context, welcoming the
participation of private companies and individuals,
’Commending all countries, intergovernmental organizations and
regional organizations that have actively engaged in regional and
subregional assessments of vulnerability to natural hazards and have
consequently initiated regional and subregional cooperation in the
field of disaster reduction, including the exchange of data and
technology as well as the development of joint administrative,
technological and scientific approaches for applied disaster
reduction,
’Commending those organizations of the United Nations system,
other international organizations, scientific associations and
non-governmental organizations which, with decisions of their
governing bodies, have incorporated the recommendations of the General
Assembly relating to disaster reduction and those of the World
Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction in their programmes of work,
thus contributing towards effective progress in disaster reduction in
their mandated responsibilities and respective fields of activity,
including the allocation of budgetary resources for disaster
reduction,
’1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-
General concerning the specific measures for the implementation of the
Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World and the Plan of Action contained
therein and requests the secretariat of the International Decade for
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Natural Disaster Reduction to continue to promote and monitor their
translation into concrete activities, in close cooperation with all
concerned bodies of the International Framework of Action for the
Decade in order to ensure timely and effective implementation;
’2. Commends those developing and least developed countries that
have mobilized domestic resources for disaster reduction activities
and have facilitated the effective implementation of such activities
and encourages all developing countries concerned to continue in this
direction;
’3. Recommends that all countries, with appropriate support,
continue to study conventional and non-conventional ways and means of
financing disaster reduction measures, both at the national level and
with respect to subregional, regional and international technical
cooperation;
’4. Calls upon Member States, relevant intergovernmental bodies
and all others involved in the Decade to participate actively in the
financial and technical support of Decade activities, in order to
ensure the implementation of the International Framework of Action for
the Decade, in particular with a view to translating the Yokohama
Strategy for a Safer World and the Plan of Action contained therein
into concrete disaster reduction programme and activities;
’5. Requests the Commission on Sustainable Development to pay
appropriate attention at its fourth session to the issue of disaster
reduction when discussing chapters 17 and 18 of Agenda 21 and
chapter II of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development
of Small Island Developing States;
’6. Welcomes the measures proposed by the Secretary-General to
bring the International Framework of Action for the Decade into line
with the Yokohama Strategy and its Plan of Action, in order to provide
disaster reduction activities worldwide and regionally with
authoritative and effective programme guidance, to assure stronger
cohesion of disaster reduction programmes and the joint participation
of concerned sectors in their implementation;
’7. Notes the initiative for an informal mechanism between the
secretariat of the Decade and Member States, in order to facilitate
and support the promotion of Decade activities and the regular
exchange of information between Governments, organizations of the
United Nations system and other organizations;
’8. Welcomes, in pursuance of its resolution 49/22 A, the
restructuring of the Special High-Level Council and the Scientific and
Technical Committee for the Decade so that for the second half of the
Decade they will provide the necessary support to global, regional and
national policy and strategy development, public awareness-building
and resource mobilization and at the same time provide links with the
scientific community and support the national committees for the
Decade and national authorities in their cooperative efforts to
integrate disaster reduction programmes in national activities for
sustainable development;
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’9. Endorses the Secretary-General’s decision to extend to the
end of the Decade the mandate of the Steering Committee of the United
Nations for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction,
established in pursuance of General Assembly resolutions 42/169 of
11 December 1987 and 44/236;
’10. Emphasizes that effective and efficient coordination and
servicing of the above components of the International Framework of
Action for the Decade requires a financially and structurally stable
secretariat of the Decade, reporting to the Secretary-General through
the Emergency Relief Coordinator;
’11. Decides, in pursuance of its resolution 49/22 A, to convene
a closing event of the Decade, through coordinated sectoral and crosssectoral
meetings at all levels, in order to facilitate the full
integration of disaster reduction into the substantive efforts for
sustainable development and environmental protection by the year 2000;
’12. Decides that a strengthened secretariat of the Decade will
serve as the substantive secretariat for the preparatory process
towards the closing event of the Decade, working with the full support
of relevant bodies of the United Nations Secretariat, and drawing on
the contributions of the organizations of the United Nations system
concerned, other international organizations and Governments;
’13. Invites the Secretary-General to ensure the availability of
resources for the preparatory process and appeal for additional
voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund for the Decade;
’14. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General
Assembly at its fifty-first session, through the Economic and Social
Council, a report on the implementation of the International Framework
of Action for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction;
’15. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General
Assembly at its fifty-first session a report containing proposals on
strengthening further the distinct programme and coordination
capability of the secretariat of the Decade in order to enable it to
coordinate effectively the activities of the Decade and the
integration of natural disaster reduction into the sustainable
development process;
’16. Decides to consider, at its fifty-first session, the
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction under
environmental questions related to the environment and sustainable
development as a separate sub-item.’"
81. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), introduced a draft resolution
(E/1995/L.50) entitled "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction",
submitted on the basis of informal consultations held on draft resolution
E/1995/L.33.
82. At the same meeting, the Council adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.50. For
the final text, see Council resolution 1995/47 B.
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83. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.50, draft
resolution E/1995/L.33 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
84. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of Germany, on behalf
of Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, 2/ Japan, Spain, 2/ Sweden 2/ and the Russian
Federation, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.38) entitled "International
Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction". Subsequently, Argentina, 2/ Austria, 2/
Bangladesh, 2/ Belarus, Belgium, 2/ Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Egypt,
Finland, 2/ France, Greece, Hungary, 2/ Iceland, 2/ Ireland, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, Slovakia, 2/ South Africa,
Switzerland, 2/ Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the United States of America joined in sponsoring the draft
resolution.
85. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), informed the Council of the
results of the informal consultations held on the draft resolution.
86. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/47 A.
O. Statistics
87. The Council considered the question of statistics (agenda item 6 (o)) at
its 42nd to 44th meetings, on 18 and 19 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44); for the general
discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The Council had
before it the report of the Statistical Commission on its twenty-eighth session
(E/1995/28). 9/
2000 World Population and Housing Census Programme
88. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "2000 World Population and Housing Census Programme", recommended by
the Statistical Commission (E/1995/28, chap. I, sect. A). For the final text,
see Council resolution 1995/7.
Report of the Statistical Commission on its twenty-eighth session and
provisional agenda and documentation for the twenty-ninth session of the
Commission
89. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Statistical Commission on its twenty-eighth session and
provisional agenda and documentation for the twenty-ninth session of the
Commission", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/28, chap. I, sect. B). For
the final text, see Council decision 1995/239.
Twenty-ninth session of the Statistical Commission
90. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council endorsed the recommendation of
the Statistical Commission (E/1995/28, para. 103 (c)) that the twenty-ninth
session of the Commission be held in New York from 10 to 14 February 1997.
9/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement
No. 8 (E/1995/28).
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P. Energy
91. The Council considered the question of energy (agenda item 6 (p)) at its
42nd to 44th meetings, on 18 and 19 July. An account of the discussion is
contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.42-44); for the general
discussion on the sub-item, see paragraphs 8 to 10 above. The Council had
before it the report of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and
on Energy for Development on its special session (E/1995/25 and Corr.1). 10/
92. At the 42nd meeting, on 18 July, the Director of the Division for
Sustainable Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development made an introductory statement.
Report of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for
Development on its special session and provisional agenda and documentation for
the second session of the Committee
93. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, the Council adopted the draft decision
entitled "Report of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on
Energy for Development on its special session and provisional agenda and
documentation for the second session of the Committee", recommended by the
Committee (E/1995/25 and Corr.1, chap. I). For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/240.
Reports of the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on New and
Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development
94. At the 44th meeting, on 19 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the oral report by the Director of the Division for
Sustainable Development on the format in which the Committee on Natural
Resources and the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy
for Development should present their work. See Council decision 1995/234.
Q. Public administration and development
95. The Council is to consider the question of public administration and
development (agenda item 6 (q)) at its resumed substantive session of 1995.
10/ For the final text, see Official Records of the Economic and Social
Council, 1995, Supplement No. 5 (E/1995/25/Rev.1).
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Chapter VII
REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND RELATED FIELDS
1. The Council considered the question of regional cooperation in the
economic, social and related fields (agenda item 7) at its 45th, 46th, 49th,
50th, 56th and 57th meetings, on 20, 24, 27 and 28 July. An account of the
discussion is contained in the relevant summary records (E/1995/SR.45, 46, 49,
50, 56 and 57). The Council had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the
economic, social and related fields (E/1995/40);
(b) Summary of the economic survey of Europe in 1994-1995 (E/1995/41);
(c) Summary of the survey of economic and social conditions in Africa,
1994 (E/1995/42);
(d) Summary of the survey of economic and social conditions in Asia and
the Pacific, 1995 (E/1995/43);
(e) Summary of the survey of economic conditions in the region of Latin
America and the Caribbean, 1994 (E/1995/44);
(f) Summary of economic and social developments in the region of the
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, 1994 (E/1995/45);
(g) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Executive
Secretaries of the Economic Commission for Europe and the Economic Commission
for Africa on the project for a Europe-Africa permanent link through the Strait
of Gibraltar (E/1995/46).
2. At the 45th meeting, on 20 July, introductory statements were made by the
Executive Secretaries of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the
representatives of the Executive Secretaries of the Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean and the Economic Commission for Africa. The
Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe made an introductory
statement, also in his capacity as current coordinator of the regional
commissions.
3. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77) and Ukraine.
4. At the 46th meeting, on 20 July, statements were made by the
representatives of Poland, the United States of America, Belarus, Indonesia,
China, Brazil, Bulgaria, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation,
Pakistan, Germany, Thailand and Uganda and the observers for the Czech Republic,
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iraq, Morocco, Slovakia, Bangladesh,
Belgium and Spain (on behalf of the States members of the European Union).
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Europe-Africa permanent link through the Strait of Gibraltar
5. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the observer for Morocco, on behalf of
Morocco 1/ and Spain, 1/ introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.37) entitled
"Europe-Africa permanent link through the Strait of Gibraltar".
6. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), orally revised the text as a
result of informal consultations held on the draft resolution.
7. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
revised. See Council resolution 1995/48.
Middle East peace process
8. At the 49th meeting, on 24 July, the representative of the United States of
America, on behalf of Bolivia, 1/ Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Israel, 1/ Japan,
Jordan, 1/ Norway, the Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Ukraine and the
United States of America, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.39) entitled
"Middle East peace process". Subsequently, Argentina, 1/ Australia, Austria, 1/
Belgium, 1/ Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, 1/ Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, 1/
Kuwait, 1/ Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Russian
Federation, Spain, 1/ Sweden, 1/ the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and Venezuela joined in sponsoring the draft resolution.
9. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, at the request of the representative of
the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, a roll-call vote was taken on the draft resolution,
which was adopted by 47 votes to 1, with 1 abstention. For the final text, see
Council resolution 1995/52. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt,
France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia,
Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands,
Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of
Tanzania, United States of America, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
Abstaining: Malaysia.
10. Before the adoption of the draft resolution, statements were made by the
representatives of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Sudan and the observer for
the Syrian Arab Republic. After it was adopted, the observer for Israel made a
statement.
Amendment of the terms of reference of the Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific
11. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted the draft resolution
entitled "Amendment of the terms of reference of the Economic and Social
1/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
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Commission for Asia and the Pacific", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/40,
sect. I.A.). For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/22.
Implementation of phase II of the programme for the Second Transport and
Communications Decade in Africa
12. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft resolution I
entitled "Implementation of phase II of the programme for the Second Transport
and Communications Decade in Africa", recommended by the Economic Commission for
Africa (E/1995/40, sect. I.A).
13. The observer for Spain proposed an amendment to the draft resolution on
behalf of the States members of the European Union.
14. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/23.
Programme of work and priorities of the Economic Commission for Africa for the
biennium 1996-1997
15. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft resolution II
entitled "Programme of work and priorities for the biennium 1996-1997",
recommended by the Economic Commission for Africa (E/1995/40, sect. I.A.).
16. The observer for Spain proposed an amendment to the draft resolution on
behalf of the States members of the European Union.
17. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/24.
Establishment of a Committee on Energy within the Economic and Social Commission
for Western Asia
18. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft resolution I
entitled "Establishment of a Committee on Energy within the Economic and Social
Commission for Western Asia", recommended by the Commission (E/1995/40,
sect. I.A).
19. The representative of the United States of America proposed an amendment to
the draft resolution, which was supported by the Russian Federation.
20. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/25.
Establishment of a Committee on Water Resources within the Economic and Social
Commission for Western Asia
21. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, the Council considered draft resolution II
entitled "Establishment of a Committee on Water Resources within the Economic
and Social Commission for Western Asia", recommended by the Commission
(E/1995/40, sect. I.A).
22. The representative of the United States of America proposed an amendment to
the draft resolution, which was supported by the Russian Federation.
23. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft resolution, as orally
amended. For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/26.
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Documents considered by the Economic and Social Council in connection with the
question of regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields
24. At the 50th meeting, on 24 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the documents before it in connection with the question of
regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields. See Council
decision 1995/250.
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Chapter VIII
PERMANENT SOVEREIGNTY OVER NATIONAL RESOURCES IN THE
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN AND OTHER ARAB TERRITORIES
1. The Council considered the question of permanent sovereignty over national
resources in the occupied Palestinian and other Arab territories at its
substantive session (agenda item 8). It had before it a note by the Secretary-
General on the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on
the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem,
occupied since 1967, and on the Arab population of the Syrian Golan (A/50/262-
E/1995/59).
2. The Council considered the item at its 53rd, 56th and 57th meetings, on 26,
27 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant
summary records (E/1995/SR.53, 56 and 57).
3. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Acting Director of the Regional
Commissions New York Office made a statement.
Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on the Palestinian
people in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied since 1967,
and on the Arab population of the Syrian Golan
4. At the 53rd meeting, on 26 July, the representative of Egypt, on behalf of
Bahrain, 1/ Egypt, Morocco, 1/ Oman, 1/ Qatar 1/ and the United Arab
Emirates, 1/ introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.42) entitled "Economic and
social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on the Palestinian people in the
Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied since 1967, and on the Arab
population of the occupied Syrian Golan".
5. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the representative of Egypt orally
corrected the last preambular paragraph of the draft resolution.
6. At the same meeting, at the request of the representative of the Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya, a roll-call vote was taken on the last preambular paragraph,
which was adopted by 49 votes to 1. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba,
Denmark, Egypt, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia,
Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian
Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of
America, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
Abstaining: None.
1/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
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7. Before the paragraph was adopted, statements were made by the
representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the observer for the Syrian
Arab Republic.
8. The Council then adopted the draft resolution as a whole by a roll-call
vote of 45 to 1, with 5 abstentions. For the final text, see Council resolution
1995/49. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,
China, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, France, Gabon, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico,
Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Senegal, South Africa,
Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania,
Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Belarus, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Russian Federation,
Ukraine.
9. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United States of America and the Russian Federation and
the observer for Israel.
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Chapter IX
COORDINATION QUESTIONS
1. The Council considered coordination questions at its substantive session
(agenda item 9). It had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Committee for Programme and Coordination on the work of
its thirty-fifth session (A/50/16 (Part I)); 1/
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on preventive action and
intensification of the struggle against malaria in developing countries,
particularly in Africa (A/50/180-E/1995/63);
(c) Report of the twenty-eighth series of Joint Meetings of the Committee
for Programme and Coordination and the Administrative Committee on Coordination,
held on 27 October 1994 (E/1995/4);
(d) Annual overview report of the Administrative Committee on Coordination
for 1994 (E/1995/21);
(e) Report of the Administrative Committee on Coordination on programmes
and resources of the United Nations system for the biennium 1994-1995
(E/1995/64);
(f) Report of the Secretary-General on progress made in the implementation
of multisectoral collaboration on tobacco or health (E/1995/67 and Add.1);
(g) Report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation in the
field of information systems (E/1995/97).
2. The Council considered the item at its 54th, 56th and 57th meetings, on 26,
27 and 28 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant
summary records (E/1995/SR.54, 56 and 57).
3. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Chairman of the Committee for
Programme and Coordination, Mr. Valeriu Tudor (Romania), made a statement.
4. At the same meeting, the Director of the Division for Policy Coordination
and Economic and Social Council Affairs, the Director of the United Nations
International Computing Centre, the representative of the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development and the Assistant Director-General of the
World Health Organization made introductory statements.
5. Statements were also made by the representatives of the Russian Federation,
Uganda, the Sudan, Colombia, the Bahamas, Paraguay and Côte d’Ivoire and the
observer for Ethiopia.
6. The Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization responded
to questions raised.
1/ For the final text, see Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 16 (A/50/16).
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Reports considered by the Economic and Social Council under coordination
questions
7. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the reports before it under coordination questions. See
Council decision 1995/309.
Tobacco or health
8. At the 54th meeting, on 26 July, the representative of the United States of
America introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.52) entitled "Tobacco or
health", which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council,
"Recalling its resolutions 1993/79 of 30 July 1993 and 1994/47 of
29 July 1994 and World Health Assembly resolutions WHA45.20 of 13 May 1992
and WHA46.8 of 10 May 1993,
"Taking note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General
on progress made in the implementation of multisectoral collaboration on
tobacco or health (E/1995/67 and Add.1),
"Noting the adoption by the World Health Assembly of resolution
WHA48.11 of 12 May 1995, in which the Assembly requests the Director-
General of the World Health Organization to study the feasibility of
developing an international instrument, such as guidelines, a declaration
or an international convention on tobacco control to be adopted by the
United Nations, taking into account existing trade and other conventions
and treaties,
"1. Congratulates the World Health Organization, the United Nations
Children’s Fund, the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations for restricting even further the use of tobacco on
their premises in furtherance of World Health Assembly resolution WHA46.8;
"2. Welcomes the recent decisions taken by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to make their offices smoke
free in furtherance of World Health Assembly resolution WHA46.8;
"3. Expresses its concern and dismay that some United Nations offices
in Geneva and New York have not implemented the smoking ban in their
buildings, despite the request of the World Health Assembly in its
resolution WHA46.8, and strongly urges that they do so on an urgent basis
and in any event before the end of 1995;
"4. Urges any other body of the United Nations system that has not
yet done so to comply with World Health Assembly resolution WHA46.8 before
the end of 1995;
"5. Urges the United Nations system focal point on tobacco or health
to intensify his dialogue with organizations of the United Nations system
and Member States in order to strengthen tobacco control policies;
"6. Encourages organizations of the United Nations system to respond
to the requests of the United Nations system focal point for further action
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to eliminate the negative impact of tobacco on those organizations and
their employees;
"7. Encourages Member States to provide the United Nations system
focal point with responses to his requests for information on tobacco
control policy;
"8. Calls upon Member States, bilateral and non-governmental
organizations and organizations of the United Nations system to provide the
necessary technical and financial resources to enable the United Nations
system focal point to carry out his mandate in an effective manner;
"9. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the United Nations
system focal point continues to address effectively all the issues raised
in Economic and Social Council resolutions 1993/79 and 1994/47 and World
Health Assembly resolution WHA48.11;
"10. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the Economic
and Social Council at its substantive session of 1997 on progress made by
the United Nations system focal point in the implementation of
multisectoral collaboration on tobacco or health."
9. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the President of the Council introduced
and orally amended a draft resolution (E/1995/L.63) entitled "Tobacco or
health", submitted by the Vice-President of the Council, Mr. George Papadatos
(Greece), on the basis of informal consultations held on draft resolution
E/1995/L.52.
10. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.63, as orally amended.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/62.
11. Before the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of Mexico made
a statement. After it was adopted, the representatives of Mexico and Cuba and
the observer for Spain (on behalf of the States members of the European Union)
made statements.
12. In the light of the adoption of draft resolution E/1995/L.63, draft
resolution E/1995/L.52 was withdrawn by its sponsor.
Malaria and diarrhoeal diseases, in particular cholera
13. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the representative of the Philippines on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.54) entitled "Malaria
and diarrhoeal diseases, in particular cholera".
14. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), orally revised the text and
informed the Council of the results of the informal consultations held on the
draft resolution.
15. The Council then adopted the draft resolution, as orally revised. For the
final text, see Council resolution 1995/63.
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The need to harmonize and improve United Nations information systems for optimal
utilization and accessibility by all States
16. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire, on
behalf of Albania, 2/ Angola, 2/ Argentina, 2/ the Bahamas, Bangladesh, 2/
Benin, 2/ Bhutan, Brazil, Cameroon, 2/ Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte
d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Czech Republic, 2/ the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea, 2/ the Dominican Republic, 2/ Egypt, El Salvador, 2/ Ethiopia, 2/ Gabon,
Ghana, Guinea, 2/ Honduras, 2/ Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2/
Iraq, 2/ Kenya, 2/ Lebanon, 2/ the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, 2/
Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, 2/ Mongolia, 2/ Myanmar, 2/ Namibia, 2/ Nigeria,
Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, the Sudan,
the Syrian Arab Republic, 2/ Swaziland, 2/ Thailand, Uganda, the United Republic
of Tanzania, the United States of America, Venezuela, Yemen 2/ and Zimbabwe,
introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.57) entitled "The need to harmonize and
improve United Nations information systems for optimal utilization and
accessibility by all States". Subsequently, Belarus and Sri Lanka joined in
sponsoring the draft resolution. In introducing the draft resolution, the
representative of Côte d’Ivoire orally revised it.
17. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, the Vice-President of the Council,
Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte d’Ivoire), informed the Council of the
results of the informal consultations held on the draft resolution.
18. The observer for Spain, on behalf of the States members of the European
Union, proposed that operative paragraph 5 of the draft resolution be amended to
read:
"Requests the President of the Economic and Social Council to convene
a meeting from within existing resources, to make appropriate
recommendations, including giving favourable consideration to convening an
ad hoc open-ended working group as soon as possible for the due fulfilment
of the provisions of previous resolutions on this question, including ways
to ensure that Member States benefit fully from the informatics revolution
in meeting the challenges of development, and the specific measures that
the agencies, funds, programmes and various bodies of the United Nations
system need to take to help the Member States in this regard".
19. At the request of the representative of Cuba, a roll-call vote was taken on
the amendment, which was rejected by 32 votes to 16, with 4 abstentions. The
voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
Against: Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India,
Indonesia, Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mexico,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Senegal, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United Republic of
Tanzania, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
2/ In accordance with rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Economic
and Social Council.
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Abstaining: Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Ukraine, United States
of America.
20. The Council then adopted draft resolution E/1995/L.57, as orally revised.
For the final text, see Council resolution 1995/61.
21. After the adoption of the draft resolution, the representative of Australia
made a statement.
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Chapter X
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. The Council considered the question of non-governmental organizations at
its substantive session (agenda item 10). It had before it the following
documents:
(a) Report of the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of Arrangements
for Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations on its second session
(E/1995/83 and Add.1);
(b) Statement of the programme budget implications of the draft decision
entitled "General review of arrangements for consultations with non-governmental
organizations", submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with rule 31 of
the rules of procedure of the Economic and Social Council (E/1995/83/Add.2);
(c) Report of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
(E/1995/108).
2. The Council considered the item at its 54th to 56th meetings, on 26 and
27 July 1995. An account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary
records (E/1995/SR.54-56).
3. At the 54th meeting, on 26 July, statements were made by the observers for
Soroptimist International and the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Council,
category I, and by the observer for the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council.
General review of arrangements for consultations with non-governmental
organizations
4. At the 54th meeting, on 26 July, the Council considered the draft decision
entitled "General review of arrangements for consultations with non-governmental
organizations", recommended by the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of
Arrangements for Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/83,
chap. I, sect. A).
5. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/304.
6. Before the adoption of the draft decision, statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the Members of the United
Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China) and Chile.
7. The Secretary of the Council also made a statement before the draft
decision was adopted (see E/1995/SR.54).
Report of the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of Arrangements for
Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations on its second session
8. At the 54th meeting, on 26 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of
Arrangements for Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations on its second
session (E/1995/83 and Add.1 and 2). See Council decision 1995/304.
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Applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification received
from non-governmental organizations
9. At the 54 meeting, on 26 July, the Council considered draft decision I,
entitled "Applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification
received from non-governmental organizations", recommended by the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/108, chap. I).
10. Statements were made by the representatives of the Philippines (in her
capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations),
Pakistan, Egypt, India, the Russian Federation, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the
Sudan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, Cuba and Canada and the observers for Croatia, Albania, Turkey
and Austria.
11. The Council decided not to grant consultative status, category II to the
International Committee of Peace and Human Rights, and to refer the application
of that organization back to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations for
further consideration. The Council then adopted the draft decision, as thus
amended. See Council decision 1995/305.
12. At the 55th meeting, on 27 July, the Council had before it a draft decision
(E/1995/L.43) entitled "Non-governmental organizations", submitted by the United
States of America, which read as follows:
"The Economic and Social Council decides to grant category II
consultative status to Freedom House".
13. Statements were made by the representatives of the United States of
America, Cuba, China, Poland, the Russian Federation, Japan, the Philippines (in
her capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations),
the Sudan, Malaysia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Germany, Uganda,
Indonesia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Australia and Paraguay.
14. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba proposed that the Council
should decide, by a roll-call vote, whether to depart from its established
practice and procedure to consider an amendment to the recommendations contained
in the report of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/108).
15. As requested by the representative of Cuba, a roll-call vote was taken on
the proposal, which was adopted by 29 votes to 12, with 11 abstentions (see
Council decision 1995/308). The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland,
Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian
Federation, Senegal, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, United States of America.
Against: China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sudan, Thailand, Zimbabwe.
Abstaining: Colombia, Gabon, Ghana, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania,
Venezuela.
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16. Before the proposal was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of Chile, Bhutan, China, the United States of America, Malaysia
and Senegal. After it was adopted, statements were made by the representatives
of China, the United States of America and Paraguay.
17. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Council adopted draft decision
E/1995/L.43 by a roll-call vote of 31 to 11, with 10 abstentions. Freedom House
was thus granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
category II. See Council decision 1995/305. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland,
Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian
Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States
of America.
Against: China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
Malaysia, Nigeria, Sudan, Thailand, Zimbabwe.
Abstaining: Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Jamaica, Mexico,
Pakistan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela.
18. Before the draft decision was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of China, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Malaysia, the Sudan,
Uganda, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and the United States of
America. After it was adopted, statements were made by the representatives of
Senegal, Paraguay and Sri Lanka.
19. Also at the 56th meeting, the Council took note of the report of the
Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/108). See Council decision
1995/305.
Provisional agenda and documentation for the session of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations to be held in 1997
20. At the 55th meeting, on 27 July, the Council adopted draft decision II
entitled "Provisional agenda and documentation for the session of the Committee
on Non-Governmental Organizations to be held in 1997", recommended by the
Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/108, chap. I). For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/306.
Resumed 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
21. At the 55th meeting, on 27 July, the Council adopted draft decision III,
entitled "Resumed 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations", recommended by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
(E/1995/108, chap. I). For the final text, see Council decision 1995/307.
22. Before the adoption of the draft decision, the representative of Ukraine
asked a question, to which the Secretary of the Council responded.
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Chapter XI
UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY
1. The Council considered the question of the United Nations University at its
substantive session (agenda item 11). It had before it the report of the
Council of the United Nations University for 1994 (E/1995/51).
2. The Council considered the item at its 56th meeting, on 27 July 1995. An
account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary record
(E/1995/SR.56).
3. The Rector of the United Nations University made an introductory statement.
4. Statements were made by the representatives of Brazil, Mexico, Japan and
the Russian Federation. The Rector of the United Nations University responded
to questions raised.
Report of the Council of the United Nations University for 1994
5. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council took note of the report of the Council of the United Nations University
for 1994. See Council decision 1995/310.
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Chapter XII
PROGRAMME AND RELATED QUESTIONS IN THE
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND RELATED FIELDS
1. The Council considered programme and related questions in the economic,
social and related fields at its substantive session (agenda item 12). It had
before it the following documents:
(a) Letter dated 22 June 1995 from the Chairman of the Committee on
Conferences to the President of the Economic and Social Council (E/1995/101);
(b) Note by the Secretariat containing the provisional calendar of
conferences and meetings for 1996 and 1997 in the economic, social and related
fields (E/1995/L.20 and Add.1).
2. The Council considered the item at its 56th meeting, on 27 July 1995. An
account of the discussion is contained in the relevant summary record
(E/1995/SR.56).
3. The Chief of the Programme and Documentation Planning Section of the
Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development introduced and
amended the provisional calendar of conferences and meetings for 1996 and 1997
in the economic, social and related fields (E/1995/L.20 and Add.1).
4. The representative of the United States of America made a statement.
Programme and related questions in the economic, social and related fields
5. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council decided to retain the item entitled "Programme and related questions in
the economic, social and related fields" in the agenda of its substantive
session of 1995 in order to consider the question of the biennialization of the
meetings of its subsidiary bodies. See Council decision 1995/311.
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Chapter XIII
ELECTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, NOMINATIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS
1. The Council considered the question of elections, appointments, nominations
and confirmations at its organizational and resumed organizational sessions
(item 7) and at its substantive session (item 1). It had before it the
following documents:
(a) Annotated provisional agenda for the organizational session for 1995
(E/1995/2 and Add.2);
(b) Note by the Secretary-General on the confirmation of representatives
on the functional commissions of the Council (E/1995/3);
(c) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of one member of the
International Narcotics Control Board under the provisions of article 10,
paragraph 5, of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by the
1972 Protocol (E/1995/6 and Add.1 and 2);
(d) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of members of the
functional commissions of the Council (E/1995/L.7);
(e) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of 19 members of the
Commission on Human Settlements (E/1995/L.8);
(f) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of 11 members of the
Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (E/1995/L.9);
(g) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of 11 members of the
Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations
Population Fund (E/1995/L.10);
(h) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of seven members of the
Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes (E/1995/L.11);
(i) Note by the Secretary-General on the nomination of seven members of
the Committee for Programme and Coordination (E/1995/L.13);
(j) Note by the Secretary-General on the nomination of 12 members of the
World Food Council (E/1995/L.14);
(k) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of 22 members of the
Programme Coordination Board of the Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations
Programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) (E/1995/L.18);
(l) Note by the Secretary-General on the appointment of three members of
the Board of Trustees of the International Research and Training Institute for
the Advancement of Women (E/1995/103);
(m) Note by the Secretary-General on the election of one member of the
International Narcotics Control Board under the provisions of article 9,
paragraph 1, of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by the
1972 Protocol (E/1995/104);
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(n) Note by the Secretary-General on the appointment of 24 members of the
Committee for Development Planning (E/1995/116).
2. The Council considered the item at its 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 38th and 56th
meetings, on 9 February, 4 May, 1 and 6 June and 13 and 27 July 1995. An
account of the proceedings is contained in the relevant summary records
(E/1995/SR.4, 8, 10, 11, 38 and 56).
A. COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
COMMITTEE FOR PROGRAMME AND COORDINATION
3. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council nominated the following seven
Member States for election by the General Assembly at its fiftieth session for a
three-year term beginning on 1 January 1996 (see Council decision 1995/221):
(a) African States (three vacancies): EGYPT, TOGO and ZAIRE;
(b) Asian States (three vacancies): CHINA, JAPAN and REPUBLIC OF KOREA;
(c) Latin American and Caribbean States (one vacancy): URUGUAY.
COMMISSION ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
4. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: ALGERIA, BARBADOS, BULGARIA,
COLOMBIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, GERMANY, INDIA, JORDAN, KENYA, MEXICO,
NORWAY, SPAIN, SRI LANKA, SUDAN and TUNISIA (see Council decision 1995/221).
COMMITTEE ON NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
5. At the 11th meeting, on 6 June, the Council elected SWAZILAND for a term
beginning on the date of election and expiring on 31 December 1998 (see Council
decision 1995/221).
B. EXPERT BODIES
COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
6. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Council appointed the following
persons for a term beginning on the date of election and expiring on
31 December 1997 (see Council decision 1995/230): Maria Agusztinovics
(Hungary), Dionisio Dias Carneiro-Netto (Brazil), Makhtar Diouf (Senegal),
E. El-Hinnawi (Egypt), Just Faaland (Norway), Gao Shangquan (China),
Patrick Guillaumont (France), Ryokichi Hirono (Japan), Nurul Islam (Bangladesh),
Louka T. Katseli (Greece), Taher Kanaan (Jordan), Linda Lim (Singapore),
Nguyuru H.I. Lipumba (United Republic of Tanzania), Nora Lustig
(Argentina/Mexico), Solita C. Monsod (Philippines), Bishnodat Persaud (Guyana),
Akilagpa Sawyerr (Ghana), Klaus Schwab (Germany), Arjun Sengupta (India),
Alexandre Shokhin (Russian Federation), Frances Stewart (United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland), Lance Taylor (United States of America),
Alvaro Umaña (Costa Rica) and Miguel Urrutia (Colombia).
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C. FUNCTIONAL COMMISSIONS
1. Election of States members
STATISTICAL COMMISSION
7. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: BULGARIA, CHINA, PAKISTAN,
ROMANIA, SUDAN, TOGO and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (see Council decision
1995/221).
COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
8. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: BRAZIL, BULGARIA, EGYPT, FRANCE,
INDONESIA, JAPAN, KENYA, NETHERLANDS and SUDAN (see Council decision 1995/221).
9. At the same meeting, the Council elected NIGERIA for a term beginning on
the date of election and expiring on 31 December 1997.
COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
10. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: BELARUS, FRANCE, GABON, GERMANY,
JAPAN, PERU, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SUDAN, UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA and VENEZUELA (see Council decision 1995/221).
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
11. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: BELARUS, BRAZIL, DENMARK,
FRANCE, GUINEA, MADAGASCAR, MALAYSIA, MALI, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA,
UGANDA, UKRAINE and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (see Council decision 1995/221).
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
12. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: BRAZIL, CHILE, CHINA, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC, LEBANON, MALI, NORWAY, SLOVAKIA, SWAZILAND and UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA (see Council decision 1995/221).
COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS
13. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a four-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: ALGERIA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL,
BULGARIA, CANADA, CUBA, CZECH REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EGYPT, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE,
INDIA, INDONESIA, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), ITALY, JAMAICA, MALAYSIA, MOROCCO,
NETHERLANDS, NIGERIA, PAKISTAN, POLAND, PORTUGAL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, SOUTH
AFRICA, SUDAN, SWEDEN, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC, THAILAND, TUNISIA, UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA and VENEZUELA (see Council decision 1995/221).
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COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
14. At the 4th meeting, on 9 February, the Council elected THAILAND for a term
beginning on the date of election and expiring on 31 December 1997 (see Council
decision 1995/202).
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
15. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, BELGIUM,
BENIN, BOLIVIA, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CHINA, COLOMBIA, GABON, GERMANY,
GUYANA, MOZAMBIQUE, NETHERLANDS, PAKISTAN, POLAND, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SAUDI
ARABIA, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, THAILAND and ZIMBABWE (see Council decision
1995/221).
2. Confirmation of representatives
16. At the 4th meeting, on 9 February, the Council confirmed the nominations by
their Governments of the following representatives on the functional commissions
of the Council (see Council decision 1995/202):
COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Thiru T. V. ANTONY (India)
COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Juan Carlos M. BELTRAMINO (Argentina)
Ferdinand MAYRHOFER-GRÜNBÜHEL (Austria)
Ichola Abidatou ALIMI (Benin)
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Lily BOEYKENS (Belgium)
Ljudmila BOZHKOVA (Bulgaria)
Alexandra FEXIS (Greece)
Maria Regina TAVARES DA SILVA (Portugal)
COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Elias JASSAN (Argentina)
Marc BIRIHANYUMA (Burundi)
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D. RELATED BODIES
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
17. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: CANADA, CHINA, CUBA, DENMARK,
NAMIBIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SURINAME, SWITZERLAND, TURKEY, UKRAINE and VIET NAM
(see Council decision 1995/221).
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED
NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
18. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council, pursuant to General Assembly
resolution 49/171, elected the following States members of the Executive
Committee: BANGLADESH, INDIA and RUSSIAN FEDERATION (see Council decision
1995/221).
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME/UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND
19. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected the following States for
a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1996: ARGENTINA, BELIZE, CANADA,
INDIA, MADAGASCAR, MALAYSIA, NETHERLANDS, ROMANIA, SWITZERLAND, UKRAINE and
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (see Council decision 1995/221).
20. At the same meeting, the Council elected FINLAND and SPAIN for a two-year
term beginning on 1 January 1996 to replace France and Norway (see Council
decision 1995/221).
COMMITTEE ON FOOD AID POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES
21. At the 4th meeting, on 9 February, the Council elected ARGENTINA and the
PHILIPPINES for a term beginning on the date of election and expiring on
31 December 1997 (see Council decision 1995/202).
22. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council elected HUNGARY for a three-year
term beginning on 1 January 1996 (see Council decision 1995/221).
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD
23. At the 4th meeting, on 9 February, the Council, from among the candidates
nominated by Governments, elected Dil Jan Khan (Pakistan) a member of the
International Narcotics Control Board for a term beginning on the date of
election and expiring on 1 March 1997 (see Council decision 1995/202).
24. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Council, from among the candidates
nominated by the World Health Organization, elected Alfredo Pemjean (Chile) a
member of the Board for a term beginning on the date of election and expiring on
1 March 2000 (see Council decision 1995/230).
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WORLD FOOD COUNCIL
25. At the 4th meeting, on 9 February, the Council, in accordance with
paragraph 8 of General Assembly resolution 3348 (XXIX) of 17 December 1974,
nominated ALBANIA, as a candidate from Eastern European States, for election by
the Assembly at its forty-ninth session for a term beginning on the date of
election and expiring on 31 December 1997 (see Council decision 1995/202).
26. At the 8th meeting, on 4 May, the Council, in accordance with paragraph 8
of General Assembly resolution 3348 (XXIX), nominated the following States for
election by the Assembly at its fiftieth session for a three-year term beginning
on 1 January 1996 (see Council decision 1995/221):
(a) African States (three vacancies): ALGERIA, MALI and TOGO;
(b) Asian States (three vacancies): INDIA, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF) and
JAPAN;
(c) Eastern European States (one vacancy): HUNGARY.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND
TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
27. At the 56th meeting, on 27 July, the Council appointed Ihsan Abdallah
Algabshawi (Sudan), Esther María Ashton (Bolivia) and Els Postel-Coster
(Netherlands) for a term beginning on the date of election and expiring on
30 June 1998 (see Council decision 1995/230).
PROGRAMME COORDINATION BOARD OF THE JOINT AND CO-SPONSORED
UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS/
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
28. At the 10th meeting, on 1 June, the Council, pursuant to its resolution
1994/24 of 26 July 1994, elected the following States for a term beginning on
1 January 1996: ALGERIA, AUSTRALIA, BARBADOS, BULGARIA, CANADA, CHINA, CONGO,
COTE D’IVOIRE, FRANCE, INDIA, JAPAN, MEXICO, NETHERLANDS, PAKISTAN, PARAGUAY,
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SOUTH AFRICA, SWEDEN, UGANDA, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT
BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (see Council decision
1995/221).
29. At the 38th meeting, on 13 July, the Council elected THAILAND for a term
beginning on 1 January 1996 (see Council decision 1995/230).
30. At the same meeting, the Council drew lots to determine the initial terms
of office of the members of the Board. It was thus decided that the terms of
office of the CONGO, FRANCE, INDIA, PAKISTAN, PARAGUAY, the RUSSIAN FEDERATION,
UGANDA and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA would expire on 31 December 1998; the
terms of office of ALGERIA, BARBADOS, BULGARIA, CHINA, JAPAN, the NETHERLANDS,
SOUTH AFRICA, SWEDEN and the UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN
IRELAND would expire on 31 December 1997; and the terms of office of AUSTRALIA,
CANADA, COTE D’IVOIRE, MEXICO and THAILAND would expire on 31 December 1996 (see
Council decision 1995/230).
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Chapter XIV
ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS
1. The Council held its organizational session for 1995 at United Nations
Headquarters on 1 and from 7 to 10 February 1995 (1st to 6th) meetings, a
resumed organizational session at United Nations Headquarters on 4 and 5 May and
1 and 6 June 1995 (7th to 11th meetings) and its substantive session at the
United Nations Office at Geneva from 26 June to 28 July 1995 (12th to 57th
meetings). An account of the proceedings is contained in the summary records
(E/1994/SR.1-57).
2. The 1st meeting was opened by the President of the Economic and Social
Council for 1994, Mr. Richard Butler (Australia). Upon election, the President
of the Council for 1995, Mr. Ahmad Kamal (Pakistan), made a statement.
A. Bureau of the Council
3. Pursuant to paragraph 2 (k) of its resolution 1988/77, the Council met on
1 February for the purpose of electing its Bureau.
4. At the 1st meeting, on 1 February, the Council elected, by acclamation,
Mr. Ahmad Kamal (Pakistan) President of the Council for 1995. The Council also
elected, by acclamation, Mr. George Papadatos (Greece) Vice-President of the
Council.
5. At the 2nd meeting, on 7 February, the Council elected, by acclamation,
Mr. Enrique Tejera-París (Venezuela) and Mr. Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais (Côte
d’Ivoire) Vice-Presidents of the Council.
6. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council elected, by acclamation,
Mr. Alexandru Niculescu (Romania) Vice-President of the Council.
B. Programme of work and agendas
7. The Council considered the agenda of the organizational session at the 2nd
meeting, on 7 February. It had before it the annotated provisional agenda
(E/1995/2 and Add.1).
8. At the 2nd meeting, the Council decided to include in the agenda an
additional item entitled "Joint and co-sponsored programme on HIV/AIDS".
9. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the agenda of the organizational
session (see annex I to the present report).
Basic programme of work for 1995 and 1996
10. The Council considered the basic programme of work for 1995 and 1996 at the
2nd and 5th meetings, on 7 and 10 February. It had before it a note by the
Secretary-General containing the basic programme of work for the Council for
1995 and 1996 (E/1995/1 and Add.1).
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11. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the President made a statement on the
informal consultations held on the basic programme of work for 1995 and 1996.
12. At the same meeting, the Council took the following action:
(a) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision I) entitled
"High-level segment of the Economic and Social Council of 1995". For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/203;
(b) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision II) entitled
"Coordination segment of the Economic and Social Council of 1995". For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/204;
(c) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision III) entitled
"Provisional agenda for the substantive session of 1995 of the Economic and
Social Council (26 June-28 July 1995)". For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/205;
(d) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision IV) entitled
"Regional cooperation". For the final text, see Council decision 1995/206;
(e) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision V) entitled
"Consideration of reports of intergovernmental bodies". For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/207;
(f) It adopted a draft decision (E/1995/L.2, draft decision VI) entitled
"Basic programme of work of the Economic and Social Council for 1996". For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/208.
13. At the 5th meeting, the Council had before it a draft decision (E/1995/L.4)
entitled "Operational activities of the United Nations for international
development cooperation segment".
14. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representative of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China), Egypt, the United States of America,
Chile, Japan, Denmark, Cuba, Australia, the Russian Federation and China. The
observers for Algeria and Benin also made statements.
15. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision as orally
amended by the President. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/213.
16. At the 5th meeting, on the proposal of the President, the Council adopted a
decision concerning the discussion of the outcome of the World Summit for Social
Development in the operational activities of the United Nations for
international development cooperation segment. See Council decision 1995/214.
17. Also at the 5th meeting, the representative of the Philippines, on behalf
of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77
and China, introduced a draft resolution (E/1995/L.5) entitled "International
cooperation against the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and
distribution of narcotics and psychotropic substances and related activities".
18. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of France
(on behalf of the States members of the European Union), Japan and Mexico. The
observer for Benin also made a statement.
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19. At the 6th meeting, on 10 February, the President orally revised the draft
resolution, which the Council then adopted. For the final text, see Council
resolution 1995/1.
20. Before the draft resolution was adopted, the representative of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China) made a statement. After it was adopted,
statements were made by the representatives of Venezuela, Mexico, France (on
behalf of the States members of the European Union) and the United States of
America.
Agenda of the resumed organizational session
21. In accordance with section III, paragraph 5, of the annex to General
Assembly resolution 45/264, the Council held a resumed organizational session on
4 and 5 May and 1 and 6 June.
22. At the 7th meeting, on 4 May, the Council agreed to the inclusion of an
additional item in the agenda, entitled "Social, humanitarian and human rights
questions: reports of subsidiary bodies, conferences and related questions".
Agenda of the substantive session of 1995
23. The Council considered the agenda and organization of work of its
substantive session at the 12th meeting, on 26 June. It had before it the
following documents:
(a) Annotated provisional agenda (E/1995/100);
(b) Proposed programme of work for the substantive session of 1995
(E/1995/L.6/Rev.1);
(c) Note by the Secretariat on the status of documentation for the session
(E/1995/L.19).
24. Also at the 12th meeting, the Council adopted the agenda of the substantive
session (see annex I to the present report) and approved the organization of
work of the session. See Council decision 1995/228, paragraph 1.
C. Committee for Development Planning
25. At the 2nd meeting, on 7 February, statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), the United States
of America, France (on behalf of the States members of the European Union) and
Egypt. The observer for Algeria made a statement.
26. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council had before it a draft
decision (E/1995/L.3) entitled "Committee for Development Planning", submitted
by the Vice-President of the Council, Mr. George Papadatos (Greece), on the
basis of informal consultations.
27. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/215.
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D. Full participation of the European Community
in the Commission on Sustainable Development
28. At the 3rd meeting, on 8 February, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretariat (E/1995/7) on full participation of the European Community in the
Commission on Sustainable Development. It also had before it a draft decision
(E/1994/L.51) entitled "Full participation of the European Community in the
Commission on Sustainable Development", consideration of which the Council, at
its resumed substantive session of 1994, on 4 November 1994, had postponed to a
future meeting of the Council.
29. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of France
(on behalf of the States members of the European Union), the Philippines (on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China), the United States of America, the Russian Federation and
Ukraine. The President made a statement.
30. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/201.
31. After the adoption of the draft decision, statements were made by the
representatives of Japan, Mexico, France (on behalf of the States members of the
European Union) and the United States of America.
E. Commission on Population and Development
and periodicity of its meetings
32. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council adopted a draft decision
(E/1995/L.2, draft decision VII) entitled "Commission on Population and
Development and periodicity of its meetings". For the final text, see Council
decision 1995/209.
F. Dates of the fourth session of the Commission
on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
33. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council adopted a draft decision
(E/1995/L.2, draft decision VIII) entitled "Dates of the fourth session of the
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice". For the final text, see
Council decision 1995/210.
G. Dates of the Ninth United Nations Congress on the
Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders
34. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council adopted a draft decision
(E/1995/L.2, draft decision IX) entitled "Dates of the Ninth United Nations
Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders". For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/211.
H. Dates of the Twelfth Meeting of Experts on the United
Nations Programme in Public Administration and Finance
35. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council adopted a draft decision
(E/1995/L.2, draft decision X) entitled "Dates of the Twelfth Meeting of Experts
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on the United Nations Programme in Public Administration and Finance". For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/212.
I. Agenda for development
36. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, on the proposal of the President, the
Council adopted a draft decision concerning an agenda for development. See
Council decision 1995/216.
J. Extraordinary additional session of the Committee
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
37. At its 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretariat (E/1995/8) containing a draft decision entitled "Extraordinary
additional session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights" and
a statement of the administrative and programme budget implications of the draft
decision, submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with rule 31 of the
rules of procedure of the Economic and Social Council (E/1995/L.1).
38. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/217.
39. After the adoption of the draft decision, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and
Japan.
K. 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations and second session of the Open-ended
Working Group on the Review of Arrangements for
Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations 1/
40. At the 5th meeting, on 10 February, the Council had before it a letter
dated 3 February 1995 from the Chairperson of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations to the President of the Council (E/1995/13).
41. At the 6th meeting, on 10 February, statements were made by the
representatives of China, France (on behalf of the States members of the
European Union), the Philippines, the United States of America, Canada, Costa
Rica and Pakistan.
42. At the same meeting, on the proposal of the President, the Council decided
to postpone the 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
and the second session of the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of
Arrangements for Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations. See Council
decision 1995/218.
43. At the 7th meeting, on 4 May, on the proposal of the President, the Council
decided that the second session of the Open-ended Working Group on the Review of
Arrangements for Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations would take
place from 8 to 12 May and the 1995 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations from 12 to 23 June. See Council decision 1995/220.
1/ See also chap. X.
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L. Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations Programme
on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome 2/
44. At the 6th meeting, on 10 February, the Council had before it the report of
the Committee of Co-sponsoring Organizations of the Joint and Co-sponsored
United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, which was introduced by the Director of
the Programme. The report was subsequently issued as document E/1995/71.
45. At the same meeting, Mr. Richard Butler (Australia), former President of
the Council, reported on the informal consultations on the matter, held pursuant
to Council resolution 1994/24.
46. Also at the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Uganda, Canada, France (on behalf of the States members of the European Union),
Venezuela and the United States of America.
47. At the 9th meeting, on 5 May, the Council had before it a draft decision
(E/1995/L.16), submitted by Australia on the basis of informal consultations.
The representative of Australia revised the draft decision; the revised text was
subsequently circulated in document E/1995/L.16/Rev.1.
48. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba made a statement.
Statements were also made by the observers for Benin and Mali.
49. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision, as orally
revised. For the final text, see Council decision 1995/223.
M. Social, humanitarian and human rights questions:
reports of subsidiary bodies, conferences and
related questions: human rights questions 3/
50. At the 7th meeting, on 4 May, the Council had before it a letter dated
21 April 1995 from the Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights to the
President of the Economic and Social Council (E/1995/54) and a note by the
Secretariat transmitting a draft decision recommended by the Commission on Human
Rights at its fifty-first session for adoption by the Council (E/1995/L.12),
entitled "Situation of human rights in Burundi".
51. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of France
(on behalf of the States members of the European Union), Cuba and the United
States of America.
52. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/219.
53. After the adoption of the draft decision, the observer for Algeria made a
statement.
2/ See also chap. VI, sect. L.
3/ See also chap. V, sect. D.
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N. Documentation
54. At the 7th meeting, on 4 May, the Council had before it a draft decision
(E/1995/L.15) entitled "Documentation", submitted by the Vice-President of the
Council, Mr. George Papadatos (Greece).
55. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of France
(on behalf of the States members of the European Union), the Philippines (on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group
of 77 and China), Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The Under-Secretary-General for
Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development also made a statement.
56. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/222.
57. After the adoption of the draft decision, statements were made by the
representative of Ghana and by the Vice-President of the Council, Mr. Papadatos
(Greece).
O. Operational activities of the United Nations for
international development cooperation segment 4/
58. At the 9th meeting, on 5 May, the Council had before it a draft decision
(E/1995/L.17) entitled "Operational activities of the United Nations for
international development cooperation segment", submitted by Canada.
59. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Canada,
the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the Group of 77 and China), France (on behalf of the States members
of the European Union), Mexico, Norway, Chile, India and Cuba. The observers
for Algeria and Benin made statements.
60. Also at the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the
final text, see Council decision 1995/224.
P. Informal consultations on the draft platform for
action of the Fourth World Conference on Women
61. At the 10th meeting, on 1 June, the Council had before it a letter dated
22 May 1995 from the Chairperson of the Commission on the Status of Women to the
President of the Economic and Social Council (E/1995/77), to which was annexed a
draft decision entitled "Proposed informal consultations on the draft platform
for action".
62. At the same meeting, the Council adopted the draft decision. For the final
text, see Council decision 1995/225.
Q. Open-ended Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests
of the Commission on Sustainable Development
63. At the 10th meeting, on 1 June, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretariat on the decision of the Commission on Sustainable Development to
4/ See also chap. IV.
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establish an open-ended ad hoc intergovernmental panel on forests (E/1995/72)
and a note by the Secretariat on the programme budget implications of that
decision (E/1995/72/Add.1).
64. At the same meeting, the Council approved the establishment of an Openended
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (see Council decision 1995/226)
and agreed that the Bureau of the Council should authorize a brief
organizational meeting of the Panel, to be held in New York.
65. After the adoption of the decision, statements were made by the
representatives of France (on behalf of the States members of the European
Union), India and the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United
Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China).
66. At the 57th meeting, on 28 July, on the proposal of the President, the
Council decided that the 1995 meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Intergovernmental
Panel on Forests of the Commission on Sustainable Development should be held at
United Nations Headquarters from 11 to 15 September 1995. See Council decision
1995/316.
R. Transformation of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and
Programmes of the World Food Programme into an Executive
Board
67. At the 11th meeting, on 6 June, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretary-General on the transformation of the Committee on Food Aid Policies
and Programmes of the World Food Programme into an Executive Board (E/1995/14
and Add.1).
68. At the same meeting, the President amended the draft resolution entitled
"Revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme and
reconstitution of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes as the
Executive Board of the World Food Programme", contained in document
E/1995/14/Add.1.
69. Also at the same meeting, the Council decided to transmit the draft
resolution, as orally amended, to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session
for consideration. See Council decision 1995/227.
70. Statements were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation (also
on behalf of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzogovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic
of Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
and Ukraine), the Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United
Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China) and Australia.
S. Accreditation of non-governmental organizations
to the Fourth World Conference on Women
71. At the 12th meeting, on 26 June, the Council had before it a note by the
Secretariat on accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the Fourth
World Conference on Women (E/1995/91 and Corr.1).
72. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Philippines (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
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members of the Group of 77 and China), France (on behalf of the States members
of the European Union), the United States of America, China, Germany and the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
73. At the 17th meeting, on 29 June, the President of the Council made a
statement.
74. At the same meeting, the Council decided to accredit to the Fourth World
Conference on Women some of the non-governmental organizations listed in annex I
to the note by the Secretariat and to continue its consideration of the question
at a later meeting.
75. At the 47th meeting, on 21 July, the Council decided to accredit to the
Conference the non-governmental organizations listed in annex I to the note by
the Secretariat, with the exemption of those organizations listed under numbers
15, 87 (a), 334, 355, 453, 506, 610 and 611. The Council also decided that none
of the non-governmental organizations listed in annex II to the note by the
Secretariat would be accredited to the Conference. See Council decision
1995/229.
76. After the decision was adopted, statements were made by the representatives
of China, Canada, the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Norway and
Mexico.
77. The observers for Spain (on behalf of the States members of the European
Union) and for the Islamic Republic of Iran made statements.
T. Requests by non-governmental organizations for hearings
78. At the 30th meeting, on 7 July, on the recommendation of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations (E/1995/106), the Council approved requests made
by non-governmental organizations to be heard by the Council at its substantive
session of 1995. See Council decision 1995/228, paragraph 2.
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Annex I
AGENDAS OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL SESSION FOR
1995 AND THE SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF 1995
Agenda of the organizational session for 1995
Adopted by the Council at its 2nd meeting, on 7 February 1995
1. Election of the Bureau.
2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
3. Basic programme of work of the Council.
4. Committee for Development Planning.
5. Transformation of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes of the
World Food Programme into an Executive Board.
6. Full participation by the European Community in the Commission on
Sustainable Development.
7. Elections, nominations and confirmations.
8. Agenda for development.
9. Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency
Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
10. Social, humanitarian and human rights questions: reports of subsidiary
bodies, conferences and related questions: human rights questions. a/
Agenda of the substantive session of 1995
Adopted by the Council at its 12th meeting, on 26 June 1995
1. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
High-level segment
2. Development of Africa, including the implementation of the United Nations
New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s.
Coordination segment
3. Coordination of the policies and activities of the specialized agencies and
other bodies of the United Nations system related to the following themes:
(a) Coordinated follow-up by the United Nations system and implementation
of the results of the major international conferences organized by the
United Nations in the economic, social and related fields;
a/ Item added at the 7th meeting, on 4 May 1995.
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(b) Implementation of the agreed conclusions of the 1994 coordination
segment of the Council relating to (i) science and technology for
development and (ii) international cooperation within the United
Nations system against the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic
and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Operational activities of the United Nations for international development
cooperation segment
4. Operational activities of the United Nations for international development
cooperation:
(a) United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund;
(b) United Nations Children’s Fund;
(c) World Food Programme;
(d) Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries.
General segment
5. Social, humanitarian and human rights questions: reports of subsidiary
bodies, conferences and related questions:
(a) Special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance;
(b) Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to
Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination;
(c) 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;
(d) Human rights questions;
(e) Advancement of women;
(f) Social development questions;
(g) Crime prevention and criminal justice;
(h) Narcotic drugs;
(i) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
6. Economic and environmental questions: reports of subsidiary bodies,
conferences and related questions:
(a) Sustainable development;
(b) Trade and development;
(c) Food and agricultural development;
(d) Science and technology for development;
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(e) Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development;
(f) International migration and development;
(g) Human settlements;
(h) Environment;
(i) Desertification and drought;
(j) Transport of dangerous goods;
(k) Women in development;
(l) Prevention and control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
(m) International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade;
(n) International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction;
(o) Statistics;
(p) Energy;
(q) Public administration and development.
7. Regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields.
8. Permanent sovereignty over national resources in the occupied Palestinian
and other Arab territories.
9. Coordination questions:
(a) Reports of the coordination bodies;
(b) International cooperation in the field of information systems;
(c) Multisectoral collaboration on tobacco or health;
(d) Preventive action and intensification of the struggle against malaria
and diarrhoeal diseases, in particular cholera.
10. Non-governmental organizations.
11. United Nations University.
12. Programme and related questions in the economic, social and related fields:
(a) Proposed programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997;
(b) Calendar of conferences and meetings in the economic, social and
related fields for the biennium 1996-1997.
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Annex III
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS DESIGNATED BY THE COUNCIL UNDER
RULE 79 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE a/ FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE
DELIBERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL ON QUESTIONS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
THEIR ACTIVITIES
Organizations accorded permanent observer
status by the General Assembly
Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (General Assembly resolution 36/4)
African Development Bank (General Assembly resolution 42/10)
Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (General Assembly resolution
33/18)
Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean
(General Assembly resolution 43/6)
Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee (General Assembly resolution 35/2)
Caribbean Community (General Assembly resolution 46/8)
Commonwealth of Independent States (General Assembly resolution 48/237)
Commonwealth Secretariat (General Assembly resolution 31/3)
Council of Europe (General Assembly resolution 44/6)
Economic Cooperation Organization (General Assembly resolution 48/2)
European Economic Community (General Assembly resolution 3208 (XXIX))
International Committee of the Red Cross (General Assembly resolution 45/6)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (General
Assembly resolution 49/2)
International Organization for Migration (General Assembly resolution 47/4)
Latin American Economic System (SELA) (General Assembly resolution 35/3)
Latin American Parliament (General Assembly resolution 48/4)
League of Arab States (General Assembly resolution 477 (V))
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (General Assembly resolution
48/5)
Organization of African Unity (General Assembly resolution 2011 (XX))
Organization of American States (General Assembly resolution 253 (III))
Organization of the Islamic Conference (General Assembly resolution 3369 (XXX))
Permanent Court of Arbitration (General Assembly resolution 48/3)
South Pacific Forum (General Assembly resolution 49/1)
Sovereign Military Order of Malta (General Assembly resolution 48/265)
a/ The text of rule 79, entitled "Participation of other
intergovernmental organizations", reads: "Representatives of intergovernmental
organizations accorded permanent observer status by the General Assembly and of
other intergovernmental organizations designated on an ad hoc or a continuing
basis by the Council on the recommendation of the Bureau may participate,
without the right to vote, in the deliberations of the Council on questions
within the scope of the activities of the organizations."
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Organizations designated by the Economic and Social Council
Participation on a continuing basis
African Regional Centre for Technology (Council decision 1980/151)
Asian Productivity Organization (APO) (Council decision 1980/114)
Council of Arab Economic Unity (Council decision 109 (LIX))
International Centre for Public Enterprises in Developing Countries (ICPE)
(Council decision 1980/114)
International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) (Council decision
109 (LIX))
Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) (Council decision 1980/114)
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (Council decision
109 (LIX))
Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture
(Council decision 1986/156)
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Council decision 109 (LIX))
Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (Council
decision 1992/265)
World Tourism Organization (Council decision 109 (LIX))
Participation on an ad hoc basis
African Accounting Council (Council decision 1987/161)
African Cultural Institute (Council decision 1987/161)
Arab Security Studies and Training Centre (Council decision 1989/165)
Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior (Council decision 1987/161)
Customs Cooperation Council (Council decision 1989/165)
International Bauxite Association (Council decision 1987/161)
International Civil Defence Organization (Council decision 109 (LIX))
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (Council decision 239 (LXII))
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