| United Nations | E/CN.5/1998/7 - E/1998/26 |
Economic and Social Council
Commission for Social Development
Report on the thirty-sixth session
(10-20 February 1998)
Economic and Social Council
Official Records, 1998
Supplement No. 6
United Nations - New York, 1998
NOTE
Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined
with figures.
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SUMMARY
At its thirty-sixth session, the Commission for Social Development
considered two topics under its restructured agenda and multi-year programme
of work, namely the priority theme "Promoting social integration and
participation of all people, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and
persons"; and review of relevant United Nations plans and programmes of action
pertaining to the situation of social groups.
With regard to the priority theme, the Commission adopted a resolution
in which it took note of the report of the Secretary-General on the subject
and decided to adopt agreed conclusions on promoting social integration and
participation of all people, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and
persons, and to transmit them to the Economic and Social Council for the
Council's consideration at its substantive session of 1998 and appropriate
follow-up action, as well as to the Preparatory Committee for the special
session of the General Assembly in 2000 for an overall review and appraisal of
the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development,
including the Committee's organizational session (19-22 May 1998) and to the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs acting in the capacity of the preparatory body
for the June 1998 special session of the Assembly devoted to the fight against
the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution of narcotic
drugs and psychotropic substances and related activities, at its second
session from 16 to 20 March 1998.
The agreed conclusions contain recommendations for action at local,
national, regional and international levels in the areas of promoting social
integration through responsive government, full participation in society,
non-discrimination, tolerance, equality and social justice; enhancing social
protection, reducing vulnerability and enhancing employment opportunities for
groups with specific needs; and violence, crime and the problem of illicit
drugs and substance abuse as factors of social disintegration.
In connection with its review of plans and programmes of action
pertaining to the situation of social groups, the Commission considered the
report of the Secretary-General on the options for the future review and
appraisal of the implementation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing
and decided to consider these matters further at its thirty-seventh session on
the basis of additional information.
The Commission also recommended to the Economic and Social Council the
adoption of a draft decision by which the Council would expand the mandate of
the ad hoc informal open-ended support group to assist the Commission for
Social Development in the preparations for the International Year of Older
Persons and change the name of the support group to the Consultative Group for
the International Year of Older Persons, keeping the informal and open-ended
nature of the Group.
The Commission heard special presentations by national representatives
on follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development. It held two panel
meetings with invited experts and two dialogues with non-governmental
organizations on the priority theme. There was also an exchange of views with
the Executive Director, Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention of the
United Nations Secretariat.
Finally, the Commission recommended that the Economic and Social Council
approve the provisional agenda and documentation for its thirty-eighth session
in 1999.
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CONTENTS
Chapter Page
I. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OR
BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION ......................................... 1
A. Draft decisions .............................................. 1
B. Resolution and decisions brought to the attention of the
Council ...................................................... 3
II. FOLLOW-UP TO THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ............. 16
III. PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE THIRTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE
COMMISSION ....................................................... 30
IV. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON ITS THIRTY-SIXTH
SESSION .......................................................... 31
V. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION ...................................... 31
A. Opening and duration of the session .......................... 31
B. Attendance ................................................... 31
C. Election of officers ......................................... 31
D. Agenda ....................................................... 32
E. Organization of work ......................................... 32
F. Opening statements ........................................... 32
G. Documentation ................................................ 32
H. Special presentations ........................................ 32
I. Consultations with non-governmental organizations ............ 34
Annexes
I. ATTENDANCE ....................................................... 36
II. LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT ITS THIRTY-SIXTH
SESSION .......................................................... 41
Chapter I
MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION
A. Draft decisions
1. The Commission for Social Development recommends to the Economic and
Social Council the adoption of the following draft decisions:
DRAFT DECISION I
Activities of the Consultative Group for the
International Year of Older Persons*
(* For the discussion, see chap. II, paras. 38-39.)
The Economic and Social Council decides:
(a) That the ad hoc informal open-ended support group to assist the
Commission for Social Development in the preparations for the International
Year of Older Persons, in addition to its current activities of promoting
awareness and exchange of information on the preparations for the
International Year between States, the United Nations system and
non-governmental organizations, will serve as an informal consultative forum
for discussing national and international proposals and initiatives to help
lay the groundwork for the discussion of the item on the International Year at
the thirty-seventh session of the Commission;
(b) To change the name of the support group to Consultative Group for
the International Year of Older Persons, keeping the informal and open-ended
nature of the Group.
DRAFT DECISION II
Report of the Commission for Social Development on its
thirty-sixth session and provisional agenda and
documentation for the thirty-seventh session of the
Commission
The Economic and Social Council:
(a) Takes note of the report of the Commission for Social Development on
its thirty-sixth session and endorses the decisions adopted by the Commission;
(b) Approves the provisional agenda and documentation for the thirty-
seventh session of the Commission set out below.
PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND DOCUMENTATION FOR THE THIRTY-SEVENTH
SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
3. Follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development:
The Commission will review progress made in the implementation of and
follow-up to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the
Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development and
consider at each of its sessions issues relating to the enabling
environment for social development, the special situation of Africa and
the least developed countries, enhancement of social development goals
in structural adjustment programmes, the mobilization of domestic and
international resources for social development, and the framework for
international, regional and subregional cooperation for social
development.
(a) Priority themes:
(i) Social services for all;
(ii) Initiation of the overall review of the implementation of the
outcome of the Summit;
(b) Review of relevant United Nations plans and programmes of action
pertaining to the situation of social groups.
In accordance with earlier decisions of the Assembly, the Economic
and Social Council and the Commission, the Commission will consider,
under item 3 (b) of the agenda of its thirty-seventh session, issues
pertaining to ageing, in particular the International Year of Older
Persons (1999).
The Commission will also have before it the outcome of the
Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August
1998).
Documentation
Report of the Secretary-General on social services for all
Report of the Secretary-General on the initiation of the overall review
of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social
Development
Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the results of expert
workshop(s)
Note by the Secretary-General regarding the International Year of Older
Persons and follow-up arrangements
4. Programme questions and other matters:
(a) Programme performance and implementation;
(b) Proposed programme of work of the Secretariat for the biennium
2000-2001;
(c) United Nations Research Institute for Social Development.
Documentation
Note by the Secretary-General on the draft proposed programme budget for
the biennium 2000-2001
Note by the Secretary-General on the nomination of members of the Board
of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development
Report of the Board of the United Nations Research Institute for Social
Development
5. Provisional agenda for the thirty-eighth session of the Commission.
6. Adoption of the report of the Commission on its thirty-seventh session.
B. Resolution and decisions brought to the
attention of the Council
2. The following resolution and decisions adopted by the Commission for
Social Development are brought to the attention of the Economic and Social
Council:
Resolution 36/1. Promoting social integration and participation
of all people, including disadvantaged and
vulnerable groups and persons*
(* For the discussion, see chap. II, paras. 29-31.)
The Commission for Social Development,
Having considered the priority theme for 1998, "Promoting social
integration and participation of all people, including disadvantaged and
vulnerable groups and persons",
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on promoting
social integration and participation of all people, including disadvantaged
and vulnerable groups and persons; 1/
2. Decides to adopt the following agreed conclusions and to transmit
them to the Economic and Social Council for its consideration at its
substantive session of 1998 and appropriate follow-up action;
3. Also decides to transmit the agreed conclusions to the Preparatory
Committee for the special session of the General Assembly in 2000 for an
overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the World
Summit for Social Development including its organizational session (19-22 May
1998), as well as to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs acting in the capacity
of the preparatory body for the special session of the Assembly devoted to the
fight against the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution
of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and related activities, at its
second session from 16 to 20 March 1998.
AGREED CONCLUSIONS ON PROMOTING SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND
PARTICIPATION OF ALL PEOPLE, INCLUDING DISADVANTAGED
AND VULNERABLE GROUPS AND PERSONS
1. Social integration is best promoted in close harmony with efforts to
expand productive employment and eradicate poverty, given their mutually
reinforcing interrelationships.
2. The primary responsibility for promoting social integration rests with
national Governments. Social development cannot be successfully achieved
without the collective commitment and efforts of the international community.
In this context, the international community should give strong support to the
efforts of developing countries to solve their serious social and economic
problems. In pursuit of this, the participation of all countries,
particularly developing countries, in international economic decision-making
should be broadened and strengthened.
3. Globalization of the world economy presents opportunities and challenges
for the development process as well as risks and uncertainties. As a result
of the process of globalization and growing interdependence in the economic,
social and environmental fields, an increasing number of issues cannot be
effectively addressed by countries individually. Therefore, international
cooperation is required. Furthermore, non-State actors with a global reach,
such as transnational corporations, private financial institutions and
non-governmental organizations, have important roles to play in the emerging
network of international cooperation.
4. Global cooperation and partnership must be on the basis of sovereign
equality, and mutual respect and benefit. They must consider the gap between
the level of development of different countries and the need to narrow the gap
between developed and developing countries. In accordance with the commitment
made at the World Summit for Social Development, the need remains for
countries to fulfil commitments undertaken to official development assistance
(ODA) and to provide additional resources and to enhance resource flows from
both public and private sources to developing countries, in particular least
developed countries, to promote their social development programmes.
5. Countries with economies in transition, undergoing fundamental
political, economic and social transformations also require the support of the
international community.
6. Where globalization has effects on social integration, such as
instability of labour markets, impoverishment, increased vulnerability and
marginalization of individuals and groups, these effects need to be addressed
by positive measures at the local, national, regional and international levels
in order to minimize them and to promote social development. Efforts also
need to be made to ensure that globalization provides opportunities for all
countries, particularly countries in Africa and least developed countries.
7. Partnerships between Governments, the private sector, and civil society
are needed to promote ethical business practices through, inter alia,
voluntary codes of conduct that will contribute to social integration.
Relevant international organizations, such as the International Labour
Organization (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Bank,
are encouraged to support this process.
8. To ensure that growth-oriented macroeconomic policies build societies
that are more inclusive, attention must be given to mainstreaming social
development, including maximizing the growth of productive employment and
promoting social integration.
9. Social development, in particular the eradication of poverty,
facilitates the enjoyment of all human rights by all. Social integration must
be pursued by each country on the basis of respect for all human rights and
fundamental freedoms, cultural and religious diversity, and the special needs
of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation and the rule
of law.
10. Social development requires placing people at the centre of development,
based on the inherent dignity and worth of the human person. It also requires
respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to
development. Social development facilitates the enjoyment of all human
rights. Poverty is a cause of social exclusion. Effective social development
policies at the national level would therefore be strengthened by a favourable
economic environment at the international level.
11. Social development also requires respect for all the rights and freedoms
set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2/ Everyone is
entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms
set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be fully realized.
12. Social development and social integration require comprehensive and
holistic approaches and must deal with the root causes of social exclusion or
disempowerment.
13. Social integration also requires investing in social institutions and
social capital, enhancing social networks, building consensus and promoting
individual and organizational capacities, especially of those living in
poverty or otherwise marginalized. Policies for social integration should
respect cultural diversity and prevent exclusion on the basis of culture.
A. Promoting social integration through responsive government,
full participation in society, non-discrimination,
tolerance, equality and social justice
14. Governments have a responsibility for creating an environment that
encourages participatory approaches, empowers people and combats all forms of
discrimination, including against women, minorities and disadvantaged and
vulnerable groups and persons.
15. The promotion of more responsive government that is representative,
transparent and accountable is an important factor for the enhancement of
social integration and social justice and full participation.
16. Participation is expressed in many forms and practices. It needs to be
encouraged at all levels - national, regional and international. Citizen
involvement in community activities, in local government and at the national
level are essential.
17. The empowerment of communities at the local level through, inter alia,
decentralization is an important factor for the promotion of full
participation. Governments are encouraged to empower local communities and
local governments and enhance people's participation in all matters affecting
them.
18. Voluntary activities, including by non-governmental organizations and
self-help groups, are an important means of providing and improving service
and strengthening advocacy at local and national levels, and need to be
encouraged and recognized, inter alia, through due consideration of knowledge
and skills acquired in these voluntary activities.
19. To build more inclusive societies, the elaboration of policy that
promotes social development and social inclusion needs to be strengthened by
creating mechanisms taking into account the views and perspectives, and
involving the participation, of all, in particular the vulnerable and
marginalized.
20. A supportive environment for the formation and development of civil
society organizations at all levels and their active interaction with public
institutions contribute strongly to enhancing participation, bearing in mind
its specific national context.
21. In the context of developing policy instruments and programmes to
promote a "society for all", two considerations should guide actions to
promote the participation of all individuals and groups - the interdependence
of all members of society, and the lifelong development approach which
emphasizes the potential productive and social contribution of all persons
throughout life.
22. In this regard, the International Year of Older Persons in 1999 provides
an opportunity for all actors, on all levels, to take practical steps towards
ensuring full integration and continued participation of older persons,
thereby promoting the goal of a "society for all ages".
23. The family is the basic unit of society and as such should be
strengthened. It is entitled to receive comprehensive protection and support.
In different cultural, political and social systems, various forms of the
family exist. The rights, capabilities and responsibilities of family members
must be respected.
24. The family should be helped in its supporting, educating and nurturing
roles and in contributing to social integration, and this help should involve
(a) encouraging social and economic policies that are designed to meet the
needs of families and their individual members, especially the most
disadvantaged and vulnerable members, with particular attention to the care of
children; (b) ensuring opportunities for family members to understand and meet
their social responsibilities; (c) promoting mutual respect, tolerance and
cooperation within the family and within society; (d) promoting equal
partnership between women and men in the family.
25. In situations where family structures have been eroded or destroyed,
such as cases of conflict, extreme poverty or natural disaster where family
reunification is impossible, it is important to promote alternative-care
provisions, bearing always in mind the best interests of those needing care.
26. Participation in productive work, in other economic activities and in
economic decision-making through different forms of association, including
trade unions and stake ownership, is essential to social integration and
well-being. Important steps to be taken in this regard include establishing
and expanding small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding the employment
potential of the informal sector and enhancing its productivity and increasing
the extent of ownership of shares.
27. Governments should enhance the quality of work and employment by
safeguarding and promoting respect for basic workers' rights, including the
prohibition of forced labour and child labour, freedom of association and the
right to organize and bargain collectively, equal remuneration for men and
women for work of equal value, and non-discrimination in employment, fully
implementing the conventions of ILO in the case of States parties to those
conventions, and taking into account the principles embodied in those
conventions in the case of those countries that are not States parties, to
thus achieve truly sustained economic growth and sustainable development.
28. Fair, effective and efficient taxation systems are an important
instrument to build more inclusive societies in terms both of their
redistributive impact as well as of the resources that they build in society
for, and the stake they create in, services and social protection systems.
29. The empowerment of women and their active participation are essential to
social integration. Policies and programmes should ensure gender equality
through changes in attitudes and practices, encourage the full participation
and empowerment of women in social, economic and political life, and enhance
the gender balance in decision-making processes at all levels as well as
improve access to ownership of resources and to positions of responsibility.
Discriminatory attitudes and stereotyping must be actively combated. In this
context, policies and programmes to enable women and men to combine working
life and family life are essential.
30. Education is at the heart of participation and a powerful force for
social integration. Equal access to quality education and training for all
are essential to enhance lifelong education. Education should also promote
tolerance, understanding of and respect for cultural diversity, and
solidarity.
31. Information is not only a commodity. Access to information is essential
for full participation in all spheres of life, including the global economy.
Polices should be formulated to promote new, cost-effective, inclusive and
participatory approaches in the production, dissemination and use of
information. To avoid the widening of the gap between the information-rich
and information-poor, particularly the gap between developed and developing
countries, strategies must be developed to prioritize and promote adequate
investment, including access to technology in order to provide equal
opportunity for all. In this context, measures should be taken to promote
access by developing countries to the new information superhighway.
32. The media provide the vehicles for the exercise of freedom of opinion
and expression, and need to be responsive to the many requirements of all
individuals. Access to media by all, particularly the disadvantaged and
marginalized, is essential for enhanced participation in all spheres of life.
Broad-based, free, pluralistic media that are aware of their responsibilities
to society and that can preserve and accommodate diversity and plurality of
views and perspectives are essential to the building of inclusive societies.
This is as true within countries as in the international community at large.
33. In the effort to promote the mainstreaming of social development
objectives at the local, national, regional and international levels,
Governments, the private sector and civil society are encouraged to consider
the impact of their actions on social integration and social development
through, inter alia, social impact analyses, social audits and monitoring
assessments.
34. Bilateral and multilateral assistance and technical cooperation should
be based on the participatory principle and should be country-driven. Policy
dialogue between development partners should be held on the basis of mutual
respect.
35. In the context of globalization, the United Nations system and the
international community, particularly the international financial
institutions, need to consider further the social consequences of their
policies and programmes.
36. The collaboration and contribution of the regional commissions are
important for the implementation of the Programme of Action of the World
Summit for Social Development. 3/ The regional commissions, within their
mandates, are invited to convene regional review meetings in preparation for
the global review of the follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development
at the special session of the General Assembly in the year 2000.
37. Governments are encouraged to provide to the Commission for Social
Development on voluntary basis information about specific participatory
methods and initiatives at different levels. The Secretary-General is
requested to make this information widely available to enable the Commission
to consider periodically the lessons learned.
B. Enhancing social protection, reducing vulnerability and
enhancing employment opportunities for groups with
specific needs
38. Policies that address vulnerability must be based on a proper
understanding of the risk of poverty and social exclusion. Their aim should
not be limited to providing social protection but should enable people to move
out of poverty.
39. Social development policies and programmes must create an enabling
environment for vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized groups, especially
the poor, by incorporating their needs and interests, ensuring equal access
and opportunities, and enable them to play a useful role in society, thereby
contributing to the national development process.
40. The experiences of poor and marginalized people drawn through
participatory techniques should serve as an input to improve the effectiveness
of policies and programmes addressing the interest of these groups.
41. Enhancing social protection requires food security, adequate primary
health care, access to clean water, sanitation and shelter, education, access
to resources such as land, credit facilities and opportunities for
involvement, particularly for vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized
groups, in community life.
42. Where formal social protection systems exist or are possible, these
should play an important role in countering vulnerability and promoting
employability. They should be extended, strengthened and targeted to the
extent necessary to meet adequately the needs of vulnerable, disadvantaged and
marginalized groups. Where necessary, they should be modernized and reformed
to meet changing conditions. All Governments should, within their capacity
and capability, establish or strengthen social safety nets for those in need
of support and care.
43. Solidarity-based social protection arrangements play an important role
in countering vulnerability and promoting employability. They should be
encouraged by Governments. Social safety nets for all people are an essential
component of solidarity-based social protection arrangements.
44. It is important to continue to establish and strengthen partnerships to
enable civil society and the private sector to cooperate with Governments on
policies and programmes to reduce vulnerability.
45. Policies to reduce vulnerability should aim to strengthen networks and
organizations in the community, including the family, recognizing the
essential support that they can provide.
46. The international community should assist developing countries, upon
request, in building their capacity to develop and implement policies and
programmes aimed at removing the obstacles confronting all vulnerable and
marginalized groups and facilitating their greater access to society in all of
its aspects.
47. Strategies and policies to address vulnerability should lead to the
implementation of programmes that take into account the particular conditions
of vulnerability in rural and urban areas.
48. Efforts at raising public awareness and sensitizing the public towards
improved access and participation of vulnerable persons and groups should be
initiated or strengthened, with the aim of building more cohesive societies.
49. Expansion of productive employment is an essential means to eradicate
poverty which is one of the major causes of social exclusion in all countries.
Strategies should be developed, taking into account the special needs and
skills of various groups, to expand opportunities for productive employment
and small income-generating schemes.
50. The effectiveness and relevance of microcredit programmes as a viable
tool for poverty eradication, generation of productive employment and
sustainable livelihoods and empowerment of women and other marginalized groups
are well recognized. Microcredit programmes should therefore be promoted
actively at the national level for the empowerment of the poor and
marginalized groups and for their integration in the mainstream economic and
political process of society. In this context, the support of the
international community is essential.
51. Governments should take measures, in collaboration, when appropriate,
with employers and trade unions, to eliminate discrimination in employment
against vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized groups and persons.
Policies must address the special needs of groups that are the most vulnerable
in the labour market, and promote opportunities to develop and gain new
skills. Labour policies need to be particularly sensitive to their needs,
including provision for equal remuneration, flexible working hours, adequate
protection of part-time workers and access to information and training, and
involvement in trade unions.
52. In countries where unemployment among young people is high, redoubled
efforts are required to expand meaningful employment opportunities for them.
53. Attention should be given to reconciling professional activity and
family responsibilities, for both men and women, inter alia, through
affordable childcare, family support and appropriate flexible working
arrangements.
54. Recognition needs to be formally given to unpaid work that is socially
useful and to voluntary activities so as to raise awareness of the importance
of these activities, in particular in the context of reducing vulnerability
and dealing with its consequences. Work on appropriate methodologies to this
end needs to be strengthened.
55. In countries where the informal sector in the economy is important,
measures that promote an environment conducive for its appropriate development
are critical. The establishment of self-generating employment, self-help
schemes and productive and sustainable livelihoods, and the development of
cooperatives and small-sized enterprises and access to microcredit,
particularly to improve access of the vulnerable, disadvantaged and
marginalized groups in order to make them more self-sufficient, should be
encouraged and promoted.
56. The elimination of child labour should be achieved as part of a larger
programme in which society provides alternative assistance or economic
opportunity; ILO, in close cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF) and other United Nations organizations, supports national efforts to
eliminate child labour. Continued financial support from the donor community
for the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC)
is particularly important; ILO should pursue its normative work on child
labour by promoting the ratification and implementation of its Convention No.
138 concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (Minimum Age
Convention, 1973); 4/ Governments should support ILO work on the drafting of
a new ILO convention on the elimination of the most intolerable forms of child
labour.
57. Early childhood education, both formal and informal, is a tool for
reducing vulnerability and promoting social integration by providing all
children with the basic skills that will give them a firm foundation for
further learning. Provision of nutritional supplements, immunization and
primary health care to all children, at both pre-school and primary school
levels, is necessary for giving them a better start in life.
58. Particular attention needs to be given to the acquisition by all of the
basic skills of literacy, verbal ability and numeracy and to equipping all
people to adapt to technological, economic and social changes. Their access
to lifelong learning is important with respect to maintaining and upgrading
their employability.
59. General education at all levels, starting from pre-school education,
should contribute to mutual understanding, tolerance and skills of
intercultural communication.
60. Equal educational opportunities at all levels for persons with
disabilities should be ensured.
61. Government at all levels should take appropriate actions to reduce the
drop-out rates from school, using a holistic gender-sensitive approach to
causes and solutions.
62. Cultural activities, sports and community service are among the
activities that integrate all people into society and should therefore be
encouraged and promoted.
63. The regional commissions are invited, within their mandates, to further
study issues relating to vulnerability, including its relationship to
discrimination against vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized groups.
C. Violence, crime and the problems of illicit drugs and
substance abuse as factors of social disintegration
64. Violence, crime and illicit drugs and substance abuse problems pose
serious challenges to the social structure of all societies and need to be
addressed by specific policies and programmes for their prevention and
elimination. These policies and programmes must be tackled as part of an
integrated strategy for social and economic development that includes
appropriate measures for dealing with these problems but that, equally, seeks
to understand and address the causes of such phenomena.
65. Women are particularly vulnerable to acts of violence including all
forms of sexual harassment and exploitation. Violence against women both
violates and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of their human rights and
fundamental freedoms. Violence in all its forms, including domestic violence
against women, children, older persons, migrants and other minorities, and
persons with disabilities, hinders development and prevents the full enjoyment
of their human rights and the achievement of equality.
66. Poor people, among them - and particularly - women and children, are
often the most vulnerable to all forms of violence and abuse, including
domestic violence, trafficking for labour and sexual purposes, crime and civil
conflicts. Systems of justice, law enforcement and government service and
assistance to the victims should be managed in a way that makes them, in
practice, fully available to all.
67. Women and men are affected differently by drug abuse. International as
well as national strategies that target the abuse of licit as well as illicit
drugs must integrate a gender perspective. Participation of women in the
planning and implementation of drug abuse prevention programmes is the key to
ensuring that issues specific to women can be addressed adequately. There is
a need for more gender-disaggregated data and research concerning
gender-related differences in drug-taking. Treatment and rehabilitation
centres for drug addicts must be available for men and women on a
non-discriminatory basis.
68. Developments in communication, transportation and technology have
globalized violence, crime and the illicit drugs problem.
69. While the primary responsibility for crime prevention and criminal
justice rests at the national level, violence, crime and illicit drugs
activities are of such magnitude and also have such major transnational
dimensions that they require international cooperation and coordination in
respect of formulating and implementing effective responses.
70. That the developing countries especially face a serious challenge,
inasmuch as they must also confront lack of resources, illiteracy,
unemployment and underemployment, and deteriorating economies, makes all forms
of international assistance imperative. The need for assistance to alleviate
burdens placed on their national administration, in supporting the
international legal framework and cooperation in the application of law,
should also be underlined. Technical support should also be extended to
facilitate the effective implementation of legal instruments.
71. The main responsibility rests at the national level, and involves
countering the disintegration of social structures, which previously may have
discouraged an individual from turning to drug abuse, trafficking or illicit
cultivation and production. Promoting a cohesive social structure, while
supporting opportunities to access lawful sources of employment and income,
can contribute to the quality of the individual's living environment and may
be the best guarantee against his or her turning to drug abuse and/or drug
trafficking. International cooperation has a key role to play in
complementing national efforts.
72. As the problem of illicit drugs is multifaceted, all strategies aimed at
combating this scourge must be based on a comprehensive and balanced approach
that includes all aspects of the problem, with a view to strengthening
international cooperation in addressing it within the framework of the United
Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances of 1988 5/ and other relevant conventions and international
instruments. The vast financial and human resources available to the illicit
drugs trade, in many cases exceeding the resources of national Governments,
have made international cooperation and coordination imperative for an
effective anti-drugs strategy. The affected countries should be extended all
possible assistance, including technical assistance, to enhance the capacities
of all agencies engaged in combating illicit drugs.
73. The application of the principle of shared responsibility is key to the
overall efforts to address the issue of international drug control.
74. Integrated alternative development is an important component of any
approach to solving the narcotic drugs problem, including the problem of the
cultivation of illicit crops. It must be promoted through participatory
social and economic development measures in affected countries, inter alia,
through crop substitution and, when necessary, supported by law enforcement
efforts.
75. Drug abuse by young people is on the increase in many parts of the world
and the situation is particularly critical among the young who are socially
disadvantaged. Stable, supportive family life can provide a vital shield
against drug abuse, particularly among minors. However, youth groups can also
be engaged as active agents in the field of prevention of drug abuse. Youth
culture can be a valuable tool for awareness-raising. All information
technologies, including the Internet, should be used in order to spread
information about the negative consequences of drug abuse and on how to seek
help.
76. Education is an important mechanism in the prevention of drug abuse by
children and youth. Schools should be encouraged to implement curricula that
provide information on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction, and to provide
appropriate textbooks. Schools should also provide counselling for students
and parents, and teachers should receive training to prepare them for this
role. After-school activities, such as cultural events and sports, should be
available to fill excess leisure time and unsupervised time. Special
programmes should be developed for youth outside the formal education system.
77. Youth should be given the opportunity, and encouraged, to express their
views and speak of the problems they face with regard to drug use and
addiction, and to participate in the identification of effective solutions.
78. Relevant training and information as well as assistance to workers who
have problems with drugs and substance abuse are necessary. As part of
rehabilitation, vocational training should be available to drug addicts to
help them obtain jobs and to better integrate into society.
79. Policies aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social
reintegration should include appropriate training of doctors and social
workers dealing with drug addicts. Knowledge of the immediate and long-term
effects of drug use on physical and mental health as well as on the social
life of individuals, along with the distribution of information about
appropriate treatment and specialist organizations, is necessary to achieve
improved prevention and to deal adequately with drug addicts.
80. The key role of the media in ensuring the dissemination of information
on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction should be recognized and promoted.
81. The civil society, including non-governmental organizations and
community-based organizations, is widely recognized as a partner of
Governments in the fight against drug abuse. Those organizations are
particularly active in the fields of prevention, rehabilitation and social
integration. In many countries, non-governmental organizations are the main
providers of shelter and counselling to victims of violence. Continued
support of such organizations is encouraged.
82. The role of the relevant United Nations bodies, in particular the United
Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), in the collection of
systematic and gender-disaggregated data as well as in research on the social
impact and the root causes of drug and substance abuse, should be encouraged.
These tasks necessitate close cooperation among relevant organs, funds and
programmes of the United Nations system as well as other relevant
institutions. UNDCP has an important role to play in the provision of
technical assistance in the field of demand reduction. In this context, the
exchange of best practices should be encouraged on the subregional, regional
and international levels.
83. We welcome the special session of the General Assembly devoted to the
fight against the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution
of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and related activities in June
1998 and encourage the international community to ensure a successful outcome.
In this context, participation at a high political level is encouraged. We
note with appreciation the decision already taken by several heads of State or
Government to participate in the special session.
Decision 36/101. Options for the future review and appraisal
of the implementation of the International
Plan of Action on Ageing*
(* For the discussion, see chap. II, paras. 40-41.)
The Commission for Social Development, having considered the report of
the Secretary-General on the options for the future review and appraisal of
the implementation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, 6/
decides:
(a) To take note of the report of the Secretary-General;
(b) To emphasize the importance to the review and appraisal exercise of
the improvement of data collection in the field of ageing;
(c) To stress the need for a more focused and substantially improved
method of monitoring the implementation of the International Plan of Action on
Ageing, 7/ which may involve strengthening, reformulating or changing the
current methodology;
(d) To stress the need to introduce a gender perspective into the review
and appraisal process of the Plan of Action;
(e) To take note of the reorganization of the Department of Economic and
Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, and the opportunities for
better synergies that it offers, including making better use of the existing
information, expertise, statistical, research and technical assistance
capacities already available to the Department;
(f) To request the Secretary-General to explore ways of using these
opportunities in order to strengthen the United Nations Secretariat's capacity
to review the implementation of the Plan of Action;
(g) To request the Department of Economic and Social Affairs to continue
its contact with the United Nations Development Programme in order to explore,
among other possibilities, the feasibility of an ageing-related development
index to be included in the Human Development Report;
(h) To invite the Department of Economic and Social Affairs to draw up,
for further discussion by the Commission, proposals on developing an Internet
database on public policies and programmes on ageing;
(i) To request the Secretary-General to submit to the Commission at its
thirty-seventh session a report on action taken to implement the present
decision and on further possible options for substantially improving the
reliability, validity and practicability of the current review and appraisal
exercise, focusing in particular on priorities identified in ongoing
preparatory discussions for the International Year of Older Persons.
Decision 36/102. Documents considered in connection with the
follow-up to the World Summit for Social
Development
The Commission for Social Development takes note of the following
documents:
(a) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Participation and Social Justice, held in London from 29 September
to 3 October 1997 (E/CN.5/1998/4);
(b) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Ways and Means to Enhance Social Protection and Reduce
Vulnerability, United Nations Headquarters, 10-14 November 1997
(E/CN.5/1998/5).
Notes
1/ E/CN.5/1998/2.
2/ General Assembly resolution 27 A (III).
3/ Report of the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen,
6-12 March 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.96.IV.8), chap. I,
resolution 1, annex II.
4/ See International Labour Organization, International Labour Conventions
and Recommendations, vol. II, 1952-1976 (Geneva, International Labour Office,
1996), pp. 525-537.
5/ See Official Records of the United Nations Conference for the Adoption of
a Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances, Vienna, 25 November-20 December 1988, vol. I (United Nations
publication, Sales No. E.94.XI.5).
6/ E/CN.5/1998/3.
7/ Report of the World Assembly on Ageing, Vienna, 26 July to 6 August 1982
(United Nations publication, Sales No. E.82.I.16), chap. VI, sect. A.
Chapter II
FOLLOW-UP TO THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
1. The Commission for Social Development considered item 3 of its agenda
(Follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development: (a) Priority theme:
"Promoting social integration and participation of all people, including
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons"; (b) "Review of relevant
United Nations plans and programmes of action pertaining to the situation of
social groups") at its 1st to 14th meetings, from 10 to 13 and 17 to 20
February 1998. The Commission had before it the following documents:
(a) Report of the Secretary-General on promoting social integration and
participation of all people, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and
persons (E/CN.5/1998/2);
(b) Report of the Secretary-General on the options for the future review
and appraisal of the implementation of the International Plan of Action on
Ageing (E/CN.5/1998/3);
(c) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Participation and Social Justice (E/CN.5/1998/4);
(d) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Ways and Means to Enhance Social Protection and Reduce
Vulnerability (E/CN.5/1998/5);
(e) Letter dated 3 February 1998 from the Permanent Representative of
the Dominican Republic to the United Nations addressed to the Chairman of the
Commission for Social Development transmitting a text entitled "A draft
declaration of interdependence" (E/CN.5/1998/6).
2. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February the temporary Chairman, Mr. Ion
Gorita (Romania), made a statement.
3. At the same meeting, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social
Affairs addressed the Commission.
4. Also at the 1st meeting, an introductory statement was made by the
Director of the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department
of Economic and Social Affairs.
5. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February, the Chairman made the following
statement: "I take it that it is the wish of the Commission that the
following documents should be transmitted to the Preparatory Committee for the
special session of the General Assembly in 2000 for an overall review and
appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social
Development at its organizational session (19-22 May 1998): resolution
S-1996/1, entitled "Strategies and actions for the eradication of poverty", 1/
adopted by the Commission for Social Development at its special session in
1996; and resolution 35/2, entitled "Productive employment and sustainable
livelihoods", 2/ adopted by the Commission at its thirty-fifth session in
1997, by which the Commission decided to adopt agreed conclusions on
productive employment and sustainable livelihoods."
Promoting social integration through responsive government,
full participation in society, non-discrimination, tolerance,
equality and social justice
6. The Commission considered item 3 (a) of its agenda at its 3rd to 6th,
8th to 11th, 13th and 14th meetings, on 11, 12, 17, 18 and 20 February.
7. At the 3rd meeting, on 11 February, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
European Union and on behalf of Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia,
Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), Indonesia (on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
Group of 77), the United States of America, China, the Dominican Republic,
Jamaica, Norway, Venezuela, Nepal and the Netherlands.
8. At the same meeting, the observer for Algeria made a statement.
9. Also at the 3rd meeting, the observers for the World Bank and the
International Labour Organization made statements.
10. At the same meeting, the observer for the Business Association for the
World Summit for Social Development, a non-governmental organization, made a
statement.
11. At the 4th meeting, on 11 February, statements were made by the
representatives of El Salvador, Canada and the Republic of Korea.
12. The observer for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean made a statement.
13. Statements were made by the observers for the Foundation for the Rights
of the Family (PRODEFA), the International Federation of Settlements and
Neighbourhood Centres, Mani Tese '76 and the Women's Environment and
Development Organization, non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council.
14. At the 5th meeting, on 12 February, statements were made by the
representatives of France, Romania and Chile.
15. At the same meeting, the observer for the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization made a statement.
16. Also at the 5th meeting, a statement was made by the observer for the
Gray Panthers, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council.
17. At the 6th meeting, on 12 February, statements were made by the
representatives of Egypt, Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the Islamic
Republic of Iran, the Philippines, Pakistan, Peru, Guatemala and India.
18. Statements were made by the observers for the following non-governmental
organizations: International Movement ATD Fourth World, Franciscans
International, the International Federation on Ageing, the World Veterans
Federation, New Humanity, the World Movement of Mothers, Gran Fraternidad
Universal and the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the
World Council of Churches.
19. At the 9th meeting, on 17 February, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
European Union and on behalf of Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia,
Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Indonesia (on
behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the
Group of 77), China, Cuba, Belarus, Jamaica and Gabon.
20. At the same meeting, statements were also made by the observers for
Kazakhstan and Iraq.
21. Also at the 9th meeting, the observer for Switzerland made a statement.
22. At the same meeting, statements were made by the observers for the World
Bank and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
23. At the 9th meeting, statements were also made by the observers for the
Movement for a Better World and Rehabilitation International, non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.
24. At the 10th meeting, on 18 February, statements were made by the
representatives of Mexico, Malta, South Africa, Finland, India, Norway, the
United States of America, Canada and Mongolia.
25. At the same meeting, Mr. Pino Arlacchi, Executive Director, Office for
Drug Control and Crime Prevention, made a presentation and entertained a
dialogue with members of the Commission.
26. At the 11th meeting, on 18 February, statements were made by the
representatives of the Philippines, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian
Federation, Nepal, Argentina and Chile (on behalf of the States Members of the
United Nations that are members of the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR).
27. At the same meeting, the observer for the Economic and Social Commission
for Asia and the Pacific made a statement.
28. Also at the 11th meeting, the observers for the World Movement of
Mothers and the National Youth Council of Luxembourg, non-governmental
organizations, made statements.
Action taken by the Commission
Promoting social integration and participation of all people, including
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons
29. At the 13th meeting, on 20 February, the Commission had before it a
draft resolution (E/CN.5/1998/L.6 and Add.1 and 2) entitled "Promoting social
integration and participation of all people, including disadvantaged and
vulnerable groups and persons: elements for the agreed conclusions of the
Commission", submitted by Vice-Chairmen Faith Innerarity (Jamaica), Maria
Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez (Philippines) and Joanna Wronecka (Poland), on the
basis of informal consultations. The Commission was informed of the
amendments that had been agreed to during the informal consultations held on
the agreed conclusions.
30. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February, the Commission adopted the agreed
conclusions (see chap. I, sect. B, resolution 36/1).
31. The representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are
members of the European Union), the United States of America, the Netherlands,
Chile and Indonesia (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations
that are members of the Group of 77) made statements.
Review of relevant United Nations plans and programmes of
action pertaining to the situation of social groups
32. The Commission considered item 3 (b) of its agenda at its 7th, 12th and
14th meetings, on 13, 19 and 20 February.
33. At the 7th meeting, on 13 February, the Director, Division for Social
Policy and Development, made a statement.
34. At the same meeting, Mrs. Julia Tavares de Alvarez (Dominican Republic),
in her capacity as Coordinator of the Consultative Group for the International
Year of Older Persons and also on behalf of Mr. Aurelio Ferna'ndez (Spain) in
his capacity as Coordinator of the Consultative Group, made an oral report on
the activities of the Consultative Group in assisting the Commission for
Social Development in the preparations for the Year (1999).
35. Also at the 7th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (on behalf of the
States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union as
well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), the United States of
America, Austria, Spain, China, Guatemala, Finland, Norway, the Philippines
and the Republic of Korea.
36. At the same meeting, the observer for Lithuania also made a statement.
37. At the 7th meeting, statements were also made by the observers for the
American Association of Retired Persons and the International Right to Life
Federation, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council.
Action taken by the Commission
Activities of the Consultative Group for the International Year of Older
Persons
38. At the 12th meeting, on 19 February, the representative of the Dominican
Republic, on behalf of the two Coordinators of the ad hoc informal open-ended
support group to assist the Commission in the preparations for the
International Year of Older Persons, introduced a draft decision
(E/CN.5/1998/L.5) recommending that the Economic and Social Council, inter
alia, change the name of the support group to the Consultative Group for the
International Year of Older Persons.
39. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February, the Commission adopted the draft
decision (see chap. I, sect. A, draft decision I).
Options for the future review and appraisal of the implementation of the
International Plan of Action on Ageing
40. At the 12th meeting, on 19 February, the Chairman of the Commission
introduced a draft decision (E/CN.5/1998/L.4) entitled "Options for the future
review and appraisal of the implementation of the International Plan of Action
on Ageing".
41. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February, the Commission adopted the draft
decision (see chap. I, sect. B, decision 36/101).
Documents considered in connection with the follow-up to the World Summit for
Social Development
42. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February, upon the proposal of the Chairman,
the Commission took note of the documents it had before it in connection with
its consideration of the follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development
(see chap. I, sect. B, decision 36/102).
Special presentations on the follow-up to the World Summit for Social
Development
43. At the 1st, 5th and 9th meetings, on 10, 12 and 17 February, the
Commission held special presentations on the follow-up to the World Summit for
Social Development.
44. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February, presentations were made by Mr. Yang
Qingwei (China), Mr. Reinaldo Ruiz (Chile), Mr. Ernst Sucharipa (Austria),
Mr. K. J. Hlkuama-Mupaine (Namibia) and Mrs. Marcela Maria Nicodemos (Brazil).
45. At the 5th meeting, on 12 February, presentations were made by Mr.
Cielito Habito (Philippines), Mr. Nazar Mohammad Shaikh (Pakistan) and Mr.
Maged Abdelfattah (Egypt).
46. At the 9th meeting, on 17 February, a special presentation was made by
Mr. Torben Brylle (Denmark).
Panel discussions
Panel discussion I: "Participation and social justice"
47. At the 2nd meeting, on 10 February, the Commission held a panel
discussion entitled "Participation and social justice".
48. The Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs acted as
Moderator. Dr. Marju Lauristin (Estonia), Mr. Jaime Joseph (Peru), Dr.
Hussein M. Adam (Somalia) and Dr. Suchitra Punjararatabandhu (Thailand) made
presentations.
49. Following their presentations, the panellists participated in an
exchange of views with the Commission.
Panel discussion II: "Enhancing social protection
and reducing vulnerability"
50. At the 8th meeting, on 17 February, the Commission held a panel
discussion entitled "Enhancing social protection and reducing vulnerability".
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Aurelio Ferna'ndez (Spain), acted as
Moderator. Dr. Vappu Taipale (Finland), Dr. Meryl James-Sebro (Trinidad and
Tobago), Dr. John D'Mello (India) and Dr. Anna Maria de Frappola (Uruguay)
made presentations.
51. Following their presentations, the panellists participated in an
exchange of views with the Commission.
Chairman's summaries of the panel discussions
52. At the 12th meeting, on 19 February, the Commission had before it a
Chairman's summary of the panel discussions.
53. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February 1998, upon the proposal of the
Chairman, the Commission decided to include in its report the Chairman's
summary of the panel discussions on "Participation and social justice" and
"Enhancing social protection and reducing vulnerability".
54. The Chairman's summaries of panel discussion I, entitled "Participation
and social justice", and panel discussion II, entitled "Enhancing social
protection and reducing vulnerability", are set out below:
Panel discussion I: Participation and social justice
The following issues raised by the panellists were subjects of
consideration.
The importance of participation
Participation is an essential means to empower individuals and
communities to identify their priorities, and to ensure their control over
resources and actions needed to achieve their goals. This implies a framework
of interaction among individuals, groups, collectivities, the market and civil
society that emphasizes partnership and shared responsibility. Participation
is not simply about access to resources or to government, but about people's
being an essential element in the processes of resource acquisition and
political power-sharing. It has social, economic, political and cultural
aspects which are interrelated, each affecting, and being affected by, the
others.
Some prerequisites of achieving participation
The prerequisites of successful participatory development would appear
to be the following: (a) democracy and freedom of speech, press and
communications; (b) decentralization of political and developmental
decision-making to regional, local and community levels. This includes a
commitment by national Governments to stimulate socio-economic development for
all, as well as encourage transparency and accountability at all levels; (c) a
strong and shared commitment to participatory development by national and
local governments, including an explicit commitment to address the needs of
vulnerable groups, such as women and the elderly, as both recipients of
development aid and participants in the process; and (d) accountability and
transparency at all levels of government and institutions engaged in the
development process.
The more vulnerable and weaker elements of society need to be fully
included in all phases of the development process. The articulation of their
priority socio-economic needs must govern the identification, formulation and
implementation of development strategies, plans and programmes aimed at
poverty alleviation. The human resources of the local community must be
incorporated into the development process.
Grass-roots development
A local development strategy is needed to give priority to enhancing the
economic capacities of the local community to satisfy local needs. It is a
model based on maximizing production for utilization by the local people. A
local development approach links basic human needs to local capacities,
creating employment not just as a source of income, but as a meaningful
enhancement of the quality of life of individuals and communities.
In megacities, in both the developing and the developed countries, there
are special problems and potentialities for fighting poverty, promoting
integral development, empowering people and people's organizations, and
enhancing local governments as agents for development and for building
participatory democracy. The promotion of local, self-centred development is
important within the context of the globalized market economic model, since it
is increasingly evident that this model is not resolving the basic human
problems of exclusion, the increasing poverty gap, inequality and the
pervasiveness of extreme poverty in both urban and rural areas. A local
development strategy must give priority to enhancing the economic capacities
of local communities to satisfy local needs.
Local development strategies must include basic production, local
markets, financial institutions, and transportation, incentives and
appropriate technology. These strategies must focus not only on the
microlevel, but on the meso-level as well.
Some of the principal obstacles to effective development are a loss of
political will, absence of access to information, and zero-sum strategies,
which are more often conflictive rather than synergistic. The effects of
extensive and prolonged poverty on local organizations and the leaders
themselves must be taken into account.
Political democracy is a prerequisite of participatory development.
This is particularly important at the local level where production by the
people for the people is required. Some ways to increase democracy at the
local level are: (a) giving priority to production that is aligned with the
needs of the community; (b) investing financial resources in local development
by providing incentives such as subsidies and tax abatements; (c) training and
placing planning tools in the hands of the local community; and (d) working
with all of the actors in an integrated fashion to develop the capacities of
the local population.
Inherent in the participatory development process are ethical and
spiritual values which give an important dimension beyond socio-economic and
political factors. Social justice implies a recognition and application of
ethical and spiritual human values.
Justice systems and countering corruption
Governments play a critical role in fostering an environment conducive
to full participation. A guarantee of the rule of law and fair judicial
systems, and an effective approach to dealing with corruption, are two major
challenges facing Governments. Unless these two issues are tackled
successfully, participation will not succeed in a meaningful way. This
further requires the creation of a fair and just legal environment, including
an independent judiciary with sufficient resources, as well as honest law
enforcement agencies that effectively carry out court decisions. Another goal
should be the provision of legal aid mechanisms, or pro bono work, by lawyers.
It is also important to introduce public interest or class action litigation,
simplify legal language and implement a system of ombudsmen.
Participation, while an important means to empower people, has been
impeded greatly by corruption. Corruption obstructs constitutional and legal
participation since it creates biases in the legal system and distorts the
rule of law. It also reduces the impact of positive measures for enhancing
participation and social justice. Corruption undermines the creation of
transparent and accountable public institutions, hinders a just and equitable
delivery of public services, and disrupts economic efficiency. Different
types of corruption have exclusionary effects on sub-groups in the population.
Street-level and petty corruption acts as a barrier to participation, insofar
as it prevents access to services. It perpetuates social ills that promote
social disintegration.
"Kickback" corruption correlates with the inefficient use of public
funds. It violates the principles of distributive justice, and is contrary to
the notion of administrative and political accountability.
Another variety of corruption concerns the sale of public offices. It
renders merit systems impossible, impairs administrative efficiency and
ultimately leads to incompetent administration. The effects of such
corruption can be severely damaging in the longer run.
Corruption must be addressed through formulating and enforcing laws and
policies, allowing all groups access to participation. Measures to combat
corruption may include the provision of mechanisms to publicize corruption,
ensuring that corruption is punished when exposed, and making processes
transparent and accountable.
Popular participation in the midst of social disintegration
There occasionally arise situations in which the authority of the
central State collapses as a result of internecine warfare. In this context,
the State and civil society are at war with each other, and the basic
institutions of society such as the army, police, prison system, ministries,
schools, hospitals and so forth, cease to exist. The situation in Somalia
constitutes a contemporary case of State collapse.
The question arises as to the prospects for social development under
conditions of State collapse. In Somalia, the post-centralized State
environment manifests the following elements: (a) the desire for autonomy;
power-sharing alternatives; (b) structures for decentralization; (c) the
enhanced role of women; (d) the role of an Islamic revival as opposed to
fundamentalism; (e) the critical role of newly freed markets; (f) isolation
and indigenous innovations and local adaptations; (g) the primacy of
traditions in future governance; (h) the emergence of a vibrant, if somewhat
chaotic, press; and (i) linkages to regional priorities and neighbourhoods.
In this situation, there is an important role for the United Nations and
the specialized agencies, as well as international and national
non-governmental organizations. In the absence of State authority, there is
maximum scope for these agencies to foster sound social development. This
involves systematic decentralized planning and action through community-based
data collection and analysis, planning, decision-making, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation. There is ample opportunity for decentralized
grass-roots action that promotes social development by rebuilding water,
grazing, health, education, agriculture, marketing, income-generation and
increased employment.
Identity
Popular participation has not only economic, social and political
dimensions, but important cultural elements as well. Owing to the rapid
increase of information and communication flows in society, individual
cultural identities are articulated at many different levels. Individuals
have multiple roles in modern society - father, son, husband, worker, citizen
and so forth. Given the multidimensional character of identity, popular
participation at all levels must be based on the possibility of free
expression and participation of the individual in respect of all levels of
his/her identity. The process of globalization and the new information age
will bring about a multiplicity of roles and relationships at various levels.
The challenge is to provide free and unrestricted access to information and
opportunities to secure a truly integrated society.
Access to information and education
Rapid economic development and deep structural reforms in many countries
have created new social cleavages between counties and groups that are
"info-rich" and those that are "info-poor". Lack of access to information has
affected people's participation in political and economic decision-making, at
both the national and international levels. The emerging inequality in the
access to new information technology should be addressed in a concerted way.
In this context, enhancing public information, strengthening mechanisms of
public accountability and providing civic education for the population are
urgently required. A new information system is needed to foster
democratization and social justice.
Governments should recognize the social, economic and political
importance of new information policies from the viewpoint of creating an
information society as a "society for all". Programmes that support the use
of new information technologies as tools for a dialogue between decision
makers and all groups of the population are needed. It will require
computerization in schools, community computer centres, the development of
cable networks, and Internet links in poor and remote areas of different
societies. Disadvantaged and vulnerable segments of the population such as
children, youth, women, ethnic minorities and people living in poorer regions
should be trained and provided with opportunities in new technologies.
Universal education is a prerequisite of the full participation of all
members of society. This is particularly true in the new information age
where the scale and volume of information and communication needs are
increasing exponentially. In order for modern society to ensure the full and
complete participation of all its members, it will be necessary to develop
curricula that pay special attention to imparting skills that will enable all
individuals to have free and equal access to the information highway.
Panel discussion II: Enhancing social protection
and reducing vulnerability
The following issues raised by the panellists were subjects of
consideration.
Vulnerability
Various definitions of "vulnerability" are possible, for instance, "a
high probability of exposure to different grades of risks and a reduced
capacity for protection from their negative results". Three types of
vulnerability identified are: ecological, structural, and that related to the
social roles that individuals play in society. Three dimensions of
vulnerability are risk, mental state and impact.
The associated concept of risk implies susceptibility and a high
probability that certain biological, psychological and social factors will
cause problems for a person, making him or her vulnerable in different
circumstances of life and leading to exclusion. Linking the types of risks
that a person or specific group faces in specific situations and times of life
demands complex strategies of prevention and protection with regard to the
systems of social support.
The impact of globalization and structural imbalances in international
relations were major concerns as well as ways and means of moving forward in
international cooperation, showing respect for socio-economic diversity, and
allowing each culture to unfold and control its encounter with change and
development.
Structural vulnerability was seen by some as arising from power
imbalances in economic, cultural and political arenas which permit some areas
of the world, and some social groups, to develop at the expense of others.
Such power imbalances undergird exploitation, domination and dependency and
find expression in macro-policies that have rendered two thirds of the world
vulnerable, particularly several groups: racial, ethnic and religious
minorities, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, refugees and
displaced people, legal and illegal immigrants and migrant workers, ethnic and
religious minorities, youth, among whom are squatters and street children, the
urban and rural poor, and those in the informal sector. These groups are at
risk in any number of ways, including through exposure to discrimination, war
and ethnic hostilities, violence, crime, and illicit drug and substance abuse.
Women's struggles for standing could serve to illustrate broad
developmental processes. In the same way that institutional arrangements rob
women of the capacity and resources to promote and defend their own interests,
those arrangements can rob nations of the ability to promote and defend their
interests.
Economic vulnerability: There was concern that large macro-processes -
liberalization, free market policies, structural adjustment - rendered people
more vulnerable. The gap between the rich and poor within and between
countries was widening. Specific examples of the negative impact of macro-
policies on indigenous peoples and the poor include (a) displacement without
replacement of entire villages to make way for dams and so on; (b) with the
advent of big mechanized operations, unemployment in traditional industries,
sometimes forcing displaced workers, often women, into bonded labour in
inhuman conditions; (c) landlessness, as farms are consolidated and
mechanized; and (d) tourism creating in its wake a "five-star culture", in
other words, a commercialized and mercenary value system in place of village
solidarity.
Cultural vulnerabilities are created when only one group's views and
values are portrayed, and consumed with little analysis and interaction by
others. Multiple insecurities, including in personal and cultural identities,
and value confusion regarding what is right and wrong, are generated. A
pervasive "tele-reality" takes hold as media messages increase and reference
points (such as family and other social institutions) weaken.
According to one view, global media messages are imprinting a
capitalistic value frame throughout the third world. This is happening
subliminally, subtly, subconsciously. It is spreading an ethos of
consumerism, materialism, profit-seeking, a purely mercenary approach to life,
preoccupation with success at any cost, concern for self and disregard for
disparity, injustice and vulnerable groups. Through its messages, the first-
world media are preparing the ground for its economistic model of development.
It is co-opting the upper and middle classes, thereby creating a first world
within the third world. The integrated vision of social development shaped at
the Copenhagen Summit is being eroded.
Strategies to enhance social protection and
reduce vulnerability
There was a need to exorcise "the demons in development", a too
pervasive assumption that indigenous cultures were incapable of development in
their own way. Development came too much from outside rather than through an
unfolding of cultures. In a "post-development" era, there was a need for more
agency, empowerment and indigenous constructive action to effect structural
change and maximize social protection.
The definition of development as a gradual unfolding towards a
full-grown stage is a double-edged sword for both development scholars and
practitioners, and those they seek to "develop", in that it implies an
unfolding of the so-called South from the dark depths of a retrogressive
tyranny of tradition, into the lightness, brightness and whiteness of a
modern, industrialized and technologically advanced North.
Development needed to be seen rather as a self-defined, self-determined
process, which gives people the opportunity to evaluate and assess their own
problems and to create and implement strategies from their own intimate
knowledge and experiences. Rather than bemoan supposed vulnerabilities, it
was time to applaud the resilience and survival strategies of groups that have
had vulnerable positions imposed upon them. Rather than speak of
victimization, resignation and hopelessness - as implied by the term
"vulnerable" - it was time to speak of resistance, activism, agency,
self-determination and autonomy. This could shift the focus from merely
trying to reduce vulnerability to enhancing and enabling resistance to
structural vulnerability.
Indigenous cultures had their own structural vulnerabilities, however,
so that, while respecting them, it was not useful to romanticize them.
Development could best proceed by a combination of indigenous efforts and
external contributions, balancing tradition and innovation. Multiculturalism
was thought to be preferable to either cultural fundamentalism resistant to
change or rapid disruptive change coming from outside.
To escape their vulnerability, the poor also needed to get beyond the
level of micro-coping strategies to that of sustainable businesses that grew
and could be left as legacies to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability
in succeeding generations.
Major country initiatives creating an inclusive environment for disabled
persons and a "caring world" for older persons reflect a focus on developing
human potential so as to minimize vulnerabilities.
The issue of the need to support the "non-vulnerable" working-age
population in its efforts to support a rapidly expanding older population was
raised.
Refining the development vision is a vital enterprise from which
policies will flow. Efforts to understand the root causes are more valuable
in the long run than activities to treat the symptoms.
The information revolution
The information revolution offers benefits as well as risks.
Information is too important to remain in the hands of the "technologically
advanced but socially unaware". The foremost challenge is to replace the
current instrument-centred focus with a content focus. A range of useful and
meaningful as well as culturally diverse information is needed.
Information technologies can overcome obstacles of distance, time and
disability; they can be used for lifelong learning, and to educate and inform
regarding gender equality thereby reducing vulnerabilities.
Making sectoral partnerships work
Collaboration of government, the private sector and civil society was
seen to be crucial in reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing social
protection. Reference was made to "welfare clusters", inspired by the concept
of industrial clusters, the latter being fostered by ministries of trade and
industry in various countries. Welfare clusters could facilitate the
interdependence of economic, research and service actors, while permitting
each to function with its own distinct aims and procedures.
The concept of "social capital", meaning the generation of confidence
and reliability in networks of social actors, was also mentioned. Social
capital was seen as a precursor and guarantor of good governance, and a
precondition of economic life. The emergence at the local level of the
"social company" and the "social firm" was noted.
The view was also expressed that collaboration of government, the
private sector and civil society was not always easy, as each entity had
different objectives - to maintain power, to make a profit, and to survive.
Government and the private sector may easily exclude civil society from vital
decisions.
It was noted that there are different types of non-governmental
organizations. Some have been "co-opted" by foreign funding agencies or the
State; some are purely humanitarian in function; others operate like business
consultancies or multinationals; some proselytize or promote a fundamentalist
framework. It was the community-based and community-oriented organizations
that could best assist the vulnerable. Through organization, and alliance
with other weak and poor groups, they could protect their interests, lobby for
government action and legislation and, by linking with women's, ecological,
human rights and workers' movements, become a countervailing centre of power.
The family was recognized as a basic unit in society and as an important
institution in which people receive their initial socialization and are
protected at various vulnerable periods in their lives. Families are under
pressure in many instances. Strengthening the family was an important part of
support systems for inclusion and protection against vulnerability.
Giving priority to global social policies
Globalism has been discussed from economic perspectives; more needs to
be said about it from the perspective of social policies, continuing to build
on the work of the World Summit for Social Development.
Existing paradigms of welfare policy and strategy are breaking down in
the face of the deconstruction of work and security. An emerging social
political vacuum is being filled by different international organizations and
non-governmental organizations, each introducing its own policies and values.
The importance of social impact assessments was stressed in this context.
The Commission for Social Development provides the only forum for a
global discussion solely on social policy. It could collaborate with the
Commission on Sustainable Development which has decided to address
"consumption and production patterns and poverty" in its five-year programme
(1998-2002).
Global social policies, it was said, would be the best way to reduce
vulnerability and enhance social protection. However difficult it might be to
gain consensus, global social policies would need to address (a)
redistribution (through development cooperation and so forth); (b) regulation
(matters of trade, information and so on); and (c) provision and empowerment
(where there is considerable regional/local expertise, and desire for
innovation).
Social policies could be guided by the integrative vision of social
development elaborated at the World Summit for Social Development and by human
rights instruments. They could reaffirm agreed principles such as the
importance of families and other institutions; self-determination, diversity,
solidarity and multiculturalism; and the twin approaches of "thinking
globally, acting locally".
Dialogue with non-governmental organizations
55. At the 5th and 11th meetings, on 12 and 18 February, the Commission held
dialogues with non-governmental organizations.
56. At the 5th meeting, on 12 February, presentations were made by the
following non-governmental organizations: the American Association of Retired
Persons; the International Council on Social Welfare; the Zambia NGO
Coordinating Committee; the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions;
Pax Christi, International Catholic Peace Movement; and the Instituto del
Tercer Mundo (Third World Institute) (on the Social Watch initiative).
57. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands.
58. Also at the 5th meeting, the Chairman made a statement.
59. At the 11th meeting, on 18 February, presentations were made by the
following non-governmental organizations: Rotary International, Caritas
Internationalis, the Norwegian Federation of Disabled Persons' Organizations,
the International Council on Social Welfare, and Environmental Development in
the Third World.
60. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
Jamaica, India, the Philippines and Mexico.
61. Also at the 11th meeting, the Chairman made a statement.
62. At the same meeting, the Director of the Division for Social Policy and
Development of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs made a
statement.
Notes
1/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1996, Supplement
No. 9 (E/1996/29), chap. I, sect. C, resolution S-1996/1.
2/ Ibid., 1997, Supplement No. 6 (E/1997/26), chap. I, sect. C, resolution
35/2.
Chapter III
PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE THIRTY-SEVENTH SESSION
OF THE COMMISSION
1. At the 13th meeting, on 20 February 1998, the Commission considered item
4 of its agenda. The Commission had before it a note by the Secretariat
containing the draft provisional agenda for the thirty-seventh session,
together with a list of requested documentation (E/CN.5/1998/L.3).
2. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.
3. Also at the 13th meeting, the Chairman orally amended the provisional
agenda by inserting the following wording under sub-item 3 (b):
"In accordance with earlier decisions of the Assembly, the Economic
and Social Council and the Commission, the Commission will consider,
under item 3 (b) of the agenda of its thirty-seventh session, issues
pertaining to ageing, in particular the International Year of Older
Persons (1999).
"The Commission will also have before it the outcome of the
Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August
1998)."
4. At the same meeting, the Commission decided to approve the provisional
agenda for the thirty-seventh session of the Commission, as orally amended,
together with the requested documentation (see chap. I, sect. A, draft
decision II).
Chapter IV
ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON ITS
THIRTY-SIXTH SESSION
1. At the 14th meeting, on 20 February 1998, the Rapporteur introduced the
draft report of the Commission (E/CN.5/1998/L.7), which he orally corrected.
2. The Commission then adopted the report and entrusted the Rapporteur with
its completion.
Chapter V
ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION
A. Opening and duration of the session
1. The Commission for Social Development held its thirty-sixth session at
United Nations Headquarters in New York from 10 to 20 February 1998. The
Commission held 14 meetings (1st to 14) and a number of informal meetings.
B. Attendance
2. In accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/7 of
22 July 1996, the Commission is composed of 46 States Members of the United
Nations, elected on the principle of equitable geographical distribution.
3. The session was attended by 43 States members of the Commission.
Observers for other States Members of the United Nations and for non-member
States and representatives of specialized agencies and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations also attended. A list of participants is given
in annex I to the present report.
C. Election of officers
4. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February 1998, the Commission elected
Mr. Aurelio Ferna'ndez (Spain) as Chairman by acclamation.
5. At the same meeting, the Commission elected the following officers:
Vice-Chairmen: Ms. Faith Innerarity (Jamaica)
Ms. Maria Lourdes Ramiro Lopez (Philippines)
Ms. Joanna Wronecka (Poland)
Mr. Mathe Diseko (South Africa)
6. At the 3rd meeting, on 11 February, the Commission elected Mr. Mathe
Diseko (South Africa) as Vice-Chairman-cum-Rapporteur by acclamation.
D. Agenda
7. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February 1998, the Commission adopted its
provisional agenda for the session (E/CN.5/1998/1 and Corr.1).
The agenda was as follows:
1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
3. Follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development:
(a) Priority theme: "Promoting social integration and
participation of all people, including disadvantaged and
vulnerable groups and persons";
(b) Review of relevant United Nations plans and programmes of
action pertaining to the situation of social groups.
4. Provisional agenda for the thirty-seventh session of the Commission.
5. Adoption of the report of the Commission on its thirty-sixth
session.
E. Organization of work
8. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February 1998, the Commission approved the
organization of work of the session (see E/CN.5/1998/L.1/Rev.1).
F. Opening statements
9. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February 1998, the Commission heard an opening
statement by the temporary Chairman, Mr. Ion Gorita (Romania).
10. At the same meeting, the Commission heard a statement by the Under-
Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations
Secretariat.
G. Documentation
11. The documentation before the Commission at its thirty-sixth session are
listed in annex II to the present report.
H. Special presentations
12. At the 1st meeting, on 10 February 1998, the Commission held a special
presentation on the follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development.
Presentations were made by the following: Mr. Yang Qinqwei (China),
Mr. Reinaldo Ruiz (Chile), Mr. Ernst Sucharipa (Austria), Mr. K. J. Hlkuama-
Mupaine (Namibia) and Mrs. Marcela Maria Nicodemos (Brazil).
13. At the 5th meeting, on 12 February, the Commission also held a special
presentation. Presentations were made by Mr. Cielito Habito (Philippines),
Mr. Nazar Mohammad Shaikh (Pakistan) and Mr. Maged Abdelfattah (Egypt).
14. At the 9th meeting, on 17 February, the Commission also held another
special presentation which was made by Mr. Torben Brylle (Denmark).
15. At the 10th meeting, on 18 February, the Commission heard a presentation
by Mr. Pino Arlacchi, Executive Director, United Nations International Drug
Control Programme.
Panel discussions and dialogue
Panel discussion I. Participation and social justice
16. At the 2nd meeting, on 10 February, the Commission held panel discussion
I. Mr. Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs,
acted as moderator.
17. The following panel members addressed the Commission:
Dr. Marju Lauristin, University of Tartu, Estonia;
Mr. Jaime Joseph, Centro Alternativa, Peru;
Dr. Hussein M. Adam, Holy Cross College, Massachusetts, United States of
America;
Dr. Suchitra Punjararatabandhu, National Institute of Development
Administration, Thailand
18. Members of the Commission held a general exchange of views with the
panel members.
Panel discussion II. Enhancing social protection and reducing vulnerability
19. At the 8th meeting, on 17 February, the Commission held panel
discussion II. Mr. Aurelio Ferna'ndez (Spain), Chairman of Commission, acted
as moderator.
20. The following panel members addressed the Commission:
Dr. Vappu Taipale, Director-General, National Research and Development
Centre for Welfare and Health, Finland;
Dr. Meryl James-Sebro, Director, First Works International (a
non-governmental organization), Trinidad and Tobago;
Dr. John D'Mello, Profession of Sociology and Theology, St. Pius
College, Bombay, India;
Dr. Anna Maria de Frappola, Head, Inter-American Organization, Uruguay.
21. Members of the Commission held a general exchange of views with the
panel members.
Non-governmental organizations dialogue segment
22. At the 5th meeting, on 12 February, the Commission held a
non-governmental organizations dialogue. The following made presentations:
American Association of Retired Persons;
International Council on Social Welfare;
Zambia NGO Coordinating Committee;
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions;
Pax Christi, International Catholic Peace Movement;
Instituto del Tercer Mundo (Third World Institute) (on the Social Watch
initiative)
23. At the 11th meeting, on 18 February, the Commission held another
non-governmental organization dialogue segment. The following made
presentations:
Rotary International;
Caritas Internationalis (International Confederation of Catholic
Charities);
Norwegian Federation of Disabled Persons' Organizations;
International Council on Social Welfare;
Environmental Development in the Third World.
I. Consultations with non-governmental organizations
24. In accordance with rule 76 of the rules of procedure of the functional
commissions of the Economic and Social Council (E/5975/Rev.1), representatives
of the following non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Council made statements:
General consultative status
American Association of Retired Persons, Franciscans International,
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, International Council on
Social Welfare, International Federation on Ageing, International Movement ATD
Fourth World, World Veterans Federation
Special consultative status
Foundation for the Rights of the Family (PRODEFA), International Federation of
Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres, Mani Tese '76, New Humanity, Pax
Christi, International Catholic Peace Movement, Rehabilitation International,
Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of
Churches, World Movement of Mothers
Roster
Gray Panthers, Instituto del Tercer Mundo (Third World Institute) (on the
Social Watch initiative), International Right to Life Federation, Movement for
a Better World
25. Written statements submitted by non-governmental organizations are
listed in annex II to the present report.
Annex I
ATTENDANCE
Members
Argentina: Fernando Petrella, Ana Maria Ramirez, Mariano Simon Padros
Austria: Elke Atzler, Susanne Keppler-Schlesinger, Rosa-Anna Weiss,
Eveline Hoenigsperger
Belarus: Olga Dargel, Alyaksandr Sychou, Valery Zhdanovich,
Igar Gubarevich
Benin: Samuel Amehou, Leon Klouvi, Charles Todjinou, Thomas d'Aquin
Ikoudjou, Thomas Guedegbe, Paul Houansou
Cameroon:
Canada: Ross Hynes, Louise Galarneau, Remy Beaulieu, Marthe St-Louis,
Drew McVey, Andre Giroux, Helene Goulet
Chile: Juan Somavia, Juan Larrain, Eduardo Tapia, Reinaldo Ruiz
China: Qin Huasun, Cui Tiankai, Yang Qinwei, Sun Zhonghua, Lin Sha,
Xie Bohua, Su Jinghua, Wang Shihong, Yin Qi
Cuba: Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, Pedro Nunez Mosquera, Mirtha Hormilla
Castro, Tania Montesino Gonzalez
Dominican
Republic: Julia Tavares de Alvarez, Elda Cepeda, Sully Saneaux
Ecuador: Monica Martinez
Egypt: Nabil Elaraby, Maged A. Abdel Aziz, Karim Wissa, Yehia Oda
Ethiopia: Fesseha A. Tessema
Finland: Aino-Inkeri Hansson, Reijo Vaarala, Taisto Huimasalo,
Anna-Maija Korpi, Ralf Ekebom, Johan Schalin, Soilikangaskorpi
France: Annie Ornon de Calan, Yvon Chotard, Jean Prieur, Agnes Ameil,
Didier Michal, Assia Sixou, Federic Desagneaux
Gabon: Eugene Revangue, Yves O'Wanleley-Adiahenot, Alain Jean De Dieu
Gnonda, Nathalie Oliveira, Hyacinthe Makanga-Boutoto, Jeannine
Taty-Koumba, Veronique Essomeyo-Minko, Jean-Franc'ois
Allogho-Mintsa, Gregoire Lomba, Ginette Arondo
Gambia:
Germany: Christoph Linzbach, Volker Berger, Holger Mahnicke, Patricia
Flore
Guatemala: Julio Armando Martini Herrera, Luis Fernando Carranza
Cifuentes, Silvia Corado Cuevas, Norma Espina Guerra
India: S. R. Hashim, Rohini Nayyar, G. Mukhopadhaya
Iran (Islamic
Republic of): Bagher Asadi, Mehdi Hamzehei, Esmaeil Afshari
Jamaica: M. Patricia Durrant, Faith Innerarity, Easton Williams, David
Allen Prendergast
Japan: Masaki Konishi, Fumiko Saiga, Yoko Maejima, Mika Ichihara
Malawi: David Rubadiri, F. D. J. Matupa, Din J. Balakasi
Malaysia: Hasmy Agam, Zainul Arif Hussain, Siti Hajjar Adnin
Malta: Alfred Grixti, George Saliba, Gaetano Brincau, Joanna Darmanin,
Elaine Miller, Anton Tabone
Mauritania: Mahfoudh Ould Deddach, Yahya N'Gam
Mongolia: Ochir Enkhtsetseg, Tsogt Nyamsuren
Nepal: Raghav Doj Pant, Paras Ghimire
Netherlands: Koos N. M. Richelle, Peter H. G. Pennekamp, Henk C. V. Schrama,
G. Van Rienen, R. Ch. Aquarone, W. Van de Ree, M. Middelhoff,
A. Van Bolhuis, A. M. C. Wester, M. Van Zomeren
Norway: Ole Peter Kolby, Hilde C. Sundrehagen, Anne S. Trosdal Oraug,
Susan Eckey, Ella Ghosh
Pakistan: Ahmad Kamal, Nazar Mohammad Shaikh, Munawar Saeed Bhatti
Peru: Maritza Rodriquez, Alfredo Chuquihuara, Ana Pena
Philippines: Cielito Habito, Felipe Mabilangan, Maria Lourdes V. Ramiro
Lopez, Linglingay F. Lacanlale, Libran N. Cabactulan, Violeta
V. David, J. Edgar E. Ledonio
Poland: Joanna Wronecka, Janusz Galeziak
Republic of
Korea: Chang Beom Cho, Young Han Bae, Woon an Kam, Young Sam Ma
Romania: Norica Nicolai, Ion Gorita, Victoria Sandru
Russian
Federation: V. A. Tsepov, O. Y. Sepelev, A. A. Nikiforov, S. A. Sucharev,
I. V. Chriskov
South Africa: Mathe Diseko, Prince Mofokeng, Snowy Molosankwe, Thomas Rambau
Spain: Inocencio F. Arias, Arturo Laclaustra, Hector Maravall,
Teresa Magin, Aurelio Fernandez, Pedro Extremo, Jesus-Norberto
Fernandez, Carmen Ortega, Rocio De La Hoz, Delmira Paz-Seara,
Isabel Codon, Marta Betanzos, Alvaro Rodriguez
Sudan: Elfatih Erwa, Nouri Khalil, Mubarak Rahmtalla, Daffa-Alla Alhag
Ali Osman, Omer Dahab Fadol Mohamed, Tarig Ali Bahit, Mohamed
Mustafa Ahmed
Togo: M. Kwamivi Dodzi Sokpor
Uganda:
Ukraine: Svitlana A. Vegera, Ella M. Libanova, Yevhen V. Koziy,
Okasana V. Boyko
United States
of America: Betty King, Seth Winnick, Yerker Andersson, William Benson,
Jocelyn Breeland, Maria Bush, David Hohman, David Shapiro,
Margaret Kerry
Venezuela: Carlos Altimari, Norman Monagas Lesseur, Lyda Aponte de Zacklin
States Members of the United Nations represented by observers
Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Co^te d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark,
Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland,
Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,
Nicaragua, Niger, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab
Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe
Non-member States represented by observers
Holy See, Switzerland
United Nations bodies
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Economic and Social Commission for
Western Asia, International Research and Training Institute for the
Advancement of Women, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations
International Drug Control Programme, United Nations Population Fund
Specialized agencies
International Labour Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary
Fund, World Meteorological Organization
Intergovernmental organizations represented by observers
European Community, International Organization for Migration,
Organization of the Islamic Conference
Other organizations represented by observers
Palestine
Non-governmental organizations
General consultative status
American Association of Retired Persons, Environmental Development in the
Third World, Franciscans International, International Confederation of Free
Trade Unions, International Council of Women, International Council on Social
Welfare, International Federation on Ageing, International Federation of
Business and Professional Women, International Movement ATD Fourth World,
International Union of Family Organizations, International Youth and Student
Movement for the United Nations, Rotary International, Soroptimist
International, World Federation of United Nations Associations, World Veterans
Federation, Zonta International
Special consultative status
Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization, Baha'i' International Community,
Canadian Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis (International
Confederation of Catholic Charities), Chamber of Commerce, Industry and
Production of the Argentine Republic, Christian Peace Conference, Church World
Service Inc., Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World
Council of Churches, COUNTERPART Foundation, Disabled People's International,
Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants, Foundation
for the Rights of the Family (PRODEFA), Friends World Committee for
Consultation, General Arab Women Federation, Global Education Associates,
Human Appeal International, Information Habitat: Where Information Lives,
International Association for Impact Assessment, International Cooperation for
Development and Solidarity, International Federation for Home Economics,
International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres,
International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation Terre des
Hommes, International League for Human Rights, Lutheran World Federation, Mani
Tese '76, National Anti-Poverty Organization, National Bar Association,
Netherlands Organization for International Development Cooperation, New
Humanity, Pax Christi, International Catholic Peace Movement, Rehabilitation
International, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Susila Dharma International
Association, World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations, World
Information Transfer, World Movement of Mothers, World Student Christian
Federation, World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations
Roster
Association for World Education, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University,
Council on International and Public Affairs, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Gray
Panthers, Instituto de Analises Sociais e Economicas, Instituto del Tercer
Mundo (Third World Institute), International Council of Psychologists,
International Humanist and Ethical Union, International Institute of Rural
Reconstruction, International Right to Life Federation, International
Sociological Association, Movement for a Better World, Netherlands National
Committee for IUCN, Third World Network, UNDA-Catholic International
Association for Radio and Television, United Methodist Church/General Board of
Church Society, United Methodist Church/General Board of Global Ministries,
Women's Environment and Development Organization
Organizations accredited to the World Summit for Social Development
Advisory Commission of the Evangelical Church in Germany, All Africa Students
Union, Ambedkar Centre for Justice and Peace, Armenian Relief Society,
Asia-Pacific Regional Group on Families and Relationships, Asia-Pacific
Women's Human Rights Council, Asociatio'n Cubana de Naciones Unidas, Bread for
the World, Business Association for the World Summit for Social Development
(BUSCO), Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society,
Centro di Ricerca e Documentazione Febbraio '74, China Disabled Persons'
Federation, Church Women United, Comite' Catholique contre la Faim et pour le
De'veloppement, Conference ge'ne'rale de la jeunesse luxembourgeoise, Council
of Voluntary Social Services, Danish Lawyer and Economist
Association/Unemployment Section, El Taller, Eripa Research Services Center,
Federacio'n Argentina de Apoyo Familiar, Federation of Independent Trade
Unions of Russia, Forum of African Women Education, Free Youth Association of
Bucharest-Romania, Friends Association for Rural Reconstruction, General
Confederation of Trade Unions, Gran Fraternidad Universal, Institute of
International Social Development, International Center for Law in Development,
International Family Therapy Association, International Metalworkers'
Federation, International Research Foundation for Development, Inc.,
International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation, International
Union for Land Value Taxation, Iranian Islamic Women's Network, JMJ Children
Fund of Canada, Kennedy Center for International Studies-NGO Family Voice,
Khan Foundation, Loretto Community, National Council of Social Development
Agencies in the Philippines, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
USA, National Institute of Womanhood, National Union of Ghana Students,
National Youth Council of Dominica, National Youth Council of Pakistan, NGO
Coordinating Committee of Zambia, Non-Aligned Student and Youth Organization,
Norfil Foundation, Inc., Norwegian Federation of Disabled Persons'
Organizations, Office for Church in Society-United Church of Christ, Parents
Forum, Peace and Cooperation, Peter-Hesse Foundation, Presbyterian Church
(USA), School Sisters of Notre Dame, Scientific and Cultural Society of
Pakistan, Sociologists for Women in Society, South Asian Youth Council, Third
World Forum, United Families International, United Nations Association of
Mauritius, Vrouwen Alliantie/Dutch Women's Alliance for Economic Alliance and
Redistribution, World Pan-African Movement, Worldwide Organization of Women,
Zambia Association of University Women
Annex II
LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT ITS
THIRTY-SIXTH SESSION
Document symbol Agenda item Title or description
E/CN.5/1998/1 and Corr.1 2 Annotated provisional agenda
E/CN.5/1998/2 3 (a) Report of the Secretary-General on
promoting social integration and
participation of all people, including
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and
persons
E/CN.5/1998/3 3 (b) Report of the Secretary-General on the
options for the future review and
appraisal of the implementation of the
International Plan of Action on Ageing
E/CN.5/1998/4 3 (a) Note by the Secretary-General
transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Participation and Social
Justice, London, 29 September-
3 October 1997
E/CN.5/1998/5 3 (a) Note by the Secretary-General
transmitting the report of the Expert
Workshop on Ways and Means to Enhance
Social Protection and Reduce
Vulnerability, United Nations
Headquarters, 10-14 November 1997
E/CN.5/1998/6 3 (a) Letter dated 3 February 1998 from the
Permanent Representative of the
Dominican Republic to the United Nations
addressed to the Chairman of the
Commission for Social Development
transmitting the text entitled "A draft
declaration of interdependence"
E/CN.5/1998/L.1/Rev.1 2 Note by the Secretariat on the
organization of work of the session
E/CN.5/1998/L.2 2 Note by the Secretariat on the status of
documentation for the session
E/CN.5/1998/L.3 4 Provisional agenda for the thirty-
seventh session of the Commission
E/CN.5/1998/L.4 3 (b) Options for the future review and
appraisal of the implementation of the
International Plan of Action on Ageing:
draft decision
E/CN.5/1998/L.5 3 (b) Activities of the ad hoc informal open-
ended support group to assist the
Commission for Social Development in the
preparations for the International Year
of Older Persons: draft decision
E/CN.5/1998/L.6 and 3 (a) Promoting social integration and
Add.1 and 2 participation of all people, including
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and
persons: elements for the agreed
conclusions of the Commission: draft
resolution
E/CN.5/1998/L.7 5 Draft report
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/1 3 (b) Statement submitted by the International
Federation on Ageing, a non-governmental
organization in general consultative
status with the Economic and Social
Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/2 3 (b) Statement submitted by the American
Association of Retired Persons, a
non-governmental organization in general
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/3 3 (b) Statement submitted by the International
Federation of Settlements and
Neighbourhood Centres (IFS), a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/4 3 (b) Statement submitted by New Humanity, a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/5 3 (a) Statement submitted by the World
Information Transfer, Inc., a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/6 3 (b) Statement submitted by the Foundation
for
and Rev.1 the Rights of the Family (PRODEFA), a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/7 3 (b) Statement submitted by the International
Movement ATD Fourth World, a
non-governmental organization in general
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/8 3 (b) Statement submitted by the Baha'i'
International Community, a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/9 3 (a) Statement submitted by Greek Orthodox
Archdiocesan Council of North and South
America; Help Age International;
International Council of Women;
International Federation of Business and
Professional Women; International
Federation on Ageing; International
Union of Family Organizations;
Soroptimist International; Zonta
International (general consultative
status with the Economic and Social
Council); All India Women's Conference;
Associated Country Women of the World;
Caritas Internationalis; Foundation for
the Rights of the Family; International
Catholic Child Bureau; International
Confederation of Christian Family
Movements; International Council of
Jewish Women; International Council on
Alcohol and Addictions; International
Federation for Home Economics;
International Federation of University
Women; International Kolping Society;
Italian Centre of Solidarity; Medical
Women's International Association; New
Humanity; Pax Romana; SOS-Kinderdorf
International; World Association of Girl
Guides and Girl Scouts; World Federation
of Methodist Women; World Movement of
Mothers; World Vision International
(special consultative status with the
Council); Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual
University; European Union of Women;
International Association of Charities;
International Council of Psychologists;
International Inner Wheel; International
Round Table for the Advancement of
Counselling (Roster)
E/CN.5/1998/NGO/10 3 (a) Statement submitted by Information
Habitat: Where Information Lives, a
non-governmental organization in special
consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council
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Date last posted: 30 November 1999 15:15:35
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