Palestinian refugees – CPC Proposed strategic framework for 2016-2017:Programme 22 – ECOSOC draft strategic framework (excerpts)

Draft report

Rapporteur: Mr. Hiroshi Onuma (Japan)

Addendum

Proposed strategic framework for the period 2016-2017

(Item 3 (b))

Programme 2 Palestine refugees

1. At its 12th meeting, on 9 June 2014, the Committee for Programme and Coordination considered programme 22, Palestine refugees, of the proposed strategic framework for the period 2016-2017 (A/69/6 (Prog. 22)).

2. The representative of the Secretary-General introduced the programme and responded to queries raised during the Committee's consideration of the programme.

Discussion

1. At its 5th meeting, on 3 June 2014, the Committee for Programme and Coordination considered programme 2, Political affairs, of the proposed strategic framework for the period 2016-2017 (A/69/6 (Prog. 2)). The Committee also had before it a note by the Secretariat on the proposed strategic framework (E/AC.51/2014/CRP.1).

2. The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs introduced the programme and responded to queries raised during the Committee’s consideration of the Programme.

 Discussion

3. Views and appreciation were expressed that the programme was very  important for the maintenance of international peace and security. It was noted that  recommendations of the Committee were taken into account in preparing the  proposed strategic framework. Clarification was sought on deletions or  modifications of the text, as compared with the programme for the biennium 2014-2015, including the drafting of strategies and objectives, the number and order of  expected accomplishments, and the deletion of paragraphs on coordination and  structure. The view was expressed that brevity did not always contribute to greater understanding and that the need existed for a balance between brevity and  substance. Views were also expressed in favour of the fresh presentation of the  strategic framework of the programme. With regard to the challenges faced by the  Department of Political Affairs in implementing its programme owing to limited  travel resources as reflected in the programme performance report for the biennium  2012-2013 (A/69/144), clarification was sought on the use of alternative means for  addressing such challenges. Elaboration was requested on the incorporation of a gender perspective across the programme as well as legislative mandates that were specific to the proposed strategic framework. /…

8. Regarding subprogramme 5, Question of Palestine, concern was expressed  about the changes to the strategy, particularly the replacement of the words “all  relevant United Nations resolutions” with “international legitimacy” (para. 2.13), and clarification was sought on the meaning of “international legitimacy” and how it would be ensured that all resolutions would be implemented. Views were also expressed that indicator (iii), “increase in international awareness”, was not measurable, and hence it seemed more like an expected accomplishment than an indicator of achievement.

 /…

Subprogramme 5

Question of Palestine

Indicators of achievement

Replace indicator (iii) with the following:

“Increase in international awareness of the question of Palestine,  including through an increased number of quality briefing notes,  informational materials and resources provided by the Division for  Palestinian Rights”.

/…