‘Index report’ of the Secretary-General, Recurrent themes and key elements identified during the sessions of the Commission on Population and Development for the UN General Assembly Special Session on ICPD, (A/69/122)
Friday, August 15, 2014 at 7:42AM The ‘Index report’ of the UN Secretary-General is now available, in accordance General Assembly resolution 65/234 on the follow-up to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) beyond 2014. It draws in large part on statements delivered during the 47th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), which, in preparation for the special session of the Assembly (UNGASS) to be held in September 2014, was devoted to an assessment of the status of implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (PoA). Many of these statements were much stronger than the resolution as adopted by the CPD...
As stated by the Secretary-General in the Summary to the Index Report: “Throughout the discussions, States expressed widespread support for the continuing centrality of the Programme of Action and the key actions for its further implementation, in the period beyond 2014, taking into account the findings and recommendations of the 20-year review, including for the post-2015 development agenda and the sustainable development goals.” (p 1)
The report is divided into a number of sections: Introduction; Review of the Programme of Action which sets out the process for the operational review; Review and appraisal of the Programme of Action by the Commission on Population and Development since 1994, in which the key outcomes from the various sessions of the CPD are highlighted; Recurrent themes and key elements highlighted during the forty-seventh session of the Commission on Population and Development, which includes the areas as identified by States and non-governmental organizations during the session under the areas Dignity and human rights, Health, Place and mobility, Governance and accountability and Sustainability; and Beyond 2014 leading into the post-2015 development agenda and the sustainable development goals. It provides important linkages between the two processes, to which it is hoped that Member States will refer during the UNGASS. Likewise Member States should be encouraged to make use of this report in the future negotiations for the post-2014 development agenda.
The full "Index Report" is available here.
Keep reading for a summarized version of the recurrent themes and key elements and further comment on the ‘Index report’.
Further comment on and summarized version of ‘Index report’
The report reviews and appraises the CPD since 1994 and identifies recurrent themes and key elements highlighted during its 47th session under four specific areas: dignity and human rights; poverty and inequality; place and mobility; and governance and accountability. It reflects first on major recurrent themes in the interactive debate, followed by those that were given lesser attention. In its preparation all the individual and joint statements by States and representatives of civil society were reviewed and analysed, with added consideration being given to joint statements on behalf of larger number of countries. (para 19)
Review of the PoA
The report notes that UNFPA, in consultation with Member States and in cooperation with all relevant organizations, had undertaken an operational review of the implementation of the PoA. The review consisted of a global survey, regional conferences, thematic meetings, briefings and consultations. Two reports have been issued (A/69/62 and E/CN.9/2014/4 and Corr.1. The regional conference outcome documents provide region-specific guidance for the follow-up to ICPD beyond 2014. Governments were also encouraged to review progress at the national level and in the context of international cooperation. (para 4)
Since 1994, much had been accomplished with many countries integrating population issues into their national development strategies. These included declines in mortality rates and large gains in primary school completion, as well as a reduction in the unmet need for family planning in many countries. In addition, 158 countries now have a legal minimum age of marriage at or above 18 years and many countries have increased cooperation to facilitate regular migration. (para 5)
On the other hand, progress in some areas had been unequal and fragmented, with new challenges and opportunities arising. Many people continue to live in a context of discrimination and inequality, with human rights not fully realized for all. Gender equality still appears elusive. The rise of the middle class in many emerging economies has been accompanied by rising income and wealth inequalities. Large and persistent gaps remain between the most and least advantaged populations, especially in access to sexual and reproductive health services. Trends in urbanization and climate change, moreover, require more cooperative management and leadership, and far greater efforts are needed to ensure the security and dignity of all persons. (para 6)
Review and appraisal of the ICPD PoA by the Commission on Population and Development since 1994
The report notes the role of the CPD during the past 20 years. CPD resolutions regularly reaffirmed the PoA principles, goals and objectives; the centrality of promoting and protecting the human rights of all persons through rights-based approaches, in particular for members of vulnerable groups, especially women, adolescents and youth; achieving gender equality and empowerment of women; and protecting sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. Linkages between population size, structure and spatial distribution and their implications for economic growth and sustainable development were also highlighted, as well as the importance of investing in health, education and services for all. (para 8)
Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for poverty elimination has been a recurrent theme, with linkages between sexual and reproductive health and HIV, migration, education and gender equality also being emphasized, as well as tackling them as part of poverty reduction strategies. Maternal health, mortality and morbidity have also been recurrent themes and the impact of under-age and forced marriages and early pregnancies. There is also a need for universal access to the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health services through the strengthening of health systems, (para 9) including quality family planning services and safe, effective, affordable and acceptable contraceptive methods. Unsafe abortion was recognized as a major public health concern. (para 10)
The CPD identified issues such as the changing age structure of populations, noting the potential economic benefits of a demographic dividend as well as social support mechanisms to ageing populations. Other concerns include the rights of adolescents and youth, the interdependence of urban and rural development and linkages between population and climate change, public health strategies in emergency situations and the effects of the global financial and economic crisis. (para 11)
Focusing on adolescents and youth, the CPD agreed on the need to prevent early and forced marriages and the protection of young people from violence. Adolescents should be able to access services, consistent with their evolving capacities, as well as comprehensive education on sexuality. The right of individuals to make decisions concerning reproduction free from discrimination, coercion and violence and to have control over and to decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality was reiterated. (para 12)
Achieving gender equality, empowering women and eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and girls and the promotion of the rights of women and girls to education were recurrent themes as were measures for gender equality in political life and decision-making. (para 13) The CPD contributed to a stronger global framework to oppose violence against women, including zero tolerance to gender–based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation or cutting and child and forced marriage, infanticide and pre-natal sex selection. (para 14)
The CPD has addressed international migration with calls for the protection of the human rights and dignity of migrants, irrespective of their legal status, and the provision of basic health and social services, while recognizing the increased complexities of migration flows since 1994. (para 15)
Recurrent themes and key elements highlighted during the forty-seventh session of the Commission on Population and Development
During the 47th session of the CPD, States noted the linkages between population and development issues and supported the continued implementation of the PoA, “…as a critical component of the future development agenda.” (para 20) At the same time, a number of States stressed “the sovereign right of each country to implement the recommendations consistent with national law and development priorities, with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of its people and in conformity with universally recognized international human rights instruments.” (para 21)
The International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014 provides a basis for future actions to ensure that development is based on the fulfilment of human rights, individual dignity, equality and non-discrimination
Among the overarching principles for the implementation of the ICPD PoA, was the need to respect human rights, with States reiterating the consensus reached in Cairo that “the respect, protection, promotion and fulfilment of human rights were necessary preconditions for improving the development, dignity and well-being of all people.” (para 22)
Human rights must be a guiding principle for development
In recognizing the importance of realizing human rights for all, emphasis was given to “women, adolescents and youth, indigenous peoples and other groups, unable to gain access to their entitlements and exercise their rights, both generally and in relation to sexual and reproductive health.” (para 23)
A Dignity and human rights
Three major themes received greatest attention under this area: gender equality and empowerment of women; adolescents and youth; and poverty and inequality. Themes that also received substantial attention were population ageing and social costs of discrimination. (para 25)
Gender equality and empowerment of women
The fulfilment of gender equality and the empowerment of women are fundamental to sustainable development
There was strong endorsement for urgently advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. Gender discrimination is one of the most critical unfulfilled challenges inhibiting development. Several countries called for a stand-alone goal on gender equality in the post-2015 development agenda, some stressed the reaffirmation of the Beijing Platform for Action. (para 26)
Notwithstanding recent progress with new legislation against gender-based violence, implementation is needed, with greater attention to the enforcement of laws
The most prominent attention was given to the urgent need to eradicate gender-based violence and to support victims of violence. Despite policies, legislation and special measures, no states reported progress in reducing gender-based violence. (p 27)
The human rights of women and girl must be respected, protected and fulfilled, and all discriminatory and harmful practices, including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation or cutting, should be eliminated
Many States recognized respect and promotion of human rights of women and girls as central to poverty eradication and the achievement of sustainable development. Although harmful traditional practices were being addressed, progress had been slow. Girls educational opportunities should be improved, including by ensuring girls do not drop out of school because of child, early and forced marriage and/or pregnancy.
Women’s economic justice and full participation in political life are basic rights and vital means of bringing about greater economic and social development
Women’s economic justice was long overdue. Discrimination against women should be eliminated in education; access to resources; land tenure; credit and rights of inheritance. Work/life balance should be improved and the burden of unpaid work reduced. There should be equal pay for equal work and women’s entrepreneurship promoted. (para 29) The full participation of women in public life should be ensured. (para 30)
Adolescents and youth
Targeted social investments for young people, including quality education, employment and health, are among the smartest investments that the global community can make to promote sustainable development
Investing in all young people and building their capabilities, was a global concern. A majority of States emphasized the need for universal access to quality education to the secondary level, with an emphasis on gender parity. Universal education in turn ensures access to decent employment opportunities for disadvantaged and underserved young people. (para 31) Many States referred to decent jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities to capitalize on the demographic dividend, reduce youth unrest and delay marriage and childbearing, and achieve sustainable development. (para 32)
Countries asserted their need for health services and education for young people
Targeted investments were needed to ensure the health of young people, including universal access on sexual and reproductive health information and services. Comprehensive sexuality education was crucial for all young people, “consistent with their evolving capacities.” (para 33)
The protection and promotion of all human rights of young people, in particular girls, are essential for development
Adolescent pregnancy remained a persistent challenge, owing to its negative health and socioeconomic consequences, including unsafe abortion, obstetrics and maternal death. (para 34)
Poverty and inequality
Poverty and inequality threaten future economic growth and sustainable development, the security of societies and the capacity of people to adapt to changing environmental conditions
Persistent poverty and deprivation remained a major development challenge for many countries and regions. (para 35) There was concern over growing income and wealth inequalities. (para 36) Poverty disproportionately affected women and gender equality and women’s empowerment were important for achieving sustained and inclusive economic growth. States identified the fulfillment of the priorities of the ICPD, “such as sexual and reproductive health and rights and universal education, as fundamental to ending extreme poverty.” Addressing inequalities “based on sex, ethnicity, disability and age, among others” was also considered. (para 37) Proposed complementary types of interventions included pro-poor investments in basic services; investments in human capital throughout the life course; and the advancement of peace and security. (para 38)
Population ageing
Planning for and addressing the needs of older persons is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development
Population ageing was a reality and a challenge to both developed and developing countries and States emphasized the empowerment of older persons and fulfillment of their human rights. They also stressed the role of social protection policies as well as the relevance of the family including intergenerational support. (para 39)
Non-discrimination
Overcoming development challenges requires an inclusive approach that integrates all individuals without discrimination
States agreed on the need to eradicate all forms of direct and indirect discrimination and curbing inequality through social inclusion policies was seen as a tool against poverty and a key enabler for social justice. (para 40) Countries from all regions provided examples from their constitutions, laws or anti-discrimination measures and called for policies that addressed “all intersecting forms of discrimination, including those based in age, sex, economic status, language, ethnicity, disability, migration status, sexual orientation, gender identity and other social categories…” (para 41)
B Health
The two most recurring themes were overall sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health, and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health for young people. (para 42)
Sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health
Governments from all regions hold a common perspective that universal access to comprehensive, quality and integrated sexual and reproductive health is one of the highest priorities for the global agenda beyond 2014 and is essential to sustained development and poverty reduction
Promoting and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health information, education and services was crucial to improving maternal, newborn and child health; to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all; and to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women. The need to accelerate efforts to expand and improve the range, quality, affordability and equitable provision of these services, including commodities and eliminate inequities was emphasized and urban-rural gaps in service coverage was noted. (para 43) Attention was drawn to mortality of women, children and young people from preventable causes, including unsafe abortion, which could be reduced by preventing unwanted pregnancies and access to comprehensive prenatal, delivery and postnatal care services. (para 44)
States support the vision of the International Conference on Population and Development of a world in which all women have choices over the number and timing of children, where no women die giving birth and where all newborns thrive
States supported commitment to the full attainment of sexual and reproductive health and the fulfillment of reproductive rights. The further strengthening of health systems was a prerequisite for ensuring access to quality sexual and reproductive health in many regions. Women deserved a network of integrated, high-quality, collaborative care for healthy pregnancy, safe delivery with skilled attendance, emergency care on demand, free access to caesarean sections and postnatal care, which also improved the well-being of newborns. Countries also called for an increase in numbers of trained health workers and midwives and in access to modern contraceptives.
Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health for young people
Ensuring the sexual and reproductive health of young people is a global priority
States and non-governmental organizations, including those representing youth, recognized that the right to health of young people, particularly to sexual and reproductive health, should be fulfilled. Gender equality, moreover, could only be realized if they, especially girls, could be free from gender-based violence; enabled to protect their bodily integrity; safe from HIV and (STIs) transmitted infections; and free from early or unwanted pregnancy, with a reduced risk of unsafe abortion. (para 46) Universal access to comprehensive, quality and integrated sexual and reproductive health education, high-quality information and services were strongly emphasized, with the need for comprehensive sexuality education, consistent with evolving capacity, being a recurrent theme. (para 47)
There is a global and urgent need for international cooperation to scale up, standardize and strengthen youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.
States noted the need to scale up and standardize youth-friendly programmes, supported by greater human and financial resources. These would provide comprehensive, high-quality and integrated sexual and reproductive health services, including modern contraceptives, accessible to all young people, regardless of marital status. Life-skills education was needed. The roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers and health workers were also recognized. (para 48)
The participation of adolescents and youth in the planning, delivery and evaluation of programmes of which they are intended beneficiaries enhances programme success
Inclusive, gender responsive and youth-friendly health policies and programmes were needed at the national level and, according to some States, implementation of existing programmes for young people, including those on the protection of their sexual and reproductive rights, should be monitored. (para 49)
Contraception and the unmet need for family planning
Eliminating the unmet need for family planning and ensuring access to a wide range of quality and modern methods of contraception is a priority
The need to ensure that all individuals and couples were provided with the means to determine freely and responsibly the number, timing and spacing of their children was overwhelmingly endorsed. (para 50) It was essential to ensure access to accurate information, education and counseling on available contraceptive methods for quality care and demand creating, while reducing recourse to unsafe abortion. (para 51)
HIV and AIDS and STIs
National efforts to end HIV and AIDS must continue to be scaled up, ensuring universal access to HIV education, prevention, testing, treatment, care and support, free of discrimination
The HIV epidemic continued to pose serious health and development challenges, with growing infection rates among the younger heterosexual population and women at greater risk. Eliminating new HIV infections and providing universal care for those living with HIV was a national priority, together with the removal of all legal, social and policy barriers for higher risk populations and vulnerable and marginalized groups. (para 52) There were strong calls to ensure HIV prevention and treatment in larger efforts to combat STIs and to extend the reach of all sexual and reproductive health services. (para 54)
The protection of young people from sexually transmitted infections and HIV is a priority that requires increased focus on education and informing young people about sexual health
It was important to reach adolescents and youth with adequate information in formal and informal settings including by integrating information on HIV and STIs into comprehensive education curricula and by expanding and financing youth-friendly services. (para 54)
Strengthening health systems
Strengthening the structure, organization and management of health systems is a priority
Health systems should be improved in both urban and rural areas, including their infrastructure, planning and management. The severe inequalities in sexual and reproductive health reflected serious deficiencies in the quality of health services and the need for health system strengthening. (para 55)
Sustainable long-term strategies are needed to increase the number, capacity and distribution of health workers to provide health-care access to all
States expressed concern about the shortage and unequal distribution of human resources for health as obstacles to the fulfillment of the right to health. Inequalities in access to skilled care in urban and rural areas were noted, including the challenge of keeping skilled workers, particularly specialists, in rural settings. (para 56)
Ensuring universal access to quality and comprehensive health services is a priority
Innovative funding is needed to achieve universal health coverage and implement pro-poor insurance systems. Health system planning should also reflect changing population dynamics, increasing numbers of persons with disabilities and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. (para 57)
Abortion
Human and financial investments are needed to eliminate, in an integrated manner, the causes of maternal deaths resulting from unsafe abortion
The tragedy and magnitude of maternal deaths from unsafe abortion was a major concern. Improving access to non-discriminatory and quality post-abortion care, without regard to the legal status of abortion, was highlighted for saving lives and preventing negative health consequences of unsafe abortion. Some states noted reductions in maternal mortality stemming from unsafe abortion with expanding access to safe, legal abortion, under criteria permitted by national law. (para 58) Universal access to a full range of contraception, including emergency contraception, to avoid unintended pregnancy and recourse to abortion, was supported widely. Prevention of unplanned pregnancy was also a proven benefit of comprehensive sexuality education. (para 59)
C Place and mobility
International migration
Migration can enable inclusive economic and social development and reduce poverty, but only if the human rights of migrants are protected
The growing scale of complexity of international migration was a nearly universal reality. There was a need to reduce further the costs of transferring remittances and improving migrants’ financial literacy. International dialogue and cooperation were important in protection migrants’ human rights. There was widespread commitment to combat human trafficking by prosecuting cross-border crimes, while assisting the victims. (para 60) Poorly managed migration was detrimental to social and economic development. Social protection systems for basic services and protection of human rights were required for successful integration of migrants into host societies. (para 61) Diaspora communities contributed to the development in countries of origin through trade, investment and return. (para 62)
Internal migration and urbanization
Urban growth necessitates the building of sustainable cities and the strengthening of urban-rural linkages
The rapid pace of internal migration and urbanization were shifting the global distribution of the human population and Governments must be equipped to accommodate urban migrants and growing urban populations. (para 63) Growing numbers of urban residents underscored the need for improved public services and equitable access to safe housing, water, sanitation, health, education, transport and other services for social integration and protection of human rights. (para 64) Urbanization and sustainable development were intrinsically linked. Population dynamics must be integrated into development planning. (para 65)
Rural areas should not be neglected
Inequalities between urban and rural areas should be addressed. (para 66)
Internally displaced persons and refugees
Populations experiencing forced displacement owing to conflict and war, whether internally or across international borders, warrants urgent international support
States drew attention to the scale of forced displacement and called for support for host countries in assisting refugees. Significant challenges were noted for accommodating new arrivals. (para 67)
D Governance and accountability
States gave recurring attention to four themes: cooperation and partnerships; participation; integrating population dynamics into development planning; and strengthening knowledge and accountability systems.
Cooperation and partnerships
Cooperation at all levels is critical for the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014
International cooperation was essential for catalyzing and sustaining a vibrant development process and for enabling equitable opportunities for all persons. The themes that were given most attention were: South-South; triangular, regional, subregional and bilateral cooperation; the role of the multilateral system and particularly the United Nations; and multisectoral partnerships and financing.
Partnerships between Governments, civil society, academic institutions, the private sector and regional and international institutions must support local ownership, respond to local priorities and place people at the centre of policy
International cooperation should be based on true partnership and development should be promoted and expanded through subregional, regional, South-South and triangular alliances, in cooperation with the UN. Partnerships should include technical assistance, institutional strengthening, training, sharing of best practice, strengthening enforcement of laws, enhanced coordination in the execution of plans, building human resource capacity and pooling of resources. Value was put on the roles of diverse stakeholders including the private sector, civil society and academic institutions. (para 70)
The United Nations system has an active role to play in supporting countries to achieve the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014
States noted the role of the UN system, and UNFPA in particular, in providing technical cooperation as well as mobilizing stakeholders including civil society and youth organizations. (para 71)
Domestic commitments and support by international partners will be essential to the success of the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014
Financing the ICPD agenda had been a major challenge, exacerbated by the global financial crisis, with some States indicating that their commitment was limited only by finances. While renewed commitment was needed, political will must be accompanied by financial and technical assistance, especially for developing counties. The need to mobilize all possible resources and sources of funding in support of ICPD beyond 2014 and other development goals was recognized.
Participation
The strong participation of civil society in all its expressions is strategically and instrumentally important for realizing the agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development
States reaffirmed that the key role of inclusive and participatory approaches to governance, echoing the ICPD PoA recommendation that to address population and development in a participatory manner. Effective responses to development challenges could only be achieved through the participation of all relevant stakeholders including civil society organization and community-based organizations. (para 73)
Increasing the participation of women and young people in decision-making and in political, social and economic processes nationally and globally is critical for the fulfillment of the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014
States called for the empowerment of women and the promotion of their greater participation in planning and decision-making for policies and programmes. Participatory processes on mechanisms that would represent their rights should involve them, as well as youth and other groups. (para 74)
Integrating population dynamics into development planning
The impact of population dynamics on society requires that population trends be integrated into development planning at the national, regional and international levels
States widely acknowledged the importance of population dynamics to future development planning. The challenges of demographic change were noted including growing numbers of young people, population ageing, internal and international migration, urbanization, low fertility and continued high fertility. It was both a challenge and a potential opportunity. (para 75)
Strengthening knowledge and accountability
Strengthening knowledge systems to generate and use demographic data is crucial
The importance of routine demographic data collection, including civil registration, vital statistics and regular population censuses was emphasized. (para 76)
There is a need to reinforce national capacity for data collection, use and dissemination across multiple sectors that affect development
Implementing and monitoring evidence–based programming for the ICPD agenda required national capacity. This should be strengthened to generate, disseminate and use effectively demographic data in planning and policy development. (para 78)
E Sustainability
Population dynamics, environmental sustainability and climate change
The interactions between population dynamics, the environment and sustainable development were noted by many States, stressing the need for better integration of population dynamics into related environmental policies and programmes. Balancing the requirement of growing population with the sustainable utilization of the natural resource base was also mentioned. (para 79)
There is a widespread need to strengthen the capacity of Governments to predict, prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change and related natural disasters
Several States drew attention to the role of climate change and environmental crises in population displacement and migration. There was also concern that climate change could interrupt development, with its effect on the poorest members of society, particularly those living in fragile ecosystems. The solutions required collective global action. (para 80)
Beyond 2014
Sustainable development depends on the success of the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014
There was widespread support of States and many civil society organizations for the continuing centrality of the ICPD agenda and to ensuring that the principles and objectives of the Programme of Action and the key actions for its further implementation were carried forward in the formulation of the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals, taking into account the findings and recommendations of the operational review. (para 81) While substantial progress had been made in implementing the PoA, there were areas where progress had been insufficient with challenges remaining and the essential role of the CPD was noted. (para 82)
The importance of the foundation of the PoA on human rights and a continued people-centred approach for the post-2015 agenda was also emphasized. Priority should be given to the core goals of “gender equality, empowerment of women, investment in young people, inclusive economic growth and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights” while capitalizing on opportunities resulting from population trends , addressing climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability. (para 83)
UNSG