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CHS 1997The Commission on Human Settlements 16th session was held at the headquarters of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), Nairobi, from 28 April to 7 May 1997. Download the document TXT file (138 KB) ZIP file (34 KB) ContentsII. Organization of the session III. Provisional agenda and other arrangement for the 17th session of the Commission AnnexesI. Resolutions and decisions adopted by the Commission at its 16th session A. Resolutions B. Decisions II. List of documents before the Commission III. Summary of statements
I. Introduction [ Up ]1. The Commission on Human Settlements was established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 32/162 of 19 December 1977. 2. The report of the Commission on the work of its sixteenth session is submitted to the General Assembly in accordance with section II, paragraph 6, of resolution 32/162. 3. The Commission consists of 58 members, each elected for a four-year term: 16 from African States, 13 from Asian States, 6 from Eastern European States, 10 from Latin American and Caribbean States and 13 from Western European and other States. At present, the Commission is composed of the following members: Algeria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe 4. The sixteenth session of the Commission on Human Settlements was held at the headquarters of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), Nairobi, from 28 April to 7 May 1997.
II. Organization of the session [ Up ]A. Opening of the session 5. The session was opened by Mr. Boris G. Maiorski, Chairman of the Commission at its fifteenth session. 6. The Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), delivered a message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations marking the occasion; the text is reproduced in annex IV. The Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), also made a statement on the state of human settlements; a summary appears in annex III. A statement was made by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme; a summary appears in annex III. 7. The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, addressed and inaugurated the session. A summary of his statement is given in annex III. B. Attendance 8. The following States members of the Commission were represented: Algeria Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Benin Brazil Cameroon Chile China Colombia Czech Republic Denmark Ethiopia Finland France Gabon Gambia Germany India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakstan Kenya Malawi Mexico Namibia Netherlands Nigeria Norway Pakistan Philippines Poland Republic of Korea Romania Russian Federation Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sweden Tunisia Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United States of America Venezuela Zambia Zimbabwe 9. The following States not members of the Commission participated as observers: Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Belize Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Chad Cuba Cyprus Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ghana Greece Guinea Iraq Israel Kuwait Lesotho Madagascar Malaysia Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Papua New Guinea Portugal Saudi Arabia Senegal Sierra Leone Slovak Republic South Africa Suriname Swaziland Switzerland Thailand Togo United Republic of Tanzania Yemen 10. The Holy See was represented by an observer. 11. The observer for Palestine also participated. 12. The following United Nations bodies were represented: United Nations Centre for Human Rights United Nations Development Programme Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Economic Commission for Africa Economic Commission for Europe United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Population Fund United Nations Children's Fund United Nations Development Fund for Women 13. The following specialized agency was represented: International Labour Organization 14. The following intergovernmental organizations were represented: African Housing Fund European Union League of Arab States Shelter-Afrique 15. Representatives of one national, five regional and four international associations of local authorities attended the meeting. Seven local authorities were also represented. 16. In addition, 125 non-governmental organizations were represented. 17. Twelve private-sector organizations were represented. 18. Global Parliamentarians on Habitat was also represented. C. Visit of the President of Colombia 19. The President of Colombia, H.E. Ernesto Samper Pizano, addressed the Commission on 5 May 1997. A summary of his statement is provided in annex III. D. Election of officers 20. At the 1st plenary meeting, on 28 April 1997, Mr. M. Afsarul Qader, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), was elected Chairman. 21. At the 1st plenary meeting, the following other officers of the Bureau were elected: Vice Chairpersons: Mr. Leandro Arellano (Mexico) Mr. Svein Mehli (Norway) Mr. Jonathan K. Ng'eno (Kenya) Rapporteur: Mr. Pavel Suian (Romania) E. Credentials 22. Pursuant to rule 11, paragraph 2, of the rules of procedure of the Commission, the Bureau reported to the Commission at its 9th plenary meeting, on 7 May 1997, that it had examined the credentials submitted by delegations attending the sixteenth session of the Commission and had found them to be in order. The Commission approved the report of the Bureau on credentials at the same meeting. F. Adoption of the agenda [ Up ] 23. At its 1st plenary meeting, on 28 April 1997, the Commission adopted the provisional agenda for the sixteenth session, as contained in document HS/C/16/1, as follows: 1. Election of officers. 2. Credentials. 3. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work. 4. Activities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat): progress report of the Executive Director. 5. Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000. 6. Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II). 7. Special themes: (a) Contribution of the private and non-governmental sectors to shelter delivery to low-income groups; (b) Management of natural resources in the context of sustainable human settlements. 8. The rights of the child, particularly with respect to shelter and related services. 9. Medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001. 10. Work programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for the biennium 1998-1999. 11. Proposed budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for the biennium 1998-1999. 12. Coordination matters: (a) Cooperation between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme; (b) Cooperation with agencies and organizations within the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations; (c) Matters arising out of the resolutions of major legislative organs of the United Nations and other intergovernmental bodies which are brought to the attention of the Commission. 13. Themes for the seventeenth and future sessions of the Commission. 14. Other matters. 15. Provisional agenda and other arrangements for the seventeenth session of the Commission. 16. Adoption of the report of the session. 17. Closure of the session. G. Organization of work 24. At its 2nd plenary meeting, on 28 April 1997, the Commission established two sessional committees of the whole and allocated agenda items to them as follows: Committee I: Agenda items 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 Committee II: Agenda items 4, 5, 6, 7(a), 7(b) and 8 25. Committee I held 9 meetings from 30 April to 6 May 1997 and Committee II held 8 meetings from 28 April to 6 May 1997. The recommendations of both committees have been incorporated in the present report. H. Adoption of the report of the Commission 26. The present report was adopted by the Commission at its 9th plenary meeting, on 7 May 1997.
III. Provisional agenda and other arrangements for the 17th session of the Commission [ Up ]27. At its 9th plenary meeting, on 7 May 1997, the Commission decided that its seventeenth session would be held from 5 to 14 May 1999 at Nairobi. At the same meeting, the Commission decided to adopt the following provisional agenda for its seventeenth session: 1. Election of officers. 2. Credentials. 3. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work. 4. Activities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat): progress report of the Executive Director. 5. Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II). 6. Follow-up to the special session of the General Assembly for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21. 7. Special themes: (a) Local implementation of the Habitat Agenda, with particular attention to local Agenda 21s; (b) International cooperation for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. 8. Cooperation with partners. 9. Work programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for the biennium 2000-2001. 10. Proposed budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for the biennium 2000-2001. 11. Coordination matters: (a) Cooperation between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme; (b) Cooperation with agencies and organizations within the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations; (c) Matters arising out of the resolutions of major legislative organs of the United Nations and other intergovernmental bodies which are brought to the attention of the Commission. 12. Themes for the eighteenth and future sessions of the Commission. 13. Other matters. 14. Provisional agenda and other arrangements for the eighteenth session of the Commission. 15. Adoption of the report of the session. 16. Closure of the session.
IV. Closure of the session [ Up ]28. In his closing remarks, the Assistant Secretary-General reflected on the achievements of the session, which had been marked by an open dialogue and a search for constructive answers to build a solid foundation on which to pursue the implementation of the Habitat Agenda in a coordinated manner. This session was the beginning of a new era in human settlements activities and therefore a pivotal moment in the institutional history of both the Commission and the Centre. He went on to recall the achievements of the session, highlighting here the reaffirmation of the commitments made to carry through the outcome of the Habitat II Conference and the reaffirmation of the guiding role of the Commission in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. He further cited as achievements the review of the programme of work of the Commission to focus it on the Habitat Agenda in a strategic manner, as well as the decisive steps taken by the Commission aimed at strengthening the Centre and putting it on a sound institutional and financial footing, ready to face its post-Habitat II responsibilities, and underscored his commitment, and that of all the staff of the Centre, to implement decisions taken in that regard. 29. He then noted the continuation of the dialogue with local authorities and other partners in civil society at the current session, pointing out that work still remained to be done in that regard, but expressing also his hope that with sufficient good will progress would be made, for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda required the cooperation of partners. He stressed the fact that the implementation could not be done in isolation, it required the help of others outside national Governments, including local authorities, non-governmental organizations, the business community, youth, women's organizations. He went on to point out to the Commission that in implementing the Habitat Agenda, innovations would be continually required and that the Commission would have to play a central role in that undertaking, as well as that of institutional guardian of the spirit of Istanbul. 30. He noted in addition that, although not all the issues before the session had been resolved, a new beginning had been made for the Centre, as demonstrated by the revitalization process for the Centre which had been decided on at the current session. He again underscored his determination to implement the revitalization process under the guidance of the Commission. He further noted that, over the past two and a half years, the work of the Centre had been that of fulfilling the Commission's mandate, which the Centre had sought to fulfil at Istanbul and that its achievement was one which all could be proud. 31. He closed his remarks by pledging the full support of the Centre to the ongoing United Nations reform process, a sentiment he was sure the Commission shared. The challenges ahead would be demanding, but he underscored his confidence that the task of revitalizing the Centre, to enable it to face its tasks in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, would be done to expectations. 32. In their closing statements, the representatives of the regional groups expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the session and stated their expectations that the decisions taken would be implemented. They further extended their appreciation to the Government and people of Kenya for their hospitality and to the secretariat for the excellent level of support they had received during the meeting. A statement was also made on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China. In addition, a statement was made by the representative of the member State encumbering the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement. 33. In his concluding remarks, the Chairman thanked the other members of the Bureau, the chairmen of the regional groups, the secretariat and all representatives to the session for the successful completion of the work of the sixteenth session. 34. The Chairman then declared the sixteenth session of the Commission on Human Settlements closed.
Annex I. Resolutions and decisions adopted by the Commission at its sixteenth sessionA. Resolutions [ Up ]1. Resolutions requiring action by the General Assembly 16/1. Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolutions 50/99 of 20 December 1995 on the work of the Commission on Human Settlements and on the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, and 51/177 of 16 December 1996 on the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), ** Recalling also relevant Commission resolutions, including resolution 15/1 of 1 May 1995; Bearing in mind that the Habitat Agenda /1 incorporates the principles of enablement and participation contained in the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, / Bearing in mind also the relevant aspects of Agenda 21, /3 adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Programme of Action /4 adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development and the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, /5 the Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Programme of Action, /6 adopted at the World Summit for Social Development, and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights, /7 Recognizing that the operational focus of the Global Strategy is on action to be taken at the local and national levels with the participation of all partners in civil society and that regular monitoring of the impact of the national shelter strategy on the shelter situation in Member States is a crucial aspect of the implementation of the Strategy, Taking note with satisfaction that many Governments have enhanced their existing national shelter strategies based on the principles of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 and incorporated them into their national Habitat II plans of action, Also noting with satisfaction that the Urban and Housing Indicators are being developed in over one hundred and ten countries, Having considered the report of the Executive Director on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, /8 1. Adopts the fifth report of the Commission on Human Settlements to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 /9 and the proposed plan of action and timetable for the period 1998-1999 for the Global Strategy, /10 and requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to transmit them through the Economic and Social Council to the General Assembly in accordance with General Assembly resolution 43/181 of 20 December 1988; 2. Recommends that Governments extend, where appropriate, the application of the indicators to all cities and rural settlements; 3. Recommends Governments to prepare annual progress reports as a part of their annual reporting on the progress made in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and applying urban and housing indicators, as appropriate, and to submit these reports to the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat); 4. Requests the Executive Director to continue the support given to the efforts of member countries by collecting and disseminating information on successful country experiences in various aspects of shelter delivery; 5. Also requests the Executive Director to promote within available resources the provision of assistance, including training, on sustainable enabling policies and strategies and on practical ways and means of formulating, adopting and implementing them; 6. Further requests the Executive Director to submit a report on the implementation of the next phase of the Global Strategy to the Commission at its seventeenth session; 7. Recommends to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, the adoption, at its fifty-second session, of the following draft resolution: "The General Assembly, "Recalling its resolution 43/181 of 20 December 1988, in which it adopted the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 and designated the Commission on Human Settlements as the United Nations intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating, evaluating and monitoring the Strategy, and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) as the lead agency for the Strategy, "Noting that the conclusions of the mid-term review of the Strategy conducted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) were incorporated into the Habitat Agenda, "Having considered the fifth report of the Commission on Human Settlements on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, "Noting with satisfaction the support given to the implementation of the Global Strategy by donor Governments, international bodies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, "1. Commends Governments that are already revising, consolidating, formulating or implementing their national shelter strategies based on the enabling principles of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 as elaborated in the Habitat Agenda; "2. Urges Governments, in connection with the implementation of their Habitat II national plans of action, to adopt and/or strengthen integrated national shelter strategies based on the enabling approach and sustainable development; "3. Also urges Governments to integrate fully the environmental dimension in the formulation and implementation of national shelter strategies, taking into account the relevant components of Agenda 21; "4. Recommends that Governments extend the application of urban and housing indicators to cities and rural settlements for monitoring the progress of their national shelter strategy and the performance of the shelter sector, taking into account local conditions and sensitivity to gender considerations; "5. Urges the international community to strengthen its support for national efforts to formulate and implement enabling shelter strategies in developing countries, as recommended in Agenda 21; "6. Urges the organizations of the United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Development Programme, and other multilateral and bilateral agencies, to provide, on the basis of an approach consistent with the Global Strategy, increased financial and other support to Governments for achieving the objective of adequate shelter for all; "7. Adopts the Plan of Action for the Global Strategy for the period 1998-1999, and urges Governments, relevant United Nations and private sector organizations and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to prepare and implement their specific plans of action; "8. Decides to subsume the sixth report of the Commission on Human Settlements to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter, as called for in General Assembly resolution 43/181, into the report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, to be submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 51/177." 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/2. Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the future role of the Commission on Human Settlements [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements Recommends to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, the adoption of the following draft resolution: "The General Assembly, "Welcoming the outcome of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), "Bearing in mind its resolutions 2718 (XXV) of 15 December 1970, 3001 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972, 3327 (XXIX) of 16 December 1974 and, in particular, resolution 32/162 (XXXI) of 19 December 1977, by which it decided that the Economic and Social Council should transform the Committee on Housing, Building and Planning into the Commission on Human Settlements, "Taking into account its resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996, on the implementation of the outcome of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), and resolution 50/227 of 24 May 1996, on further measures for the restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, "I "Framework for the functioning of the Commission "Recalling that the General Assembly, in resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996, decided that the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and relevant resolutions, including Assembly resolutions 48/162 of 20 December 1993 and 50/227 of 24 May 1996, and together with the Commission on Human Settlements, shall constitute a three-tiered intergovernmental mechanism to oversee the coordination of activities for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, "Convinced that the follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) will be undertaken on the basis of an integrated approach to human settlements development and within the framework of a coordinated follow-up to and implementation of the results of the major international conferences in the economic, social and related fields, "1. Reaffirms that the Commission on Human Settlements, as a standing committee of the Economic and Social Council, should have a central role in monitoring, within the United Nations system, the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and advising the Council thereon; "2. Calls upon all the relevant United Nations organizations and specialized agencies to identify specific actions that they will undertake, within their mandates, towards the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, and invites them to inform the Administrative Committee on Coordination of their actions; "3. Calls upon the programmes and funds of the United Nations system and the regional commissions, consistent with their respective mandates, to support fully the effective implementation of the Habitat Agenda, particularly at the field level, as appropriate; "4. Invites the Bretton Woods institutions to consider how they might be actively involved in the implementation and the follow-up to the Conference, and enhance their cooperation with the United Nations system for that purpose; "5. Decides, in view of the importance of non- governmental organizations and local authorities and the private sector and research organizations, in the promotion of human settlements development, that such organizations should be encouraged to participate in the work of the Commission, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 on the consultative relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations; "II "Terms of reference "6. Reaffirms the existing mandate of the Commission on Human Settlements as set out in General Assembly resolution 32/162 (XXXI) of 19 December 1977, while stressing the normative and catalytic character of the mandate; "7. Reaffirms in particular the responsibility of the Commission to give overall policy guidance to and carry out supervision of the operations of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), including the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation; "8. Takes into account that the Commission should fulfil its mandate in line with paragraphs 222 to 226 of the Habitat Agenda and in harmony with recommendations made by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Develop- ment, particularly chapter 7 of Agenda 21; "9. Decides that the Commission, in fulfilling its mandate, shall assist the Economic and Social Council in monitoring, reviewing and assessing the progress made in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, inter alia, through the analysis of relevant inputs from Governments, local authorities and their associations, relevant non-governmental organizations and the private sector; "10. Decides further that the Commission shall identify issues where system-wide coordination needs to be improved and modalities for promoting system-wide coordination, in order to assist the Council in its coordination function; "III "Structure of the agenda and work programme of the Commission "11. Urges the Commission to adopt a multi-year work programme for a focused and thematic approach, culminating in an overall review and appraisal of the Habitat Agenda in the year 2001. The work programme will, inter alia, provide a framework to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and will be in line with the coordinated follow-up to conferences; "12. Decides that the work of the Commission in relation to the programme of work shall be primarily focused on the relevant provisions of the Habitat Agenda, with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of the Habitat Agenda; "13. Decides that the agenda of the Commission on Human Settlements at its future sessions shall include the following substantive items, derived from Habitat II: "(a) Consideration of issues identified in the multi- year programme of work; "(b) Review of the relevant United Nations plans and programmes of action pertaining to the themes "Sustainable human settlements development" and "Adequate shelter for all"; "(c) Emerging issues, trends and new approaches to issues affecting human settlements development; "14. Further decides that at its seventeenth and eighteenth sessions, the Commission will focus on monitoring the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and assessing its impact. The sessions will be structured around the four substantive areas of the Habitat Agenda, as follows: "(a) Adequate shelter for all, incorporating also the monitoring of the Global Shelter Strategy; "(b) Sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world, incorporating also the monitoring of chapter 7 of Agenda 21; "(c) Capacity-building and institutional development; "(d) International cooperation and coordination; "15. Also decides that: "(a) At its seventeenth session, in 1999, the Commission will address the above-mentioned substantive areas; "(b) At its eighteenth session, in 2001, the Commission will focus on preparations for the special session of the General Assembly, if appropriate; "(c) In 1998 and 2000 the Centre, will analyse the progress on national implementation status, organized around the four above-mentioned substantive areas, and prepare synthesized reports, to be submitted for consideration by the Commission at its seventeenth and eighteenth sessions; "IV "Documentation "16. Requests that all United Nations documentation be kept concise, clear, analytical and timely, with a focus on relevant issues, and that to the greatest extent possible use be made of integrated reporting; that reports contain recommendations for action and indicate the actors; that reports be available in all official languages, in accordance with the rules of the United Nations; and that the use of other methods of reporting, such as oral reports, should also be explored; "V "Methods of work of the Commission "17. Recognizes that the methods of work of the Commission should be revitalized, in order to improve the profile of the Commission and attract high-level political participation; "18. Decides that preparation of thematic discussions in the Commission should be broadened by: "(a) Inviting countries to contribute to preparation of the sessions through, for example, organizing seminars or expert panels on issues directly related to the themes that will be discussed at the session and to report thereon; "(b) Involving local authorities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other partners in the preparatory phases of the sessions; "19. Also decides that, during the sessions of the Commission, dialogues with major groups and panel discussions may be organized, the format of which as with all other agenda items should be decided upon at the preceding sessions of the Commission; "20. Decides to consider organizing during future sessions of the Commission interactive high-level segments on key policy issues; "VI "Secretariat "21. Urges the Secretary-General to ensure effective functioning of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in line with paragraph 232 of the Habitat Agenda so as to enable it fully to discharge its mandate and, serve as an efficient secretariat to the Commission, within which clear lines of responsibility are drawn, so as to facilitate the implementation of the follow- up to Habitat II and ensure close cooperation at the secretariat level between all United Nations entities involved in the follow-up; "22. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to submit to future sessions of the Commission on Human Settlements a detailed report on the activities of the regional offices, with special attention to the status of implementation of their respective work programmes, elaborated for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda in the region." 7 May 1997 9th meeting 2. Other resolutions 16/3. Disaster mitigation [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolution 5/5 of 6 May 1982, in which it requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to ensure that Governments are adequately informed, between sessions of the Commission, of the operational activities of the Centre and of the progress being made in implementing them, Recalling also General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991, concerning a more coordinated response of the United Nations system to humanitarian disasters, Further recalling paragraphs 170-175 of the Habitat Agenda, 2/ on the Centre's future activities in the area of disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness and post-disaster rehabilitation, Noting the development-oriented nature of Habitat's disaster-mitigation activities which respond effectively to the needs of developing countries, particularly of countries in crisis, Taking note of the establishment in 1996 of the Disaster Management Programme of the Centre, and commending the Executive Director for the range of reconstruction projects which were supported by the Centre in the period 1995-1996, Recognizing the role of the Centre in supporting the implementation of plans of action consistent with the Habitat Agenda, at the local and national levels, 1. Requests the Executive Director to continue the activities of the Disaster Management Programme, within the approved work programme of the next biennium, in collaboration and coordination with Member States, concerned partners and relevant United Nations organizations, as a contribution of the Centre to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the local, national, regional and global levels, and to conduct periodic evaluations of those activities, as a contribution to programme development; 2. Invites all Governments in a position to do so, especially those of developed countries, to render technical and financial support to the Centre's disaster-mitigation activities related to its mandate; 3. Requests the Executive Director to report on the implementation of the present resolution in his progress report to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/4. Countries with economies in transition [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling the resolutions of the General Assembly on countries with economies in transition, in particular those in which the Assembly invited the United Nations system to continue its support for the efforts of those countries as they transform their economies and integrate them in the world economy, Recalling also its decision 15/5 of 1 May 1995 on countries with economies in transition, Reaffirming that the full integration of countries with economies in transition and of other countries into the world economy is essential to sustainable development, Recognizing the need for the promotion of reforms in housing and urban management and development in countries with economies in transition, and for assisting them with their human settlements problems, 1. Invites the Executive Director of United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), in implementing the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), to pay due regard to the problems and needs of countries with economies in transition; 2. Requests the Executive Director to continue, within existing resources, to cooperate with the appropriate regional organizations and to provide policy advice and technical assistance, especially in capacity-building, to countries with economies in transition, tailored to each country's respective economic and social needs in the field of housing and human settlements, and paying special attention, inter alia, to: (a) Sustainable development of human settlements in areas of severe environmental degradation; (b) Sustainable development of a transport infrastructure of cities and regions in the process of privatization; (c) The need for urban land censuses to establish a price and tax structure in cities; (d) The mechanisms of attracting investments from the low- and medium-income groups of the population to solve housing problems; (e) The need for a retraining system for professionals in the city service sectors; (f) The need for analysing the experience of countries with economies in transition in housing reform; 3. Also requests the Executive Director to report to the Commission at its seventeenth session on the implementation of the present resolution. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/5. Regional Training Centre in Amman for Arab States [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Taking note of the efforts made by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) regarding the implementation of the Habitat Agenda in the area of training, Recalling its resolution 7/14 of 10 May 1984 on a systematic and comprehensive approach for training for human settlements, Appreciating the steps taken by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and its Executive Director in arranging the course entitled "Design and Execution of Urban Projects for Arab States", at Amman from 1 September to 6 October 1985, Noting the recommendation of the Arab Housing Ministers Council at its fourth session, held in 1985 in Tunis, that a permanent training centre for human settlements should be established at Amman for the benefit of Arab States, Noting also the donations made by the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for establishing and maintaining the centre, without affecting the budget of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the Foundation; Recalling its resolution 13/7 of 8 May 1991, entitled "Regional Training Centre for Human Settlements", and its resolution 9/4 of 16 May 1986, entitled "The regional training centre for human settlements activities", 1. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to take the necessary steps to activate the training centre and to initiate by the end of 1997, in collaboration with the host Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the League of Arab States, bilateral and multilateral donor entities and regional organizations, and without affecting the budget of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the Foundation, the elaboration of an appropriately designed training programme for the next two years; 2. Also requests the Executive Director to report in his progress report on the implementation of the present resolution for submission to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/6. Women in human settlements development [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Aware of the commitment made by Governments in the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements /11 to ensure the full and equal participation of all women and men and the effective participation of youth in political, economic and social life, Recalling that the empowerment of women and their full and equal participation in political, social and economic life, the improvement of health and the eradication of poverty are essential to achieving sustainable human settlements, Recognizing that women have unique perspectives and needs concerning the environment and sustainable development, Realizing that women constitute the majority of people living in poverty, Also realizing that women face particular constraints in obtaining adequate shelter and in fully participating in decision-making related to sustainable human settlements, Recognizing that the Habitat Agenda 2/ stresses partnerships with many groups, including non-governmental organizations at all levels, on policy-making, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Aware that civil society organizations of women play an important role as advisors on human settlement matters from the perspective of women, 1. Urges Governments to ensure a gender-sensitive implementation of their national plans of action; 2. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements to integrate fully a gender perspective into all activities of the Centre; 3. Further requests the creation of a gender coordination unit directly under the Executive Director, in order to mainstream the gender perspective in all policies, projects, programmes and activities of the Centre, and with adequate resources allocated from within the existing resources of the Centre. In so doing, resources should not be diverted from the Centre's Women in Human Settlements Development Programme; 4. Further requests the Executive Director to ensure gender balance in the Centre in accordance with General Assembly resolution 51/67 of 12 December 1996, on improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat; 5. Invites Governments to give financial and other support to the Women in Human Settlements Development Programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat); 6. Encourages Governments to ensure the full and equal participation of women in decision-making to ensure their contribution to sustainable human settlements development and that the benefits of development are equally shared by all members of society; 7. Confirms that governmental institutions and civil society organizations may play an important advisory role to the Centre on human settlements matters from the perspective of women. In this context, a process may be initiated by the Executive Director to maximize the contribution of women's civil- society organizations to such an advisory role on human settlements; 8. Requests the Executive Director to include a report on the implementation of the present resolution on women in human settlements development in his progress report to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/7. The realization of the human right to adequate housing [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Aware of the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including adequate food, clothing, housing, water and sanitation, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions, as stated in paragraph 11, of the Habitat Agenda, 2/ Recalling that since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the human right to adequate housing has been recognized as an important component of the right to an adequate standard of living, as confirmed in paragraph 61 of the Habitat Agenda, Reaffirming the commitment of States, as set out in paragraph 39 of the Habitat Agenda, to the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate housing as provided for in international instruments, Concerned that over one billion people are either homeless or reside in inadequate housing conditions, Recalling its resolution 14/6 of 5 May 1993 entitled "The human right to adequate housing", and 15/2 of 1 May 1995 entitled "Report on housing rights strategy", Also recalling resolution 1997/17 of 11 April 1997 of the Commission on Human Rights, entitled "Question of the realization in all countries of the economic, social and cultural rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and study of the special problems which the developing countries face in their efforts to achieve these rights"; 1. Takes note with appreciation the Executive Director's report entitled "Strategy for the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing"; /12 2. Recommends that, in addition to existing approved elements of their work programmes, a joint programme be elaborated between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Centre for Human Rights, in order to assist States with the implementation of their commitments to ensure the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, as provided for in international instruments and in accordance with paragraphs 26 and 39 of the Habitat Agenda, taking into account the proposed housing rights strategy of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and relevant parts of the Habitat Agenda, to be coordinated with their respective Commissions; 3. Requests the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) together with the United Nations Centre for Human Rights to cooperate and coordinate with other relevant United Nations agencies consistent with established mandates and available funding, and international housing organizations in order to promote the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate housing; 4. Requests all States within the overall context of an enabling approach, to take appropriate action in order to promote, protect and ensure the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, as outlined in paragraph 61 of the Habitat Agenda; 5. Invites States to provide to the Commission at its seventeenth session information on progress achieved in the implementation of the provisions of the right to adequate housing as set forth in the Habitat Agenda, particularly paragraph 61, within their countries; 6. Further requests the Executive Director to submit to the Commission at its seventeenth session a report on the implementation of the present resolution. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/8. Revitalization of the Habitat Centre [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements 13/ and the Habitat Agenda, 2/ as well as General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996, which, inter alia, designated the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) as a focal point for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and called for a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of the Centre with a view to its revitalization, Having considered the preliminary report of the Secretary- General /13 on the assessment of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and other related reports before the Commission, /14 Recognizing that the Centre is in a serious management and financial situation, part of which is of a long standing nature, and that this situation must be addressed as a matter of urgency, Committed to the importance of the rapid revitalization of the Centre for the successful implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Taking into account the views expressed at the sixteenth session of the Commission by Governments, as well as by other partners, Noting with concern the late issuance of several documents pertaining to financial and administrative matters, Resolving to take appropriate actions necessary to redress the weaknesses of the Centre, 1. Requests the Secretary-General to take into account, in undertaking the comprehensive and in-depth assessment requested by the General Assembly in its resolution 51/177, the following guiding principles with regard to a revitalized Habitat Centre: (a) The mandate of the Centre shall be in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, particularly 32/162 of 19 December 1977, and of the Commission on Human Settlements, as further elaborated in paragraph 228 of the Habitat Agenda; (b) The Centre shall have a focused programme of work based on the Habitat Agenda and shall devote all budgetary and non- budgetary funds to focused programmes, with a view to maintaining the structural coherence of its activities; (c) The Centre must develop further formal processes of institutional learning; (d) The Centre shall promote and support international cooperation, in particular through resource flows and the transfer of know-how, experience and technology; (e) The Centre shall collect, generate and distribute pertinent information and knowledge; (f) The management and decision-making processes of the Centre shall be efficient, accountable and transparent; (g) The Centre shall assist in enhancing the capabilities of national and local authorities to achieve sustainable human settlements development through, inter alia, technical cooperation programmes; 2. Further requests the Secretary-General to take into account the following recommendations: (a) With regard to general management: (i) The Centre must implement a set of clear and coherent policies which incorporate its mandate, strategic plan and mission statement; (ii) The Centre must pay special attention to the strengthening of horizontal and vertical communication; (iii) The Centre must develop further formal processes of institutional learning; (b) With regard to financial management, the Centre should, with immediate effect, enhance its financial management capacity through, inter alia, the deployment of the required competent and experienced personnel to ensure the authorized and effective utilization of resources; (c) With regard to financial resources: (i) The Centre must have adequate, stable and predictable funding for its activities. Resource mobilization, including the urgent need to broaden the funding base, should receive due attention; (ii) Concerned Governments may be consulted with a view to ensuring funding for agreed programmes; (iii) The Centre must take measures to attract more non- earmarked contributions; (iv) Governments and partners may be encouraged to increase their financial contributions to the Centre; (v) Governments and partners may be encouraged further to increase the non-earmarked component of their contributions; (d) With regard to administrative management: (i) The Centre should ensure that sensitive administrative decisions, relating, inter alia, to restructuring, contracts and employment procedures, are based not only on the relevant policies and procedures, but also on consultations with the appropriate parties; (ii) The financial arrangements of the United Nations Office at Nairobi should be brought into line with those of similar United Nations administrative offices, such as the United Nations Office at Geneva and the United Nations Office at Vienna. Consideration should also be given to whether the continued existence of the United Nations Office at Nairobi is justified; (e) With regard to staff policies: (i) The Centre should develop a human resources and staffing strategy whose main goal is to align its human resource capacities with the organization's central purpose, thereby enabling the staff to put the Centre's strategic plan into practice; (ii) The Centre should ensure that the strategy promotes the development and recognition of skills, greater emphasis on staff development, more team-based work, improved management practices and a high degree of staff involvement; (iii) The Centre should recruit personnel, in accordance with the established procedures and transparent processes, to ensure that it is served by persons having the required qualifications, experience and expertise. The existing imbalance and disparities in gender and geographical representation, especially at the senior levels, must be rectified urgently through affirmative action, and a report on the progress should be submitted by the Executive Director to the Commission at its seventeenth session; (f) With regard to programme management: (i) The Centre should encourage increased staff participation in the planning and management of its work, in accordance with agreed consultative procedures; (ii) The Centre should ensure an integrated planning approach that is linked to evaluation processes and draws on institutional learning; (iii) The Centre should identify cross-cutting issues to be reflected in subprogrammes; (iv) The Centre should seek to focus its activities, to ensure maximum impact, replicability and institutional learning; 3. Notes that the findings of the report of the Office of Internal Oversight on the review of the programme and administrative practices of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) /15 are incomplete in several respects, especially with regard to their elaboration of the organizational structure of the Centre and the actions of individuals; 4. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure prompt implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Office of Internal Oversight, taking into account the observations and comments of the Executive Director of the Centre /16 and the views expressed by the members of the Commission at its sixteenth session; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure urgent follow- up to the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions /17 and the report of the Board of Auditors on the financial report and the audited financial statements of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation; /18 6. Urges the Executive Director to comply fully with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and the Board of Auditors and to keep Member States informed; 7. Requests the Secretary-General to address urgently the serious management and financial situation at the Centre and its underlying causes and, in consultation with all parties concerned, to take all necessary measures, including the appointment of a special expert, with a view to ensuring that the Centre is prepared to meet its responsibilities in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda; 8. Requests the Bureau of the Commission, with the support of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, to monitor the improvements in the administrative and financial management of the Centre and to report thereon to the Commission at its seventeenth session; 9. Requests the Executive Director to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 7 May 1995 9th meeting 16/9. An Urbanizing World: Global Report on Human Settlements 1996 [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 34/114 of 14 December 1979, in which the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) was requested to periodically provide a complete review of human settlements conditions, including their development and continuing evolution, Recognizing the need for continual monitoring of human settlements conditions, review of the performance of human settlements policies and strategies and, on the basis of this, identification of innovative and effective ways of responding to changing human settlements circumstances, 1. Welcomes the second global report, entitled An Urbanizing World: Global Report on Human Settlements 1996, which was launched at the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul in June 1996; 2. Requests the Executive Director to publicize and disseminate the Report as widely as possible, within available resources; 3. Further requests the Executive Director to initiate the preparation of the third edition of the Global Report on Human Settlements, as part of the 1998-1999 work programme of the Centre. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/10. Resolution in recognition of the secretariat of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), the host country and the host city [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling with deep satisfaction the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), held in Istanbul from 3 to 14 June 1996, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996, in which the Assembly endorsed the outcome of Habitat II, Recalling the wide-ranging worldwide preparatory process for Habitat II, guided and facilitated by the Secretary-General of the Conference and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), which served as secretariat for the Conference, Recalling also the excellent arrangements for the Conference made by the Government of Turkey and the warm hospitality extended by the Government and the people of Turkey and the city of Istanbul to the participants, Further recalling the participation and contribution of the representatives of local authorities, city mayors and major groups of civil society in the preparatory process for Habitat II and in the Conference itself, in the spirit of partnership to achieve the goals of shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development, Reaffirming its commitment to the early and comprehensive implementation of the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements 13/ and the Habitat Agenda 2/ adopted by the Conference, which contain goals, commitments and principles, and actions to address the serious and growing challenges in the field of human settlements in a rapidly urbanizing world, 1. Commends the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for its contribution to the preparatory process for Habitat II and to the Conference itself; 2. Applauds the host country, Turkey, for its vital contribution to the success of Habitat II and for the excellent arrangements for the Conference. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/11. Contributions of youth to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996 on the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Recalling also that, during the Habitat II Conference, youth strongly addressed human settlements issues and actively contributed to a new line of thought through their creativity, enthusiasm and potential to experiment, Recognizing that, after the Habitat II Conference, they have maintained their momentum in continuing their activities in the field of human settlements in order to implement the Habitat Agenda 2/ in various ways, Considering that, in paragraph 120, the Habitat Agenda stipulates actions to facilitate youth involvement in human settlements management, planning and development, Calls upon the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to strengthen, within existing resources, its focus and capacity in the mobilization of the potential of youth in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/12. Review of the working methods of the Commission on Human Settlements: the involvement of partners [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 32/162 of 19 December 1977, in which the Assembly established the Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling also the relevant paragraphs of the Habitat Agenda 2/ which updated the objectives, functions and responsibilities of the Commission on Human Settlements and highlighted the importance of the involvement of local authorities and civil society, including the private sector, in the effective implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Bearing in mind the spirit of partnership which was important during the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), at which local authorities, non- governmental organizations and the private sector were recognized as important stakeholders in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Recalling also the relevant provisions of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996, Further recalling General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996, in which the Commission on Human Settlements was requested to review at its sixteenth session its working methods in order to involve in its work the representatives of local authorities or international associations of local authorities, as appropriate, and the relevant actors of civil society, particularly the private sector and non-governmental organizations, in the field of adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development, taking into account the rules of procedure of the Commission on Human Settlements and the relevant provisions of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31, 1. Invites Governments to consider, where appropriate, including in their delegations to future sessions of the Commission, in accordance with the specific conditions of each country, representatives of local authorities and the relevant actors of civil society, particularly the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and research organizations in the field of adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development; 2. Decides that at its future sessions, the Commission on Human Settlements will provide opportunities for partners to engage in a dialogue among themselves and with Governments. The dialogues may, as appropriate, serve as an input to the deliberations of the Commission; 3. Invites the representatives of local authorities and the relevant actors of civil society, particularly the private sector, non-governmental organizations and research organizations in the field of adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development, to propose activities for the inter- sessional periods to the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), for the approval of the Commission on Human Settlements, in order to accelerate the implementation of the Habitat Agenda; 4. Requests the Executive Director of the Centre to ensure, subject to approval of the Commission on Human Settlements and without prejudice to the provisions of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996, that partners are actively involved with the Centre's work so as to contribute to the effective implementation of the Habitat Agenda through, where appropriate, the provision of inputs to the Centre in its development, implementation and evaluation of the work programme; 5. Decides also that participation of the representatives of local authorities and the relevant actors of civil society, particularly the private sector, non-governmental organizations and research organizations in the field of adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development, will be in accordance with rule 61 of the rules of procedure of the Commission on Human Settlements and the relevant provisions of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/13. International cooperation and coordination for sustainable human settlements development [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996 on the implementation of the outcome of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Recalling also that the formulation and implementation of strategies for human settlements development are the primary responsibility of each country at the national and local levels, within the legal framework of each country, and should take into account the economic, social and environmental diversity of conditions in each country. The overall decline in development assistance, however, is a serious cause for concern. In some countries, this trend has also been accompanied by considerable increases in international flows of capital and by increasing private sector involvement in infrastructure and services development and management; Recalling also paragraphs 201, 202, 204, 206, 207, 208 and 211 of the Habitat Agenda 2/ 1. Urges the international community to mobilize national and international financial resources and to strengthen international cooperation channelled through the United Nations system for shelter provision and sustainable human settlements development; 2. Invites the Executive Director of the Centre to pursue efforts for mobilizing financial and technical support from the international community, especially the industrialized countries, and the private sector for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and related national plans of action; 3. Also invites the Executive Director to pursue similar efforts for possible support from countries that have not until now been in a position to extend such support; 4. Requests the Executive Director to report in his progress report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/14. Upgrading the Regional Information Office in Amman to a Regional Centre for Arab States to enhance the presence of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in the Arab States region [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Aware that the problems related to the achievement of sustainable human settlements development differ among regions, and even within individual regions, Considering the potential for strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) by means of establishing regional centres that implement the operational activities and programmes in a manner that is more consistent with the regional needs, and that ensures the effective participation of the States of the region, Recalling its resolution 14/7 of 5 May 1993, in which it requested the Executive Director of United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to give high priority to regional activities within the framework of the Centre's development- oriented efforts, Taking note of the donations by a number of Arab States to support the activities of the Centre and its Regional Information Office for Arab States in Amman, Jordan, Affirming that the Group of Arab States has discussed the pressing need for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to have a stronger institutional presence in the Arab region, Appreciative of the efforts made by the Group of Arab States within the framework of League of Arab States, during the regional and international preparatory process for the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), held in Istanbul in June 1996, Noting with satisfaction the efforts and activities of the League of Arab States undertaken in cooperation with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the Habitat Regional Information Office in drawing up an Arab Strategy for Sustainable Human Settlements Development based upon the Habitat Agenda, especially the Arab Experts Meeting, held in February 1997, and the second meeting to be held in August 1997 at the headquarters of the League of Arab States, Appreciative of the efforts made by the Executive Director to support the limited activities undertaken by the Regional Information Office for Arab States, and his desire, consistent with that of Arab States, to strengthen, promote and activate efforts and activities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in the Arab region, through the upgrading of the Information Office existing in Amman to a specialized regional one, 1. Requests the Executive Director to take the necessary measures to consider upgrading the information office in Amman to become a Regional Centre; 2. Also requests the Executive Director to prepare within the context of the review of the regional information centres a comprehensive report addressing all issues concerning the upgrading of the Information Office in Amman into a regional centre, including, inter alia, mandate identification, plan of action and financial and administrative implications. The report should be prepared in full consultation with the League of Arab States and the host country; 3. Further requests the Executive Director to arrange a meeting between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), the League of Arab States and the host country, to be held during the first quarter of 1998 to discuss the Executive Director's report and the draft memorandum of understanding specifying the terms of implementation of the resolution; 4. Also requests that the upgrading of the Information Office to a regional centre should not lead to a reduction in the support currently provided by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to the regional information office and the projects and programmes targeting the Arab region; 5. Further requests the Executive Director to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Commission at its seventeenth session; 6. Also requests the Executive Director to report to the Commission at its seventeenth session on the activities, staffing and financing of the regional representations of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat). 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/15. Contribution of the private and non-governmental sectors to shelter delivery to low-income groups [ Up ]The Commission of Human Settlements, Recalling its decision 15/20 of 1 May 1995 on themes for consideration by the Commission on Human Settlements at its sixteenth session, by which it decided that one of the themes for the sixteenth session should be the contribution of the private and non-governmental sectors to shelter delivery to low-income groups, Recalling also its relevant resolutions, such as 14/13 of 5 May 1993 on Shelter Sector Performance Indicators and 14/20 of 5 May 1993 on preparations for the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), and also General Assembly resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996 on implementation of the outcome of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Aware and concerned that over one billion people are still either homeless or residing in inadequate housing conditions, despite positive developments taking place in shelter policy formulation and the implementation of appropriate strategies, Fully supporting the call for action by the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 3/ and the Habitat Agenda 2/ to achieve adequate shelter for all, Recognizing the current trend in enabling shelter strategies, where the focus in the shelter delivery process is shifting from direct public sector interventions to the provision of support measures to the land and housing markets, Recognizing also the important role of the private sector in shelter delivery to low-income groups and the important role of non-governmental and community-based organizations, especially the housing cooperative movement, 1. Commends the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for his report on the contribution of the private and non-governmental sectors to shelter delivery to low-income groups/19 and takes note of its main findings and recommendations for the guidance of future action at the local, national, regional and international levels to improve the contributions of these sectors to shelter delivery processes; 2. Reaffirms those calls for action already outlined in the relevant provisions of the Habitat Agenda, the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 and Agenda 21, that encourage the full participation of all actors in the human settlements development and management process in providing shelter for all within operational enabling environments; 3. Calls upon Governments to establish a facilitating framework to implement shelter policies and strategies that promote and optimize the contributions of the public, private and non-governmental sectors in shelter provision for low-income groups by making full use of the synergies arising from collaboration between different actors in the shelter delivery process; 4. Urges Governments to adopt policies in support of those land and housing markets and businesses which protect and promote the interests of low-income groups; 5. Encourages Governments to develop monitoring systems and actions, for the study, analysis, documentation and dissemination of innovations and lessons of experience in promoting the contribution of the private and non-governmental sectors to the shelter delivery process, giving particular attention to the needs of low-income groups; 6. Emphasizes the role of the international community and external assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition in promoting information exchange and lessons learnt from experience, particularly between developing countries, and in promoting training and capacity-building activities; 7. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), within existing resources, to intensify research, monitoring and evaluation of progress in shelter delivery to low-income groups, with specific focus on improving the contributions of the private and non- governmental sectors, including housing cooperative associations, to this process, and to incorporate the findings and recommendations of these research, monitoring and evaluation activities into the future work programmes of the Centre. 6 May 1997 8th meeting 16/16. Management of natural resources in the context of sustainable human settlements [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Aware that global increases in population, rising levels of urbanization, and unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, particularly in developed countries, are stressing the finite natural resource base, stressing fragile ecosystems and causing environmental degradation and adverse health effects, Also aware that significant areas of high ecological value, at the international and national levels, should be protected from urban development, Also aware that the sustainable supply and maintenance of natural resources, such as fresh water, clean air, land, mineral and forest-based resources and energy, is crucial to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, 2/ Recognizing the need of applying economic instruments which are conducive to the rational use of natural assets, taking into account the specific circumstances of each country, Further aware that reconciling the seemingly conflicting goals of improving of living conditions in human settlements and conserving the natural resource base poses a challenge to policy- makers and managers, Noting that, in addition to national Governments, local authorities, in partnership with civil society, can play an important role in the management of natural resources, Noting with appreciation the efforts of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to develop a strategy for managing natural resources for sustainable human settlements development and management, by convening an expert group, in cooperation with the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations, Reiterating the precautionary principle approach, the "polluter pays" principle, the pollution prevention principle, respect for the carrying capacity of ecosystems, and the preservation of opportunities for future generations, enunciated by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), in the context of sustainable human settlements, 1. Calls upon Governments to adopt and facilitate integrated policies and a combination of appropriate measures for promoting sustainable human settlements development, including: (a) The monitoring and assessment of the exploitation and consumption of natural resources in human settlements, particularly the growing ecological footprints of cities, using indicators, as appropriate; (b) Strengthening of planning and development control activities, including land-use planning, aimed at reducing the need for mobility, particularly in urban areas, and protection of land resources; (c) Strengthening conservation of fragile ecosystems, such as coastal areas, small islands and mountainous areas; (d) Making appropriate use of economic instruments and regulatory and opinion-forming measures for improving the efficiency of resource use in human settlements, including the use of energy, especially in construction and in buildings-in- use; (e) Promotion of measures that combine resource recovery with environmental protection and employment generation, such as the recycling and reuse of wastes in human settlements, including the conversion of organic wastes into compost, and the reuse of inorganic waste in the secondary-material economy and of waste water in urban agriculture and forestry; (f) Promotion of eco-efficiency in industry, particularly the construction industry and in urban infrastructure services, so as to move from resource-intensive to resource-efficient production processes, by increasing research-and-development investment for low-waste and cleaner technologies; 2. Further calls upon Governments, where appropriate, to promote and support broad-based partnerships of all interested parties, particularly the private sector - both formal and informal operators - and community groups, for the efficient use of resources and the recycling and reuse of wastes in human settlements; 3. Urges Governments to support the formulation and implementation of local Agenda 21s and other, similar, measures in order to increase the environmental awareness of the partners involved and use their innovative potential; 4. Requests the Executive Director to review, on a regular basis, trends in the exploitation and sustainable consumption of natural resources related to the development and management of human settlements, particularly in urban areas, the least developing countries, and small island developing States, and to promote information exchange on best practices; 5. Further requests the Executive Director, as part of the Centre's existing work programme, to support Governments by, inter alia: (a) Promoting, where appropriate, energy/material efficiency standards and other approaches conducive to the sustainable consumption of natural resources relating to the development and management of human settlements; (b) Assisting developing countries to identify and access eco-efficient technologies in the construction industry and in the provision of infrastructure services. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/17. The rights of the child, particularly with respect to shelter and related services [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/77 of 12 December 1996 on the rights of the child; Also recalling that the right of the child to an adequate standard of living is recognized by States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child /20 in the relevant articles of that instrument, Recalling its resolution 15/14 of 1 May 1995 on concrete measures towards the full realization of children's housing rights, Recalling also the Habitat Agenda 2/ adopted at the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Conscious of the fact that the physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development of the child, the future generation, depends on a safe, secure and adequate place to live, and that children are particularly vulnerable when deprived of an adequate standard of living in this respect, Emphasizing the need for a safe and secure environment for children, Concerned about large disparities in child well-being between and within cities, rural areas and countries, Recognizing that the knowledge and resources of children are indispensable in the promotion of positive environments, Acknowledging the right of children to participate in the shaping of their physical and social environment, in accordance with article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Acknowledging also that participation of children in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda is conducive to the realization of their housing rights, 1. Calls upon all States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to fulfil their obligations under the Convention and support efforts within the United Nations system to adopt effective measures concerning the fulfilment of the right of the child to an adequate standard of living and the continuous and progressive improvement of living and housing conditions as stipulated in the relevant international agreements and conventions; 2. Urges all Governments to adopt and implement all appropriate measures for the fulfilment of children's rights with respect to shelter and related services; 3. Further urges all Governments to ensure that children are given appropriate opportunities to participate in the formulation of national and local plans of action related to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda; 4. Calls upon Governments to promote policies conducive to the fulfilment of the right of the child as stipulated in the relevant international agreements and conventions, taking into account paragraphs 13 and 31 of the Habitat Agenda; 5. Requests the Executive Director to give appropriate attention to children's issues in the field of sustainable human settlements development in all activities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) within the approved work programme for the biennium 1998-1999; 6. Requests the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to continue its close collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund, as the lead United Nations agency for children's issues, and with other United Nations agencies, in developing programmes for child-friendly human settlements; 7. Also requests the Executive Director to report on the implementation of the present resolution in his progress reports to the Commission at its seventeenth and subsequent sessions. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/18. Illegal Israeli human settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory [ Up ]21 The Recalling its resolutions 13/6 of 8 May 1991 and 14/9 of 5 May 1993, on housing requirements for the Palestinian people, Also recalling the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 24 April 1997, at its tenth emergency session, in which the Assembly condemns the construction by Israel, the occupying Power, of a new settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim to the south of occupied East Jerusalem and all other illegal Israeli action in all the occupied territories, Considering that the issue of housing for Palestinian people, especially refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, falls within the mandate of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), Taking into account the serious deterioration in living conditions and instability of human settlements in cities, towns and localities in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in the occupied Holy City of East Jerusalem, as a result of Israeli occupation practices, such as the construction of illegal human settlements, 1. Calls upon the Israeli authorities to implement the following measures in order to enable the Palestinian people, in the territories occupied since 1967, to secure their housing needs: (a) Put an end to the confiscation of Palestinian lands and the establishment of settlements to house immigrants in the occupied territories; (b) Halt all forms of Israeli construction activities to establish a new settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim to the south of East Jerusalem; (c) Refrain from applying policies that prevent and hamper the issuance of building permits to the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, including Jerusalem; 2. Further calls upon the international donor community to increase financial assistance needed for an overall solution to the housing problems in the occupied Palestinian territories; 3. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to cooperate with the Secretary-General in monitoring the situation and preparing the report called for by the General Assembly at its tenth emergency session; 4. Further requests the Executive Director to present to the Commission at its seventeenth session a comprehensive report on his contribution in compliance with the present resolution. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/19. Corrective measures in administrative and budgetary matters [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/225 of 4 April 1997, in which the General Assembly expressed serious concern about the financial irregularities in the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements and decided to bring them to the attention of the Commission, with a view to taking immediate corrective action, 1. Insists that the Executive Director reimburses the Foundation for any advances made to Habitat II and, noting that the decision of the Executive Director to apply a 15 per cent deduction from all non-earmarked contributions to refund the remaining balance of Habitat II is in clear contradiction to the demands of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the General Assembly in resolution 51/225, decides to reject that decision and invites the Executive Director to cover the deficit in the Habitat II account in ways that do not affect the Foundation; the Commission also regrets the shifting of International Year of Shelter for the Homeless funds to Habitat II; 2. Urges the Executive Director to undertake action to: (a) Bring budget and spending into line with work programme priorities, as identified by the Commission; (b) Revise future income estimates on a realistic basis, in order to match expenditure with actual income; (c) Devise a new budget format, following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee *22 and in consultation with all Member States, in order to make financial information readily available in a clear and accessible way; (d) Review the Centre's operational relationship with the United Nations Office at Nairobi in order to maximize savings and efficiency; (e) Address with the utmost attention the disputed issues pending with the Central Emergency Revolving Fund and the Department for Humanitarian Affairs; (f) Consider, within the restructuring of the financial and administrative management system of the Foundation and the Centre, the possibility of placing non-earmarked and earmarked Foundation and financial reserve funds in disaggregated accounts; (g) Report in writing within two months to the Committee of Permanent Representatives and all Member States on the proposed increase in Regional Offices and its financial and mandate implications, taking into account criteria of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability; the policy outlined in the report will be evaluated by the Bureau of the Commission, with support of the Committee of Permanent Representatives; all Member States are invited to submit their observations and comments to the Executive Director; (h) Strengthen internal evaluation and oversight mechanisms; (i) Implement the recommendations contained in paragraph 25 of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions report; /23 (j) Revise the staffing table, following the rationalization of common services in Nairobi, under the United Nations Office at Nairobi; (k) Keep the Committee of Permanent Representatives and all Member States informed on a permanent basis on the transfer of project posts of a continuing nature to the staffing table of the Foundation, as requested in paragraph 17 of the report of the Advisory Committee; (l) Reduce administrative costs, inter alia, by bringing non-programme related functions from the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation under the regular budget or, if that is not possible, to freeze the relevant posts in order to allocate more resources to substantive activities; (m) Apply in full the stipulations in the Secretary- General's directive concerning affirmative action, to ensure more balanced gender distribution within the overall staff of the Centre; (n) Merge the roster of women experts with the existing roster of experts; 3. Urgently requests the Executive Director to provide, within three months, to the Bureau of the Commission, the Committee of Permanent Representatives and all Member States as well as the internal auditor, a written progress report on actions taken to redress the deficiencies in the financial administration of the Centre to enhance efficiency and transparency; 4. Requests the secretariat to prepare by 15 June 1997 a revised draft work programme and an additional version organized according to the structure of the Habitat Agenda, in accordance with the report of Committee I on the work programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for the biennium 1998-1999. The revised draft work programme will be subject to review and approval by the Bureau of the Commission, with the support of the Committee of Permanent Representatives; 5. Requests the Bureau of the Commission, the Committee of Permanent Representatives and all Member States, to monitor the implementation of the present resolution and consider and evaluate the report of the Executive Director referred to above. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/20. Cooperation between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolution 15/8 of 1 May 1995 and decisions 18/15 of 26 May 1995 and 19/9 D of 7 February 1997 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme, on cooperation between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme in the Sustainable Cities Programme, Recalling also General Assembly resolution 40/199 of 17 December 1985 on cooperation between the Centre and the United Nations Environment Programme, Noting the importance of this cooperation and coordination for the effective implementation of Agenda 21 4/ and of the Habitat Agenda 2/ and the Istanbul Declaration, adopted at the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), 13/ Having considered the joint progress report of the Executive Directors of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme on cooperation between the Centre and the United Nations Environment Programme /24 and the report on the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Commission at its fifteenth session, /25 Noting with satisfaction the progress in implementing the resolutions regarding cooperation between the Centre and the United Nations Environment Programme in the Sustainable Cities Programme, especially as a facility for building effective partnerships between cities, United Nations bodies and other international organizations concerned with implementing the Habitat Agenda in the area of sustainable urban development and environment improvement, 1. Commends the United Nations Environment Programme for its positive role in the preparatory process for Habitat II, as well as for its participation in and contribution to the Conference itself; 2. Requests the Executive Director to continue and to develop further the cooperation between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme, as exemplified by the Sustainable Cities Programme, in order to ensure that a synergy of effort can be achieved in all relevant activities; 3. Requests the Executive Director to report on the implementation of this resolution to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/21. Cooperation and coordination matters [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolutions 10/7 of 16 April 1987, 14/18 of 5 May 1993, 15/12 of 1 May 1995 and other relevant resolutions, Recalling also General Assembly resolution 34/114 of 14 December 1979 concerning cooperation with intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system, resolution 50/100 of 20 December 1995 on, inter alia, the participation and contribution of non-governmental organizations to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and its preparatory process and resolution 51/177 of 16 December 1996 on the implementation of the outcome of that Conference by Governments, organizations of the United Nations system, including the Bretton Woods institutions, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, Noting also the efforts of the Centre in furthering and promoting cooperation and coordination with agencies and organizations within the United Nations system, including the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, and with intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations, in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, 2/ Noting further the expanded area of system-wide cooperation and coordination as a consequence of the role of focal point that the Centre is playing in coordinating the implementation and monitoring of progress of the Habitat Agenda, Reaffirming the need for continued and fruitful cooperation and coordination between the Centre and intergovernmental organizations, such as the Caribbean Community, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the League of Arab States, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization of American States, the Organization of African Unity, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa (Shelter-Afrique), and the Centre's cooperative activities with financial institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the African Development Bank, Recognizing the call to all organizations of the United Nations system and other actors concerned with human settlements and urban management issues, such as local authorities, relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, the private sector, trade unions, academicians and other community groups, to implement fully and effectively the Habitat Agenda, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the efforts of the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to improve coordination and cooperation in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda among organizations within the United Nations system, inter-governmental organizations outside the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations; 2. Requests the Executive Director to assist countries by providing advice on practical mechanisms and strategies for facilitating an integrated and coordinated implementation of the Habitat Agenda by all stakeholders, particularly non-governmental organizations, local authorities and private-sector entities; 3. Urges the Executive Director to intensify efforts to generate practical collaborative programmes with intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system and regional development banks, as a means of enhancing the implementation of the Habitat Agenda; 4. Further requests the Executive Director to continue to accord due recognition and importance to close collaboration, at the global, regional and national levels, between the Centre and universities and research and scientific institutes, including human solidarity and voluntary groups; 5. Further urges the Executive Director to continue to pursue efforts for enhanced coordination with agencies and organizations of the United Nations system, including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Bank, and with intergovernmental organizations and relevant financial institutions outside the United Nations system, for more effective implementation of the Habitat Agenda; 6. Also requests the Executive Director to include in his progress report to the Commission at its seventeenth session the results of such cooperation and coordination. 6 May 1997 8th meeting 16/22. Cooperation in the eradication of poverty [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolution 14/3 of 5 May 1993, on shelter, employment and the poor, Recalling the positions of the Habitat Agenda on social development, technical cooperation and implementation at the international level, /26 Recalling also General Assembly resolution 51/178 of 16 December 1996, concerning the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), Bearing in mind the relevant conclusions of the Economic and Social Council at its coordination segment in 1996, and especially those in which specific responsibility is assigned to the Commission on Human Settlements in the field of poverty eradication, Recognizing that poverty in rural and urban areas is growing and continues to place an enormous burden on an increasing number of urban dwellers in every part of the world, Recognizing also the importance of direct exchange among local actors and emphasizing their central role in the struggle against poverty, Recognizing further the need for the empowerment of people living in poverty and their communities to enable them effectively to address poverty, Noting and acknowledging the results of the International Conference on Urban Poverty, held in Recife on 17-21 March 1996, Noting with satisfaction that the preparatory process of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the Conference itself have generated greater awareness of the need for policies to address poverty, Taking note of the relevant paragraphs of the report of the Executive Director on the role of local authorities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and other partners in the implementation and monitoring of the Habitat Agenda, /27 1. Recognizes the contribution made by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to the achievement of the eradication of poverty by performing its activities within its existing mandate; 2. Stresses the importance of developing specific policies targeting vulnerable groups, addressing social integration and security and enhancing the participation of people living in poverty, as part of a coordinated effort for the implementation of the outcome of recent global United Nations conferences, which have all given priority to the goal of poverty eradication; 3. Calls for renewed efforts by Governments at all levels, both in the developed and the developing world, to address poverty by facilitating the integration of the rural and urban poor in labour markets and their access to urban services, urban land and social benefits; 4. Requests the Executive Director to contribute, within existing resources and within the existing mandate, to the International Forum on Urban Poverty, to be held in Florence on 14-19 September 1997; 5. Requests the Executive Director to include in his progress report to the Commission at its seventeenth session the implementation of this resolution. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/23. Global Parliamentarians on Habitat [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolution 14/12 of 5 May 1993, in which it noted with satisfaction the conclusion reached by the meeting of the Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, Noting that the Global Parliamentarians had organized a successful Parliamentarians Forum as a parallel activity to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Considering that Parliamentarians can contribute substantially to sustainable development by promoting legislative changes, improving public policy and strengthening institutions for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda 2/ and the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, 13/ at the local, national, regional and international levels, 1. Encourages the Global Parliamentarians to continue their valuable efforts to further the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and the Istanbul Declaration; 2. Calls upon the international community to encourage the Global Parliamentarians to play their active role in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. 6 May 1997 7th meeting 16/24. Special session of the General Assembly for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21 [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements 13/ (Habitat II), in particular, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements and the Habitat Agenda, 2/ and of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, in particular, Agenda 21, 4/ Recalling General Assembly resolution 47/190 of 22 December 1992 which urged Governments and bodies of the United Nations system to ensure effective follow-up to the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and Agenda 21, Aware that rapid urbanization, the concentration of the urban population in large cities, the sprawl of cities into wider geographical areas and the rapid growth of megacities are among the most significant transformations of human settlements, Noting that by the year 2005 the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas, Emphasizing that urban areas will strongly influence the world in the twenty-first century and that urban and rural populations will be increasingly interdependent in their economic, environmental and social well-being, Convinced that urban settlements, properly planned and managed, hold a promise for human development and for the protection of the world's natural resources through their ability to support large numbers of people while limiting their impact on the natural environment, Concerned that many cities are witnessing harmful patterns of growth, production and consumption, land use, mobility and the degradation of their physical structure, and noting that such problems are often synonymous with soil, air, and water pollution, the waste of resources and destruction of natural resources, Reaffirming that sustainable development is essential for human settlements development and gives full consideration to the needs and necessities of achieving economic growth, social development and environmental protection, Aware that sustainable urban development requires a consideration of the carrying capacity of the entire ecosystem supporting such development, including the prevention and mitigation of adverse environmental events occurring outside urban areas, 1. Calls on the General Assembly at its special session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21 to take into account the message of the Habitat Agenda and the Istanbul Declaration, namely, that urgent action in cities and human settlements is necessary in order to secure sustainable human settlements and safe and healthy living conditions, especially for urban populations, recognizing the impact of urbanization on all sectors of sustainable human settlements; 2. Invites all relevant specialized agencies and related organizations of the United Nations system, and the Bretton Woods institutions, to strengthen and adjust their activities, programmes and medium-term strategies within their mandates, as appropriate, to take into account the follow-up to Habitat II, particularly at the field level. Relevant governing bodies should examine their relevant policies, programmes, budgets and activities; 3. Requests the Executive Director to promote cooperation and exchange of information between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development in order to inform their intergovernmental machinery of their respective inputs in addressing the questions of sustainable human settlements development; 4. Requests the Executive Director to submit his report on the implementation of Agenda 21, /28 together with the comments made on it by the Commission, to the General Assembly at its special session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21; 5. Requests the Chairman of the Commission on Human Settlements to submit the present resolution to the General Assembly at its special session. 7 May 1997 9th meeting 16/25. Establishment of an office of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements in the Asia and Pacific region [ Up ]The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling its resolution 14/7 of 5 May 1993 as well as its resolution 15/7 of 1 May 1995, Taking into consideration the activities embarked upon by the Executive Director, in consultation with Governments, to establish an office of the Centre in the Asia and Pacific region, 1. Welcomes the generous offer made by the Government of Japan to establish an office of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in Fukuoka, Japan; 2. Expresses its appreciation for the concerted support provided, under the spirit of partnership, by the Government of Japan together with the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Fukuoka City and the Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation, and also with the assistance of the private sector, to provide adequate resources to the Fukuoka office, including necessary staff and facilities and potential to expand the Centre's activities in the region; 3. Requests the Executive Director to provide appropriate support to ensure the effective operation of the office, within existing resources; 4. Also requests the newly established office to cooperate in other regional activities in the Asia and Pacific region; 5. Further requests the Executive Director to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Commission at its seventeenth session. 7 May 1997 9th meeting B. Decisions [ Up ]16/26. Fifth report of the Commission on Human Settlements to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission, having considered the draft prepared by the Executive Director of UNCHS (Habitat) of the fifth report of the Commission on Human Settlements to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, 10/ decided to incorporate into the draft the additions and amendments submitted by delegations and to submit the revised report to the General Assembly at its fifty-second session. 16/27. Medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001 [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission decided to adopt the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001, as contained in document HS/C/16/10. 16/28. Draft work programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) for the biennium 1998-1999 [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission decided; (a) To request the secretariat to prepare, by 15 June 1997, a revised work programme, taking into full account its conclusions and priority-setting, plus an additional version organized according to the structure of the Habitat Agenda with clear indication of linkages between paragraphs of the Habitat Agenda and the work programme, also to be prepared by 15 June 1997. The revised work programme should also be based on the revised allocation of funds from the Foundation, as determined by Committee I and taking into account the Commission resolutions with broader budget implications. The revised draft work programme should be subjected for review and approval four weeks after its submission, by the Bureau of the Commission, with the support of the Committee of Permanent Representatives; (b) To request that, when preparing future work programmes, the secretariat should provide: (i) All relevant financial data on new and ongoing activities, including data at the output level broken down by sources of funds, and data at the cluster level, with their percentages for all sources of funds; (ii) More descriptive information in the narrative part of the work programme - for example, on what specific issues would be addressed by expert groups and workshops; (iii) An evaluation in line with the priorities of the Habitat Agenda of the ongoing work programme of the Centre; and (iv) A parallel version of the work programme, organized according to the structure of the Habitat Agenda, with clear indication of linkages between the Habitat Agenda and the work programme, including a description of the expected results of the outputs, activities and services proposed under the work programme. 16/29. Budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for the biennium 1998-1999 [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission adopted the following decision: The Commission on Human Settlements, Recalling General Assembly resolution 51/225 of 4 April 1997, in which the Assembly expresses serious concern and requests the Commission to consider irregularities in the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), and asks for immediate corrective action, Taking note, with great concern of the observations made by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions in its reports on the proposed budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for the biennium 1998- 1999 and on financial reports and audited financial statements and reports of the Board of Auditors /29 the report of the Board of Auditors on the financial report and audited financial statements of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation /30 and the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the review of the programme and administrative practices of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), /31 Considering, in particular, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the Board of Auditors to the Commission concerning the need to reduce significantly the Centre's expenditure projections, Noting that the Commission had reviewed the response by the Executive Director to the Advisory Committee and found it inadequate, Noting again, with concern that the Advisory Committee and the Board of Auditors had expressed profound dissatisfaction with the amount and quality of information provided by the Executive Director, 1. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) to take corrective action and to avoid recurrence; 2. Requests the Secretary-General to take any necessary action to provide the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) with the capacity to audit its books, manage its finances and expenditures, and provide all information necessary to make responsible budget decisions. In this context, the financial and administrative management of the Centre should be brought into line with the general standards applied to the United Nations system, in order to secure effectiveness, efficiency and transparency; 3. Requests the Executive Director to take immediate action to put on a sound basis the administrative and financial management of the Centre, complying in full with the recommendations of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the Board of Auditors and to keep the internal Auditor based in Nairobi and all Member States informed of progress made; 4. Approves, subject to the Centre's successful pursuance of the objective in paragraph three, an allocation for expenditure of $23,044,167 for the biennium 1996-1997, /32 as indicated in tables 2B, 5C and 6C, in the annex to the present decision; /33 5. Further approves, subject to the provisions in paragraph three, an allocation for expenditure of $24 million for the biennium 1998-1999. This figure is indicated with the understanding that for the next biennium the most likely level of expenditure can at present be estimated to be around $21 million, as indicated in tables 2B, 5C and 6C. However, the $24 million may be achieved, or even exceeded, if the Centre addresses its deficiencies properly, thus restoring the confidence of Member States and attracting new pledges, particularly non-earmarked; 6. Instructs the Executive Director to reduce, to the maximum extent possible, administrative expenses, allocations for consultants, provisions for official travel, especially under programme-support costs and communication charges, and to revise the staffing table, in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee. Efforts should be made to reduce the number of staff under the Foundation performing administrative tasks. High-level management positions should be filled only on an acting basis during the restructuring of the Centre. All posts should be advertised internally and externally and fully competed for, in accordance with United Nations rules, in order to ensure transparency. 16/30. Coordination matters [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission decided to request the secretariat to implement those matters arising from the resolutions of legislative organs of the United Nations and other intergovernmental bodies, taking into account the Centre's mandate and work programme. 16/31. Themes for the seventeenth session of the Commission on Human Settlements [ Up ]At its 8th plenary session, on 7 May 1997, the Commission decided that it would consider two themes for its seventeenth session. It further decided that those themes should be: (a) "Local implementation of the Habitat Agenda, with particular attention to local Agenda 21s"; and (b) "International cooperation for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda".
ANNEX II. List of documents before the Commission [ Up ]Letter of convocation
ANNEX III. Summary of statements [ Up ]A. Address by Mr. Wally N'Dow, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) 1. In his opening address, the Assistant Secretary-General welcomed the President of Kenya and all Government delegations to the Commission. He thanked the President and Government of Kenya for their continued support and hoped that their collaboration would continue. He also welcomed the representatives of the partners at the Commission and noted that their engagement marked a new beginning in the work of the Commission, the Centre and the United Nations. 2. Remarking that Istanbul had provided the "sign-posts" for the current Commission meeting and had presented the opportunity to revitalize the Centre, thereby enabling it to play a leading role in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, he called for free and open discussions and hoped that they would lead to agreement and consensus. He predicted that, in the forthcoming years, the emphasis of development strategies would increasingly focus on human settlements and that Governments and people would have to use all their imagination and ingenuity to resolve new challenges fundamental to peace and security. He called for due consideration to be given to the Habitat Agenda in all national development plans and international cooperation agendas, and stressed that many actors, working together, were required to achieve its goals. 3. He noted, in addition, that the recent assessment by OIOS and that jointly conducted by the Governments of Denmark, the Netherlands, South Africa and Uganda were important inputs to assessing the functions of the Centre and ways in which it could be strengthened. He pointed out that the medium-term plan and the new draft work programme presented the Centre's contributions to implementing the Habitat Agenda and stressed that UNCHS (Habitat) should become a knowledge centre, based on operational activities on the ground. 4. He then offered his views on the future role of the Commission and ways in which it should be strengthened to support the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, highlighting the importance of the engagement of partners in that process. He stressed that there was a need to expand the financial base of the Centre and that the recent decentralization of some of the Centre's units would have to continue in order to provide proximity and direct support to regional efforts to implement the Habitat Agenda. 5. In closing, he again highlighted the importance of the Habitat Agenda and the revitalizing of the Centre's operations, and wished the Commission great success in its deliberations, pledging the full support of UNCHS (Habitat) staff. B. Statement by Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme 6. The Executive Director highlighted the importance of global ecological sustainability and community sustainability. Noting that the Earth Summit at Rio had provided the first opportunity for changing attitudes towards environmental protection, she regretted, however, that, five years on, consumption and production patterns were still unsustainable. Those trends were documented in the recently released Global Environment Outlook report, which also highlighted the key priority areas for sustainable development, including energy and water. 7. She then turned her attention to the lack of environmental policies to benefit the urban poor and deplored how little attention was given to the linkages at the national level between environmental protection and social investment. She reiterated that virtually all UNEP programmes would play a role in implementing the Habitat Agenda and drew attention to the synergy between the Habitat Agenda and Agenda 21. She continued by referring to the importance of community and the need to promote environmental citizenship, as promoted by UNEP in its Global Environmental Citizenship Programme. 8. In conclusion, she recalled the establishment of UNEP and its 25 years of achievement and pledged the Programme's support for efforts to implement the Habitat Agenda. She wished the Commission a most productive session. C. Statement by H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, President of the Republic of Kenya 9. The President extended his welcome to all delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Kenya. He recalled the enthusiasm of Istanbul and the preparation of the Global Plan of Action and the Istanbul Declaration and their adoption by the United Nations General Assembly. He stressed the importance of solidarity and the need for the transfer of resources, appropriate technology and capacity-building to reinforce national efforts. It was also vital to strengthen coordination mechanisms in the shelter sector at the national level and, in addition, particular consideration should be given to rural areas, where shelter provision was poor. He urged the international community to be responsive to the plight of communities affected by natural disasters and man-made conflicts. 10. Drawing attention to the crucial role the Centre had played in formulating and implementing shelter and human settlement policies and in preparing for Habitat II, he stressed the need to revitalize the Centre with appropriate human and financial resources to enable it effectively to carry out its mandate, as set forth in the relevant General Assembly resolutions. In that context, he stated that Kenya would like to see effective management of the human and financial resources of the Centre and that it was the Commission's responsibility to address those issues in a manner which would ensure uninterrupted implementation and monitoring of the Habitat Agenda. He also stressed the need to ensure that wastes produced from what we consumed did not continue to jeopardize our environment. 11. In conclusion, he wished the Commission a fruitful session and hoped that delegates would take the opportunity to tour the country during their visit. He then formally inaugurated the session. D. Statement by H.E. Ernesto Samper Pizano, President of the Republic of Colombia 12. In his address to the Commission, the President drew attention to the right to the city, which was one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity in the twenty-first century and which should be protected as it affected the dignity of all human beings. In Latin America, as a consequence of unjust land policies and misuse of public land by private developers over 40 per cent of people in cities lived in informal settlements, with little access to urban land and basic services. He therefore stressed that, aggressive land policies were needed to solve the problem in cities. 13. In view of the growing problem of social exclusion, the source of most conflicts in the post-cold war world, he deplored the drastic reduction in budgets for social programmes in the United Nations, while those for peace-keeping operations were being increased. In his capacity as Chairman of the Movement of Non- Aligned countries, he urged the United Nations not to cut social programmes in its reform efforts and reaffirmed the Movement's commitment to housing and environment programmes within the United Nations. ANNEX IV. Message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Commission on Human Settlements at its sixteenth session [ Up ]It gives me great pleasure to extend my greetings to all the participants assembled in Nairobi to take part in the sixteenth session of the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements. This session, the first held since the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), has special significance, for it marks a new beginning. Habitat II concluded the series of world conferences held under the auspices of the United Nations during the course of this decade, which were aimed at rallying peoples and Governments around a common global vision for sustainable development, peace and progress for all of humankind in the twenty-first century. As the United Nations defines its new mission in an era of sweeping global political, economic and social change, we must recognize that many old problems - war, poverty, inequality, hunger, lack of shelter, disease, illiteracy and environmental degradation - continue to blight the prospects of hundreds of millions of people. We need new approaches, new partnerships that bind together the peoples and States of the United Nations in common purpose to achieve the fundamental objectives of the Charter, based on the understanding that in the interdependent world of the twenty-first century, peace and security cannot be achieved without satisfying the most basic needs and aspirations of people everywhere. At Istanbul, the international community took a decisive step in that direction. The Istanbul Declaration and the conference's plan of action - the Habitat Agenda - provide a positive vision of sustainable human settlements in the urbanized world of the twenty-first century, as well as critical guidance for ensuring that all people have adequate shelter, a healthy and safe environment, basic services and productive and freely chosen employment. Equally inspiring, the Habitat II Conference deepened the alliance between State and non-State actors committed to the pursuit of sustainable development, opening the way for new partnerships between the United Nations and the institutions and organizations of civil society world-wide. Taking the first steps towards turning that vision into reality is the task before this session of the Commission on Human Settlements. You will take important decisions on the implementation strategy, which will also influence the future modalities of work of the Commission itself. The record of achievement compiled by the Commission during its many years of work gives me confidence that this follow-up effort will be every bit as innovative and productive as was the Habitat II Conference itself. In the expectation that you will carry forward the "spirit of Istanbul", I offer you my best wishes for a successful outcome and I look forward to reviewing the recommendations that will emerge from your deliberations here in Nairobi. Thank you.
Notes [ Up ] |
