Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls. Draft agreed conclusions

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1 Commission on the Status of Women Fifty-eighth session March 2014 Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls Draft agreed conclusions 1. The Commission on the Status of Women reaffirms the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the outcome documents of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, and the declarations adopted by the Commission on the occasion of the tenth and fifteenth anniversaries of the Fourth World Conference on Women. 2. The Commission [reaffirms] [takes note] that the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women [and the Convention on the Rights of the Child,] and the Optional Protocols thereto, as well as other relevant [human rights] conventions and treaties, provide [the States Parties] an international legal framework and a comprehensive set of measures for the elimination [and prevention] of all forms of discrimination [and violence] against women and girls and promotion of gender equality [and the empowerment of women]. 3. The Commission reaffirms that the full and effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is an essential contribution to achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. 4. The Commission also reaffirms the [Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the key actions for its further implementation, and other] international commitments made at relevant United Nations summits and conferences in the area of gender equality, [women s human rights,] and the empowerment of women [and girls] [and recalls the outcomes of the regional conferences on the United Nations review of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (ICPD beyond 2014] [and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action]. (placement to be determined) 4 bis. [The Commission also reaffirms the international commitments made at summits and conferences of the United Nations in the field of gender equality and empowerment of women, specifically the Santo Domingo Consensus, adopted at the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Santo Domingo in October 2013, which ratified the set of commitments made by States in the past 20 years and that constitute the women s political and rights agenda in the region, in view of the agenda post 2015, which will define the priorities for achieving real equality between men and women; and the full empowerment of women.] 1

2 4 bis. NEW [The Commission also reaffirms the commitments to equality between women and men and the empowerment of women made at the Millennium Summit; the 2005 World Summit; the 2010 high-level plenary meeting on the Millennium Development Goals, and the 2013 Special Event on the Millennium Development Goals and other major United Nations summits, conferences and special sessions.] 4 ter. - consolidated with 4 quat, 5 sext/sept/oct/nov/dec, 21 quat (see 5 sext) 4 quat. - consolidated with 4 ter, 5 sext/sept/oct/nov/dec and 21 quat (see 5 sext) 5. The Commission also reaffirms the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, entitled The future we want, [which recognized the vital role of women in achieving sustainable development and resolved to unlock the potential of women as drivers [,agents and beneficiaries] of sustainable development]. 5 bis. [The Commission also reaffirms the outcome document of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities: the way forward, a disability-inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyond, which is aimed at promoting disability-inclusive development.] 5 ter. moved to after 9 quin 5 quat. moved to before 6 with last part of 2 5 quin. [The Commission reaffirms the commitment to the full and effective implementation of and follow-up to all relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, in particular the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as well as relevant resolutions of the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies and of the Human Rights Council. It also reaffirms its previous agreed conclusions on violence against women (1998 and 2013) and on elimination of discrimination and violence against the girl child (2007).] 5 sext/sept/oct/nov/dec. [The Commission [reaffirms] [recalls] Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000, 1820 (2008) of 19 June 2008, 1888 (2009) of 30 September 2009, 1889 (2009) of 5 October 2009, 1960 (2010) of 16 December 2010, 2106 (2013) of 24 June 2013 and 2122 (2013) 18 October 2013 on women and peace and security and all relevant Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict, including resolutions 1882 (2009) of 4 August 2009, 1998 (2011) of 12 July 2011, recognizing the linkages between gender equality, peace, security and development. The Commission stresses that peace and security are inextricably linked to gender equality and to development][and that war and conflicts are a major obstacle to the achievement of the MDGs, particularly for women and girls]. (Note: consolidated with 4 ter, 4 quat and 6 sext and 21 quat) 5 undec. [The Commission recognizes the important role of the United Nations system, in 2

3 particular of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), in promoting gender equality and women s empowerment and the achievement of the MDGs for women and girls at the global, regional and national levels, in gathering information on the progress of the MDGs to assist in targeting key areas of women s empowerment and in assisting States, upon their request, in their efforts.] (Note: consolidated with 7 bis) 5 quat. and 2/last part [The Commission reaffirms that the promotion and protection of, and respect for, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, including the right to development, which are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, should be mainstreamed into all policies and programmes aimed at the eradication of poverty, and also reaffirms the need to take measures to ensure that every person is entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development and that equal attention and urgent consideration should be given to the implementation, promotion and protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.] (note: moved from 5 quat) 6. The Commission reaffirms that gender equality, the empowerment of women [and girls] [and the full realization] and enjoyment of [their] human rights [and fundamental freedoms] [including the right to development] [women s social and economic contributions to the welfare of the family and the social significance of maternity], and the eradication of poverty are essential to economic and social development, including the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Commission also reaffirms the vital role of women [and girls] as agents of development. (Note: language on family to be addressed together) 6 bis. - moved to after 20 bis and consolidated with 9 ter, 6 quat/quin and 22bis 6 ter. [The Commission recognizes the great contribution of women to the welfare of the family and to development of society and further reaffirms that the role of women in procreation should not be a basis for discrimination but that the upbringing of children requires a sharing responsibility between men and women and society as a whole.] (Note: language on family to be addressed together) 6 quat. - moved to after 20 bis and consolidated with 9 ter, 6 bis/quat/quin and 22bis 6 quin. - moved to after 20 bis and consolidated with 9 ter, 6 bis/quat/quin and 22bis 6 sext consolidated with 5 sext/sept/oct/nov/dec with 4 ter/quat and 21 quat (see 5 sext) 7. The Commission welcomes the commitments and concerted policy action at national, regional and global levels to achieve the MDGs for women and girls. The Commission recognizes the innovative efforts by some countries in the implementation of the MDGs for women and girls by adapting targets to local contexts and reporting on a broader range of gender equality, [the 3

4 empowerment of women] and women s [human] rights issues [than the MDGs specifically addressed]. 7 bis. - consolidated with 5 undec (see 5 undec) 7 ter. Moved and consolidated with 25 bis 8. The Commission welcomes progress made for women and girls in several areas of the MDGs, and recognizes the importance of MDG 3 in signaling gender equality and women s [and girls ] empowerment as a global priority. [It especially welcomes the [significant] progress made [towards achieving] gender parity in primary education enrolment and progress made on increasing the proportion of women in national parliaments [in some regions].] 8 bis. [The Commission notes the universal context of gender equality and recognizes that almost fifteen years after the adoption of the MDGs, no country has achieved equality for women and girls. While the MDGs have been an important front for reducing poverty and of key importance to the international community, there are still massive gaps of inequality between women and men. The Commission recognizes that unless full gender equality is achieved, including the full realization of women s and girls human rights and women s empowerment, sustainable development cannot be achieved.] (Note: consolidated 8 bis, with element from 19 and 19 bis 8 ter. moved after 20 bis 9. The Commission is deeply concerned that overall progress for women and girls across all the MDGs remains slow and uneven, [including/specifically on MDG 3,] both within and between countries [and that lack of progress on gender equality has hindered progress towards all of the MDGs]. It is especially concerned about the lack of progress for [poverty-stricken regions and areas and] the [most marginalized] [and vulnerable] [groups of] women and girls and those who experience multiple [and intersecting] forms of discrimination [based on [, inter alia,] [gender], [sex], disability, [marital] status, [old] age, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] income, geographical location, language, ethnicity, race, [religion,] [citizenship], [nationality], [migrant status] or because they are rural or indigenous women and girls, or women and girls living with [or affected by] HIV [and AIDS] [or engaged in prostitution] [or engaged in sex work] [or of other status]]. 9 bis. [The Commission is also concerned that the MDGs are least likely to be achieved for women and girls in countries affected by [armed] conflict and fragility, including instability and insecurity, [including internal repression, and in particular the use of barrel bombs,] [terrorism and violent extremism,] displacement and increased sexual violence which is often used as a weapon of war.] [The Commission expresses deep concern that countries experiencing conflict and fragility face the most significant challenges in achieving the MDGs for women and girls owing to negative impacts on women s and girls access to health and welfare services, economic opportunities and political participation, and high levels of violence.] (Note: consolidated with elements of 9 and 9 quin) 4

5 9 ter. - moved to after 20 bis and consolidated with 9 ter, 6 bis/quat/quin and 22bis 9 quat. - moved to after 20 bis 9 quin. [The Commission is also concerned that the MDGs are least likely to be achieved for women and girls in countries affected by natural disasters.] [It further notes that women human rights defenders are at particular risk of violence and that efforts to end impunity related to gender-based violence in conflict and non-conflict situations by state and non-state actors still fall short. (Note: to be consolidated with related language)] 5 ter. [The Commission is deeply aware that climate change poses a huge threat to the achievement of the MDGs and any future development agenda, noting that the adverse effects of climate change have a range of direct and indirect implications for the effective enjoyment of human rights and that the effects of climate change will be felt most acutely by those segments of the population that are already vulnerable owing to geography, gender, age, indigenous or minority status, or disability. It further recognizes that the loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change includes, and in some cases involves, more than that which can be reduced by adaptation, posing a real and existential threat to the achievement of all MDGs within many Small Island Developing States and coastal developing states.] (Note: moved here to be after 9 quin) 10. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger) [the feminization of poverty persists] [and women and girls still constitute one of the most affected groups.] [It also notes that poverty-reduction remains an arduous task.] [It further notes that] significant gender gaps in employment rates [and wages] persist. [The Commission is concerned] that women are more likely than men to be in: [precarious,] vulnerable, [sex-stereotyped,] [and low paying] forms of employment; [employed in the informal economy]; [bear the burden of unpaid care work;] and have less access to [full employment,] social protection [and pension rights which increases their risk of poverty in old age]. [The Commission is further concerned that the targets on hunger also remain unmet, with adverse consequences on the health, livelihoods and well-being of women.] [It notes the importance of food [security] and nutrition [security] for achieving MDG 1, the need to address the gender dimension and the empowerment of women in the fight against hunger, and recognizes that insufficient priority is given to addressing under-nutrition in women and girls.][the Commission also notes that both girls and older women face different and particular challenges and vulnerability to extreme poverty and hunger and that these need to be taken duly into account in addressing gender gaps related to the achievement of MDG 1.] 10 bis. NEW [The Commission expresses further concern in regard to MDG 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger) over persistent socio-economic conditions resulting in the accelerated feminization of poverty and the growing disparity between the minimum 5

6 wage earned by women workers and a living wage that provides women with decent and dignified living conditions for themselves and their families.] [The Commission notes that current poverty measures do not adequately depict women s vulnerability to poverty due to inadequate data on income distribution within households. Because of several factors, including discriminatory social norms that restrict their right to paid work, their caring responsibilities, and [gender-based] disparities in labour markets, women either have lower incomes or are more likely than men to be without an income of their own. These factors contribute significantly to their increased risk of poverty, relative to men, particularly if they are living in households without other adult earners.] [It further notes that discriminatory social norms contribute to women s and girls greater vulnerability to extreme poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition.] (Note: compiled by FACILITATOR with elements from 10 on factors contributing to women s and girls poverty and data challenges consolidated with g bis) 11. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 2 (Achieve universal primary education) [significant progress has been made [in net primary school enrollment and] towards achieving] gender parity in primary education enrolment [but expresses concern that the heavy focus on attendance has come at the cost of educational quality and learning outcomes, and has failed to increase access to secondary education, which has been shown to contribute more strongly than primary school attendance to the achievement of gender equality and women s rights and several positive social and economic outcomes]. [The majority of youth lacking basic education are young women]. [Notwithstanding the progress made, more needs to be done where progress remains uneven within groups and between countries and insufficient to achieve the targets by 2015.] (Note: consolidated with 11 bis) 11 bis. - consolidated with The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women) progress has been slow with persistent gender gaps in secondary and tertiary education enrolment, [the lack of women s economic autonomy, lack of measures to reconcile care and professional life], [lack of economic empowerment of girls and women of all ages, including their full integration into the formal economy, unequal pay for equal work, unequal access to full employment and decent work, unpaid care work,] [the persistence of discriminatory attitudes, social norms and stereotypes,] [the lack of social protection and insurance,] women remaining significantly under-represented in non-agricultural wage employment [while over-represented in low paid jobs and sexstereotyped jobs like domestic and care work]. [It also notes] a low proportion [and unequal participation] of women [at all levels of political, public and economic decision making, including] in national parliaments and [other governance structures, peace processes and post conflict transitional governance]. 12 bis. consolidated with 12 6

7 13. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 4 (Reduce child mortality) [taking into account the important interconnections between women's and children's health and gender equality,] significant progress has been made in reducing child mortality globally [including through the efforts to eliminate new HIV infections and vertical transmissions in children,] but the targets [would be missed]. [The Commission notes with deep concern that child deaths in the first month of life have increased and are concentrated in the poorest regions and further expresses concern that children are at greater risk of dying before the age of five if they are born in rural areas.] The Commission also notes [with concern] that some regions have higher female under-five mortality rates [due to] [discriminatory] [practices] [that discriminate against girls] [reflecting discriminatory practices related to son preference]. (Note: consolidated with para 13bis) 13. bis. - consolidated with para bis. [The Commission notes the interconnection between child mortality and gender equality, and that to accelerate progress on MDG4, women s access to health-care services, sanitation and housing must be improved, as well as a greater focus on mothers education and nutrition, and marriage at a later age. The discriminatory treatment of girls such as [prenatal sex selection, forced abortion] infanticide, inadequate nutrition and neglect, must also be addressed.] (Note: moved here to be after 13 bis.) 13 ter. - moved to after 15 alt 14. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 5 (Improve maternal health) progress has been especially slow [and uneven] [particularly among the poorest and rural sectors of the population,] [including in achieving the target on universal access to reproductive health (Target 5b).] It also notes that there continues to be unacceptably high numbers of [early pregnancies,] [preventable] maternal deaths [and injuries] [particularly in the case of adolescent mothers,] [as a result of [unsafe] abortions,] [complications related to HIV and AIDS,] [adolescent pregnancies,] [high adolescent childbearing rates,] [pregnancy and childbearing at a young age] [child, early and forced marriages] [lack of universal access to sexual and reproductive health [care] and services,] [the lack of emergency obstetric services and skilled attendance at delivery,] [and poor nutrition and heavy workload among expectant mothers and inadequate referral systems]. [The Commission further notes that significant gaps in funding remain, and as a result] a significant number of women [and adolescent girls] [and girls] [youth and adolescents] [in particular for the most marginalized groups] [have an unmet need for] [do not have access to] [family planning,] [contraception services,] [and safe and effective contraceptives] [sexual and reproductive health services, information, and education] [and other health services,] [quality health care, including prenatal, delivery and postnatal care for mother and infant.] [The Commission also notes that challenges in global health, including inequalities and vulnerabilities within and among countries, regions and populations, still remain.] [The Commission recognizes that most instances of maternal mortality and morbidity are preventable, and that preventable maternal 7

8 mortality and morbidity is a health, development and human rights challenge that also requires the effective promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls, in particular their right to be equal in dignity, to education, to be free to seek, receive and impart information, to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress, to freedom from discrimination, and to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.] [The Commission also reaffirms that national gender-sensitive health programmes should address the needs of women throughout their lives and take in account the diversity of women s needs arising from age and socio-economic and cultural differences, among others.] 14 bis. - moved to after 13 bis. 14 ter. [The Commission acknowledges the importance of civil registration systems and vital statistics, in the protection of children and women from abuses and exploitation, human trafficking and the protection of their rights.] 15. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases) progress has been limited, with the number of women living with HIV increasing globally since It also notes the particular vulnerability of [girls and] [adolescents] young women [transgender women and sex workers] [women in prostitution] [women in situations of conflict or disaster] [and women in other vulnerable groups] to HIV infection. [It stresses that structural gender inequalities and violence against women and girls undermine effective HIV responses] [and the need to give full attention to increasing the capacity of women and adolescent girls to protect themselves from the risk of HIV infection, including through the provision of health services, inter alia, sexual and reproductive health, as well as full access to] [comprehensive information and education] [comprehensive sexuality education]. [It further notes the challenges faced by women and girls living with HIV and AIDS including stigma, discrimination and violence.] 15 bis. The Commission further notes that, despite increased global and national investments in malaria control which have resulted in decreasing the burden of malaria in many countries and the elimination of malaria in some countries, malaria prevention and control efforts must rapidly increase in order to reach the internationally agreed development goals, including the millennium development goals.] (based on PP 14 or 15 of A/RES/67/299). (Note: consider to merge into 15) 13 ter. [The Commission recognizes that child, early, and forced marriage is a widespread harmful practice that affects approximately 14 million girls every year, hindering the advancement of MDGS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The Commission reinforces the international community s concern about child, early, and forced marriage, including through the adoption by consensus of resolutions at the Human Rights Council s 24th session and the United Nations General Assembly s 68th session on this issue, and the intention to consider including child, early and forced marriage in the post-2015 development agenda.] 8

9 16. The Commission notes that in regard to MDG 7 (Environmental sustainability) while progress globally has been made in access to safe drinking water, progress on access to basic sanitation has been particularly slow, [with] [and] the target [is] likely to be missed, [with [serious] [and discriminatory] implications for women and girls,] [especially those living in vulnerable conditions] [especially women and girls with disabilities]. [The Commission expresses concern that the lack of access to water particularly affects women and girls, who are usually responsible for its collection. The Commission further notes that the lack of adequate sanitation facilities disproportionately affects women and girls, including their labour force and school participation rates and increases their vulnerability to violence because of the practice of open defecation]. (Note: consolidated with 16 bis) 16 bis. Consolidated into ter. NEW [The Commission also notes an increase in desertification, deforestation and natural disasters and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls due to gender inequalities, and the dependence of many women on natural resources for their livelihoods and the burden of unpaid care work]. [The Commission also takes note of the critical links between environmental sustainability and production and consumption patterns, climate change, urbanization, disaster risk reduction, management of commons, including forests and oceans, and their impact on women s livelihoods, migration patterns, and health.] (Note: compiled by FACILITATOR, consolidation of elements climate change, natural disasters from 16) 17. The Commission notes [that] in regard to MDG 8 (A global partnership for development) the [importance of official development assistance, combined with domestic resource mobilization and effective national policies, in supporting gender equality]/ [ODA has slowed down and dropped, and] the [share] of [official development assistance] [development resources] [including] [in support of gender equality and women s empowerment [has remained inadequate] [and even decreased]. It also notes that a gender gap in access to information and communication technologies persists. [It also underscores the need for partnerships for global health to ensure the promotion of effective implementation of universal health coverage on the basis of solidarity, at the national and international level.] [The Commission also notes that global economic crises and the shifts to austerity measures have impacted women and girls negatively, with reduction in investment in social sectors.] 17 bis. Moved to after 20 bis and 9 quat below 18. The Commission is concerned that several indicators to monitor the MDGs [are not disaggregated by sex, age, disability, geography, income or marginalized grouping and] do not provide any information about the situation of women and girls [throughout their life cycle] [and institution of the family], including those on poverty, hunger, environmental sustainability and global partnership for development [while others are still limited, such as those related to MDG 3, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria]. [Where 9

10 women s situations have been captured, they have relied on quantitative data rather than qualitative and experiential evidence that capture the reality of women s lives.] [This is particularly important in the light of the adverse impact of global economic crises on the family and women victims of violence.] 19. The Commission is concerned that [the indicators for monitoring the MDGs do not provide a comprehensive perspective of the situation faced by women and girls at every stage in their lives and] several critical gender equality [and empowerment of women] issues were not [adequately addressed] by the MDGs such as violence against women and girls, women s [and girls ] disproportionate share of [unpaid work, particularly] unpaid care work, [employment in the informal sector,] [paid but sex-stereotyped work, particularly domestic work], [women s equal opportunities and access to work,] women s equal access to [and control of] assets and productive resources [including land, women's inheritance rights], the gender wage gap, [child, early and forced marriage;] women s [and adolescents ] sexual and reproductive health and [reproductive] rights [in accordance with the ICPD] [women s right to health, including sexual and reproductive health] [,accountability for violations of women s human rights] and women s [full and] equal participation [in private and public sector decision-making roles] at all levels. The Commission recognizes that [that unless] [all dimensions of gender inequality are addressed, gender equality, [the empowerment of women] [and the realization of] women s [and girls human] rights [cannot be achieved]. [The Commission further recognizes that gender equality, the empowerment of women and the realization of women s and girls human rights are key to addressing the unfinished business of the MDGs and accelerating global development beyond 2015]. (Note: consolidated with 19 bis and some elements merged into 8 bis) 19 bis. consolidated into 19 and 8 bis 19 ter. [The Commission is concerned that promulgating and applying unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations have impeded the full implementation of the MDGs on some developing countries.] 19 quat. Moved to after 20 bis and 9 ter below 20. The Commission recognizes that progress [in the achievement of] [on all] the MDGs for women and girls has been [held back] [hampered by] [in certain parts of the world] [due to the] [persistence of [poverty and] [historical and structural] unequal [and imbalanced] power relations] [between women and men,] [structural inequalities and disadvantages in access to resources and opportunities that limit women s and girls capabilities,] [unequal access by women to productive resources, lack of participation in the formal economy and in decision making] [exclusion from decision-making,] and [growing gaps in equality of opportunity,] discriminatory laws, [policies,] [negative] social norms, [attitudes,] [harmful customary or traditional] practices [and] [gender] [stereotypes] [that denigrate women], [cultural prejudice] [and violence against women and girls]. [It 10

11 also recognizes that substantive equality for women and girls cannot be achieved simply through equalizing down the conditions of men and boys, who are also key actors in achieving equality between women and men.] 20 bis. [The Commission also recognizes that the persistence of obstacles in the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls has hampered the achievement of the MDG s, and requires States to take action in a comprehensive and holistic manner, recognizing the linkages between violence against women and girls and other issues, such as education, financial dependence, lack of women s empowerment, health, HIV and AIDS, poverty eradication, food security, peace and security, humanitarian assistance and crime prevention.] 8 ter [The Commission strongly condemns all forms of violence against women and girls. It expresses deep concern that discrimination and violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, bullying, sexual exploitation, forced sterilization and forced abortion, cohesive/forced use of contraceptives, female infanticide and prenatal sex selection continue to occur in all parts of the world. The Commission notes that those are impediments to the development of their full potential as equal partners with men in all aspects of life, as well as obstacles to the achievement of the MDGs.] 9 ter with 6 bis/quat/quin and 22 bis. [The Commission stresses that women s economic independence, women s full integration into the formal economy and women s participation in economic decision-making is essential to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Commission recognizes this requires changing the current gender-based division of labour into new economic structures where women and men enjoy equal treatment. The Commission recognizes that obstacles to women s empowerment are directly related to the absence of economic opportunities and autonomy, lack of access to economic and productive resources, lack of access to quality education and participation in the decision-making process. The exclusion from social policies and from the benefits of sustainable development can place them at increased risk of violence, and that violence against women impedes the social and economic development of societies and States. The Commission further recognizes that investing in women and girls has a multiplier effect on productivity, efficiency and sustained economic growth.] (Note: consolidated with 6 bis/quat/quin and 22 bis and moved here to be after 20 bis) 19 quat. [The Commission recognizes that caregiving is a critical societal function which involves a social co-responsibility and that care work, both paid and unpaid, and care services are of key importance in achieving the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.] 9 quat. [The Commission recognizes that root causes of growing inequality within and between countries represent an urgent challenge with multiple implications for the realization of the economic and social rights of women and girls and the achievement of the 11

12 MDGs.] (Note: moved here to be after 22 bis, which is consolidated with, inter alia, 9ter; consider to merge with 17 bis) 17 bis. [The Commission recognizes that growing inequality and impediments to resource allocation within and between countries represents an urgent challenge with multiple implications for the realization of economic and social rights of women and girls and the achievement of MDGs. It also recognizes that extreme inequality in income distribution endangers the pace and sustainability of growth over the long term.] (Note: Consider to merge with 9 quat) 21. The Commission [recognizes] [expresses deep concern] that the [implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and] the achievement of the MDGs for women and girls [has been] [may be] adversely [and disproportionately] affected [compared with men and boys] by the impacts of [several ongoing and interrelated crises including] the world financial and economic [crises] [crisis], [unilateral sanctions,] [conflicts,] volatile [food and] energy prices, [health expenditures,] [armed] [conflict] [and insecurity], [natural disasters,] [human rights] [ongoing and new conflicts, natural disasters,] [food] [and nutrition] [insecurity] and [care crises,] [and environmental crises resulting in, inter alia,] climate change [which disproportionately affect women and girls.] (Note: consolidated with the first sentence of 21 bis) 21 bis. These crises reflect the need for a shift from the current economic model, which perpetuates gender inequality and women s poverty. The Commission recognizes that one of the responses to recent volatility in food and energy markets has been a growth in the acquisition or long-term lease of large portions of arable land in developing countries, which has had serious implications for rural women living in poverty, the majority of whom rely on access to land and other natural resources for their livelihoods and food sovereignty.] (Note: first sentence was consolidated into 21) 21 ter. [The Commission recognizes that The Millennium Development Goals have not captured the gender dimensions of hunger and malnutrition. Spikes in food prices and shortages have adverse impacts on the livelihoods and well-being of both urban and rural women. Women s access to technology, market, credits and control over assets and productive resources are fundamental for achieving food security and sustainable livelihoods.] (Note: consider streamlining first sentence into para 18) 21 quat. - consolidated with 5 sext/sept/oct/nov/dec, 4 ter/quat and 6 sext (see 5 sext) 22. The Commission further recognizes that progress on the MDGs for women and girls has been limited due to the lack of [a holistic approach to gender equality, the lack of political will and financial resources to achieve full gender equality, as well as the lack of] systematic gender mainstreaming and integration of a gender perspective [and the lack of [investment in] data disaggregated by sex, age, disability and other relevant factors,] in the design, implementation [and monitoring] of the MDGs [and the lack of capacity building and gender expertise]. 12

13 22 bis. Consolidated with 9 ter, 6 bis/quat/quin and and moved after 20 bis 22 ter. NEW [The Commission observes that progress cannot be achieved without effectively harnessing the synergies of equality between women and men and all of the Millennium Development Goals.] (Note: consider consolidating into 8 bis) 23. The Commission also recognizes that insufficient priority given to and significant underinvestment in gender equality, [the realization of] [women s [human] rights] and the empowerment of women continue to limit progress on the MDGs for girls [and women of all ages] [in all their diversity] [their families and communities, and for social, economic and environmental sustainable development]. It stresses [that] [the importance of] [the allocation of] resources to achieve gender equality through domestic, [regional and international] resource mobilization and official development assistance [remains] [a concern]. 23 bis. [The Commission also recognizes that women s social and economic contributions to the welfare of the family and the social significance of maternity and paternity continue to be inadequately addressed including in the context of achieving MDGs.] (Note: language on family to be addressed together) 23 ter. [The Commission also recognizes that persons with disabilities were not explicitly accounted for in the MDGs, or their related targets and indicators, and as a result there has been a lack of specific policy commitments and accountability mechanisms for ensuring that women and girls disabilities are included in efforts to achieve the goals. The commission calls for action by all relevant stakeholders towards the adoption and implementation of more ambitious disability-inclusive national development strategies.] (Note: language on disability to be addressed together) 24. and bb alt. The Commission also recognizes that [gender-responsive] [genderdifferentiated] [effective] monitoring of the MDGs [to assess inequalities between women and men and the wellbeing of women] has been limited due to a lack of [investment in] [and the consistent collection and utilization of sex and age disaggregated data], [development and use of reliable, integrated] [gender-sensitive indicators and] [statistics] [disaggregated by sex] and [data, disaggregated by [gender], sex, age, disability, location and other relevant factors] [and that goals, targets and indicators, including, where appropriate, gender sensitive indicators, are valuable in measuring and accelerating progress, and enhanced by voluntarily sharing information, knowledge and experience;] (Note: consolidated with bb alt) 25. [In accelerating the achievement of the MDGs and [laying the ground for] [prioritization] [mainstreaming, as appropriate] [of] [effectively addressing] [achieving] gender equality [,women s empowerment and] [realization of] [women s] [and girls ] [human] [rights] [and] [women s empowerment] [empowerment of women] [and girls] [throughout the life cycle] [and their full enjoyment of all human rights] in [the context of] the post

14 development agenda, [the Commission urges States to tackle critical remaining challenges through a human rights based transformative approach, grounded in international human rights obligations; and] the Commission [also] calls on States to: [realize] [promote] [women s and girls ] [full enjoyment of all human] rights [of girls and women of all ages]; strengthen the enabling environment for gender equality [and empowerment of women at all levels] [and social inclusion] [including preventing and responding to gender-based violence] [and ensure women s participation and leadership]; [maximize] [review] investments in gender equality [,women s empowerment] [and] [women s] [and girls ] [human] [rights] [the rights of women] [the empowerment of women] [and girls] [and their full enjoyment of all human rights]; strengthen the evidence-base for gender equality [and empowerment of women] [and women s empowerment]; [and] [to] [ensure] [promote] [women s] [effective leadership and] [participation [of women and girls] [in all sectors and spheres of society] at all levels [of decision-making] [of political and economic decision making] and [for all MDGs] [strengthen] [monitoring and] [accountability] [follow up mechanisms] [at local, national, regional and global levels] [at all levels] [, recognizing the crucial importance of civil society for the empowerment of women]. (Note: was not discussed in first reading) 25 bis. [The Commission acknowledges the important role of national machineries for the advancement of women, the relevant contribution of national human rights institutions where they exist, and the important role of civil society, especially women s organizations, in advancing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, MDGs and Post-2015 development framework]. [The Commission considers the major contributions made by feminist and women s movements and civil society organizations in placing the interests, needs, and vision of women on national, regional, and international agendas, and the achievements, challenges, and efforts of gender equality mechanisms in working for policies of equality between women and men.] (Note: consolidated with 7 ter) 25 ter. [The Commission reaffirms the sovereign right of each country to implement the recommendations in the present document, consistent with national laws and development priorities with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of its people, and in conformity with universally recognized international human rights. 26. Therefore, the Commission urges governments, [including local authorities,] [at all levels] [and/or as appropriate] [in view of their national priorities,] the relevant entities of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, [international financial and trade institutions,] women s and other civil society organizations, [within their respective mandates,] [community and religious leaders] [National Human Rights Institutions,] [academe] [trade unions, media] and the private sector, [as applicable,] to take the following actions at the [grassroots, local,] national, regional, and global levels, [as appropriate]: 26 alt. [The Commission urges Governments and/or, as appropriate, the relevant entities of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, within their respective 14

15 mandates and bearing in mind national priorities, and invites national human rights institutions where they exist, and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other relevant actors, to take the following actions, as appropriate. A. [Realizing] [Promoting] women s and girls [full enjoyment of all human] rights [Alternative title: Accelerating gender responsive sustainable development] (a) [Ratify] [Consider ratifying] [or acceding to, as a matter of priority] [and fully] [implement] [and implementing] [the Convention on the Rights of the Child,] the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, [review, and where appropriate,] [withdraw] [withdrawing] [limit the extent of any] [all reservations to the Convention, and] [ratify] [ratifying] [or] [accede] [acceding] [consider ratifying or acceding] [to its Optional Protocol]; (a) alt. [Consider ratifying or acceding to, as a particular matter of priority, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child and their respective Optional Protocols, limit the extent of any reservations, formulate any such reservations as precisely and as narrowly as possible in order to ensure that no reservations are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Conventions, review their reservations regularly with a view to withdrawing them and withdraw reservations that are contrary to the object and purpose of the relevant treaty; and implement them fully by, inter alia, putting in place effective national legislation and policies, and encourages State parties in their reporting to relevant treaty bodies;] (a) bis. [Participate in the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, which will result in an outcome document that should, inter alia, promote the achievement of all internationally agreed development goals. The Commission also encourages participation of indigenous women and girls; (flexible on placement)] (b) [Ensure] [Accelerate compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and] full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action [and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development] [and the key actions for their further implementation and the outcomes of their review conferences and the outcomes of the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Population and Development] [to achieve MDGs for women and girls] [through national laws and the formulation of strategies, policies, programmes and development priorities, which is the sovereign responsibility of each State, in conformity with all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the significance of and full respect for various religious and ethical values, cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions of individuals and their communities recognizing that doing so should contribute to the full enjoyment by women of their human rights in order to achieve equality, development and peace]; 15

16 (b) bis. [Use all relevant international instruments to strengthen conflict prevention, including the Geneva Conventions and their Optional Protocols, and hold perpetrators of violence accountable for international human rights and international humanitarian law;] (c) Eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls [in all their diversity] through: the [development,] adoption and accelerated and effective implementation [and monitoring] of laws and comprehensive policy measures [including temporary special measures where needed]; the removal [, where they exist,] of discriminatory [and punitive] provisions in legal frameworks; and [setting up] [legal, policy, administrative and other] comprehensive measures [including temporary special measures, where appropriate] to ensure women s [and girls ] [equal] [effective] access to justice [, land ownership and inheritance] [and accountability for violations of women s human rights]; (c) bis. - consolidated with s (d) Implement concrete and long-term measures to transform discriminatory [and negative] social norms and [gender] stereotypes [including those that limit women s roles to being mothers and caregivers,] and [end] [eliminate] [harmful] [customary] [traditional] practices [that denigrate women] [including, inter alia, child, early and forced marriage, early pregnancy, and female genital mutilation [/cutting],] [and honor crimes,] [in order] to [promote] [achieve] [achieve full] gender equality and [women s] [and girls ] empowerment [from a human rights perspective] [and the full realization of the human rights of women and girls]; (d) bis. [Take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, educational and other measures to protect and promote the rights of women and girls with disabilities as they are more vulnerable to all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse, including in the workplace, educational institutions, the home, and other settings,] [well-funded shelters and relief support for girls and women subjected to violence, as well as medical, psychological and other counselling services] (d) ter. consolidated into o bis (e) [Work] [Fully engage] with [community leaders,] men and boys as strategic partners and allies in the elimination of all forms of discrimination [and violence] against women and girls [in all their diversity] [in the family and in society, design and implement national policies that aim at transforming those social norms that condone violence against women and girls, and work to counteract attitudes by which women and girls are regarded as subordinate to men and boys,] [including by understanding and addressing the root causes of gender inequality such as unequal power relations, social norms, practices and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination against women and girls,] [and engage them to promote and achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women]; 16

17 (e) bis. [Support, protect and put an end to the harassment, criminalization and aggression aimed at women human rights defenders who face heightened risks and vulnerabilities due to their work on specific rights/issues;] (Note: to be consolidated into para on women human rights defenders) (e) ter. - consolidated with new ee, ee, hh bis (see ee) (f) [Adopt and] implement specific [and targeted] measures [for the most [marginalized] [and vulnerable] [disadvantaged] groups and [to achieve MDGs] for women and girls [, including those] who experience [diverse,] multiple [and intersecting] forms of discrimination [and inequalities] [based on gender, age, income, ethnicity, race, disability, HIV status, sexual orientation and gender identity, or any other factor] [and inequalities], [including those affected by conflict or disaster], (i) sept. [Enact and implement legislation to protect, support and empower child headed households, in particular the girl child, and include provisions to ensure their economic well-being, access to health care services, nutrition, clean water and sanitation, shelter and education, inheritance, and ensure that the family is protected and assisted to stay together;] (g) Address the multiple [and intersecting] factors contributing to [women s powerty] [the disproportionate negative impact of poverty on women of] [and girls ] [over the lifecycle], [including intra-household gender inequalities in allocation of resources, opportunities and power,] [by enhancing women s participation,] [full accessibility and inclusion], ensuring [women s] [civil, political,] [economic], [social] [and cultural] [rights], [including right to development,] [respecting, promoting and realizing the fundamental principles and rights at work,] [including rights related to] [equal access to full] employment and decent work, women s full integration in the formal economy, a living wage, and equal pay for work of equal value,] [fulfilling governments legally binding obligations to guarantee the realization of women s rights to inheritance and property,] [improving women s] [access to] health [care and services], [including sexual and reproductive health,] education, [justice,] social protection, and [promoting] an adequate standard of living, including the right to [safe, sufficient and nutritious] food [and nutrition] [security] [and adequate nutrition,] [safe drinking] water [and sanitation,] and [access to] housing [;and ensuring the protection of all these rights and access to basic social services for the migrant women and girls, regardless their immigration status], [ensure the protection of all of these rights for migrants, including refraining from criminalization of migration and guaranteeing access to basic social services in education and health, regardless of their migration status with special attention to highly vulnerable groups, including women who are victims of violence, trafficking, and 17