Mr. President,
Sweden associates itself fully with the statement made by Luxembourg on behalf of the EU, and would like to take this opportunity to make some additional points, this time on the development and human rights part of the 2005 agenda.
My points are based on our conviction that sustainable and equitable global development is a goal in itself. At the same time, development is crucial for peace and security - and peace and security are prerequisites for development. Underlying all this, we believe that a collaborative approach based on genuine partnership and shared responsibility is key to achieving the MDGs and poverty eradication.
There are a few areas where Sweden sees a particular need for further action and commitments in order to achieve the MDGs:
1. ODAPledges of increases in ODA volume are encouraging, but increases are not rapid enough. All developed countries should strive to achieve the long-standing ODA-target of 0,7 % of GNI as soon as possible, as well as direct 0,25 % of ODA towards Least Developed Countries. Targets and concrete timetables have shown themselves useful in the process. Sweden agrees with the idea of a new ODA target for 0,54 % of GNI by the year 2009, with the goal of achieving 0,7% of GNI at the latest by the year 2015. We also encourage the exploration of alternative sources of financing.
2.Trade Market access for goods and services must be substantially improved for poor countries. Trade distorting subsidies, such as agricultural subsidies, need to be phased out. Substantial reductions in tariffs are necessary. So is transparency in non-tariff barriers. More must be done to support developing countries' capability to benefit from international trade.
3. Environmental sustainabilityMDG 7 has been one of the most neglected MDGs up to now. This is a matter of particular concern because of the multitude of interlinkages between achieving MDG7 and making simultaneous progress on other MDGs. Progress needs to be made on reaching the targets and objectives adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Sweden proposes that a time bound target be agreed for integrating issues of environmental sustainability into poverty reduction strategies (PRSP's).
4. Sexual and reproductive health. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are directly linked to the successful implementation of the MDGs, in particular MDG 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The MDGs cannot be attained without progress in achieving the International conference on Population and development goal of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all in 2015. Sweden underlines that sexual and reproductive health and rights are essential components of HIV/AIDS prevention. We support the Millennium Development Project proposal to establish a specific target and accompanying indicators on universal access to sexual and reproductive health services by 2015.
5. UN development activitiesReforms are required to ensure the continued relevance of the UN in humanitarian and development operational activities. In particular, there is a need to provide adequate, long-term and more predictable funding of the funds and programs, through alternative means of funding such as negotiated contributions. In the short term, we should strive for binding multi-year pledges. We also need to set a firm time limit for achieving full implementation of UN Country Team reform.
6. GenderSweden has noted with regret the lack of a gender perspective in the report of the High Level Panel and therefore would like to point out, what should be obvious, the obligation of all states to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by women. This is essential for peace, security, democracy, and sustainable economic and social development.
7. Human RightsAll parts of the United Nations system should be mandated to concretely implement relevant human rights related decisions. This should include effectively linking the human rights programs with peace keeping and peace building activities in the field, as well as strengthening the UN system at national level to assist governments in implementing their human rights obligations.
Sweden also agrees that there is a clear contradiction between a regular budget allocation of 2 percent for the OHCHR and the obligation under the Charter of the United Nations to make the promotion and protection of human rights one of the principal objectives of the Organization. Sweden therefore proposes that the High-Level meeting should make a commitment to raise the level to 5 percent of the regular budget within a given deadline, say by 2010.
Lastly, Mr. President, let me highlight two issues related to institutional reform:
ECOSOC needs to be made more relevant. It should address economic and social issues of immediate concern to the international community. It should be made into a development cooperation forum and monitor progress and measure Member States' commitments to achieving the MDGs. Peacebuilding activites should be linked to a reformed ECOSOC.
Commission of Human RightsSweden welcomes the recommendation of the High Level Panel to make the membership of the Commission on Human Rights universal. Although such a decision would not solve all the problems that the Commission is facing, it would underscore that all members of the United Nations are committed by the Charter to the promotion and protection of human rights, and would likely increase the credibility and legitimacy of the Commission.
Thank you Mr. President