Delegation of Japan

Represented by the University of Tuebingen Position Paper for the Security Council-B

The issues before the Security Council are: Security Council Reform; International Instruments to Mitigate the Threat of the Use of Nuclear Weapons by Terrorists; and Strengthening SC Resolution 1267 (1999) Concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban. I. Security Council Reform We need a new United Nations for the new era. This statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi rings true today more than ever. Indeed, Japan is fully convinced that a reform of the UNSC is imperative for increased effectiveness and legitimacy of the body. In Japans view, the Councils membership is still reflective of outdated political realities in which membership in the UN was still relatively low, and the SCs permanent members were representative of the most powerful states in the international community. Todays SC not only fails to represent the sheer diversity of UN membership, but also fails to accurately empower those making the greatest financial and peace-keeping contributions to the organization. Noting this, Japan sees comprehensive SC reform as a matter which can no longer be ignored. Japan refers to the Security Councilss decision to expand its nonpermanent membership in 1965 via GA Res. 1991 (XVIII): Question of Equitable Representation on the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council as a true display of its ability to adapt to the ever-changing international environment. Additionally, Japan reiterates its commitment to a comprehensive SC reform, as suggested in the United Nations Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2), and more recently in GA Res. 60/1:World Summit Outcome. Japan, itself abstaining from the maintenance an offensive military force, has been and remains highly dependent on the UNs ability to guarentee international peace and security. Japan has taken a strong lead in UN reform measures in previous decades, the fruits of which finally coalesced in GA Res. 48/26. This resolution served to establish an Open-ended Working Group to consider all aspects of a potential increase in the membership of the Security Council, thus acknowledging the need for a decision-making body strong enough to face the new threats to international security. Since then, Japan has continued to do its part in keeping this topic on the agenda, and would like to take a more active role in the support of international peace-keeping and -making with the establishment of a permanent seat in the Council. As the worlds second largest economy, Japan contributes roughly 20% of both the UNs regular and peace-keeping budget, and feels that these financial contributions together with its many other commitments warrant a stronger voice in substantive matters. Indeed, Japan has deployed over 4,600 personnel in eight peace-keeping operations, and is the worlds leading donor of Official Development Assistance, contributing to a wide variety of initiatives on the African continent amongst others. Japan, to these ends, strongly supports reform model A, as put forward in the Report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (2004) and reinforced by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his report In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security, and Human Rights for All (2005). This model most adequately reflects Japans conviction that an extension of the Council should facilitate the involvement of those states most affected by its decisions, and recommends the inclusion of five additional permanent members two for developed countries and three for developing countries as well as four non-permanent seats. While still acknowledging the pursuit of other countries such as Germany, India, and Brazil for a permanent seat, Japan feels its role in the UN to be unique and deservant of special consideration for this great responsibility. II. International Instruments to Mitigate the Threat of the Use of Nuclear Weapons by Terrorists As the only nation to have witnessed nuclear devastation, Japan firmly believes that nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament are essential for international peace and security. Hence, Japan is strongly committed to the nonproliferation regime and views the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) (1970) as its centerpiece. For the NPT to work effectively, Japan advocates not only full compliance with the treaty itself, but also with its verification mechanism - the International Atomic Energy Agency Statute (1957) and its additional protocols. Since the acquisition of nuclear weapons by terrorists represents one of the most heinous threats in the world today, Japan strongly believes that this threat needs to be addressed on a variety of fronts. This includes denying terrorists access to nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material, complemented by a vigilant watch over states capable of spreading such capabilities. Assistance must also be provided to countries not yet in possession of the necessary capacities to adequately control their nuclear material. Additionally, the capacity for the establishment and maintenance of a domestic legal framework for the criminalization and prosecution of actions which may jeopardize the safety of stored nuclear material should be enhanced.

Japans deep dedication to a peaceful world, free from the threat of nuclear devastation, was evident as early as 1967, when it promoted the Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan. Consequently, Japan is party to all relevant treaties and has made substantial contributions in support of the Additional Protocol to the International Atomic Energy Agency Statute. Japans commitment to the issues is also demonstrated in its annual submission of Draft Resolution on the Nuclear Disarmament with a view to the Ultimate Elimination of Nuclear Weapons to the General Assemly First Committee since 1994, which has always been adopted with overwhelming support. In addition, Japans strong support of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (1980) is evident in its participation in the Conventionss drafting, as well as in its assistance towards states unable to carry out effective measures to physically protect their nuclear material, especially in the Asian-Pacific Region. Japan further considers the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) an important step in the fight against nuclear material getting into the hands of terrorists and the effective prosecution of non-state actors endangering international peace and security. Japan is convinced that while there have been important positive developments in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament, the international community has yet a long way to go. Japan therefore strongly encourages all states to become members to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (1996), and to ratify its contents as soon as possible. Japan also notes with deep concern the inability of the international community to conclude comprehensive negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). Japan consequently encourages those previously not willing to participate in the treaty to reconsider. Furthermore, Japan has been active in the implementation of SC Res. 1540 (2004), and urges all states to follow suit. Special attention should be devoted to countries currently in a state of non-compliance with their international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA Safeguards. Finally, Japan strongly welcomes initiatives like the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) presented by U.S. in 2003, which enables the international community to react to future threats in a more timely and effective manner and thus represents an important step toward a more secure world. III. Strengthening SC Resolution 1267 (1999) Concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban Japan is convinced that terrorism must be combated at its roots. In the aftermath of the 1988 terrorist bombings of U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, this strategy was put to the test and formally addressed in SC Res. 1267 (1999). It was within this committee that the UN first imposed financial sanctions on Al Qaeda and its Taliban supporters. Having recently been declared a terrorist target by Al Qaeda, Japan remains all the more vigilant in matters pertaining to the terrorist threat and advocates the cumulative endorsements of SC Res. 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), 1390 (2002), 1455 (2003), 1526 (2004), and 1617 (2005). Measures explicitly recommended in these documents include the establishment of an international legal framework to bring terrorists to justice, and sanctions aimed at freezing terrorist assets and funds. Additionally, in order to prevent the formation of terrorist safe-havens, immigration controls are strongly recommended, just as reinforced arms controls are endorsed for the purpose of curbing terrorist armament. Japan has been active in establishing more effective sanctioning measures in conjunction with GA Res. 54/109: International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. As advocated therein, Japan encourages other states to implement the recently updated Forty Recommendations Against Money Laundering (2003) and Nine Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing (2004) as recommended by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). As full cooperation is required on a global scale, it is imperative that states unable to meet the FATF standards due to financial, infrastructural, or technological constraints receive capacity-building support. Japans commitment to these measures is reflected in the training of approximately 300 persons in counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance and substantial donations to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. It is evident that even better coordination between donor states and those in need of assistance can be achieved, for which reason Japan will continue to closely observe developments in this area. Japan deeply regrets that despite the combined efforts of the Committee Established Pursuant to SC Res. 1267 (1267 Committee, 1999) and the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) as put forth by SC Res. 1373 (2001) funding for Al Qaeda still continues. It is vital that the contents of the 1267 Committees Consolidated List of persons associated with or party to the Al Qaeda terrorist group be continually expanded and improved. Immediate updates of domestic records reflecting alterations to the list are likewise crucial to these efforts. Arms trafficking, illicit drug trade, and other unconventional sources of terrorist funding such as certain charity organisations are another strong cause of concern for Japan, and it would like to see these sources unearthed and eliminated. Japan also hopes for better coordination between the CTC, the 1267 Committee, and the Counterterrorism Action Group as mandated by the G8 in a cooperative effort between the U.S. and Japan. To conclude, Japan is strongly committed to the implementation of capacity-building and counter-terrorism measures, with a concentration on sustainable policy advances.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen Position Paper for the General Assembly Plenary

The issues before the General Assembly Plenary are: The Use of Economic Sanctions for Political and Economic Compulsion; Democracy and Human Rights in Post-Conflict Regions; and The Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa. These three topics are of utmost importance for the world community great responsibilities, but also great opportunities lie before the General Assembly. Sweden is highly committed to transforming mere possibilities into global realities, and will therefore work co-operatively in every way possible towards success within this committee. I. The Use of Economic Sanctions for Political and Economic Compulsion Sweden emphasizes that state sovereignty and independence are not, and will never be, a license for the violation of fundamental rights. The international community has the responsibility to protect persons and peoples affected by the intolerable behavior of states and their leaders. Therefore, Sweden strongly supports the use of economic sanctions for the purpose of intervening in such cases without using military force. As such, Sweden has actively helped to implement sanction regimes to condemn and impede violations of internationally agreed-upon norms. However, Sweden warns against the comprehensive and indiscriminate application of economic sanctions, since they have too often shown not to lead to the desired change in behavior, but rather to be circumvented and violated, especially by those they were intended to hit. Sweden strives to avoid negative effects on the development of targeted states, as well as the possibility of affecting third states. Sweden approves of initiatives like the Bossuyt Report (2000), which have shown the adverse effects sanctions have had on human rights in targeted countries. In this context, the Interlaken Process, sponsored by Switzerland, and the German Bonn-Berlin Process have proposed different strategies, such as financial sanctions, arms embargoes, and sanctions related to travel and aviation, for the sanctioning of regimes or individuals breaching international norms. Recognizing the value of these initiatives, Sweden is a dedicated supporter of so-called smart sanctions: a form of sanctions that only targets elites and persons de facto responsible for the action that is to be impeded. Having acknowledged the importance of the above mentioned processes, Sweden promotes the further concentration of sanctions on specific targets by means of the Stockholm Process. Swedens proposals regarding sanctions are well documented in the recommendations made in the Final Report of the Stockholm Process on the Implementation of Targeted Sanctions (2003). Sponsored by the Swedish government together with different scientific and non-governmental institutions as well as the UN Secretariat, these efforts to enhance the use of economic sanctions reflect the comprehensiveness of Swedens approach: increasing the effectiveness of sanctions while simultaneously decreasing the negative effects on societal groups, individuals and third states that bear no share of the blame. Sweden has actively participated in recent sanction regimes. As Anna Lindh, late Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, has stated, sanctions are an instrument between words and war, which can not least pave the way for democratic rule. As a concrete measure, Sweden calls for the creation of Sanctions Committees in order to monitor and report on the impartial implementation of sanction regimes as well as to regularly re-evaluate the conditions under which sanctions were imposed upon states or individuals. In Swedens view, the UN plays a key role in the monitoring and implementation of sanction regimes, as well as in the coordination of support for countries that lack the capacity to implement sanctions. It is also highly important to Sweden to avoid a conflict between the implementation of developmental goals and economic sanctions in developing countries. Sanctions Committees should therefore pay special attention to measures which serve to avoid collateral damages. II. Democracy and Human Rights in Post-Conflict Regions Sweden is convinced that the international community has the responsibility to stop human rights violations. Furthermore, the protection of human rights is intrinsically connected to the process of democratization. Sweden empasizes that respect for human rights is not only an important precondition for democratization in general, but also directly contributes to the development of democracy particularly in post-conflict regions. The basis for an international policy of human rights protection and therefore democratization is a worldwide commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), including the right to democracy; complemented by the ratification of the most important human rights conventions: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). According to Sweden, the active promotion of human rights both through bilateral dialogues and multilateral mechanisms within the United Nations, must include a right to react: It is the duty of the international community and our duty as political leaders - to act and react when human rights and fundamental freedoms are violated, as late Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Anna Lindh has pointedly put it.

Sweden suggests that the United Nations should coordinate all initiatives to implement human rights and to support democratization, since the common responsibility for the protection of human rights can only be carried into effect through multilateral efforts. Additionally, Swedish foreign policy seeks to strengthen the role of regional and subregional organizations in these fields. In consequence, Sweden welcomes GA Res. 59/201, calling for the involvement of regional and subregional organizations in peace-building processes. Furthermore, Sweden supports the creation of national action plans to improve the protection of human rights as envisaged in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (1993). Sweden also welcomes the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its contribution to the protection of human rights. Sweden is convinced that coordinated development assistance is indispensable to the promotion of the respect for human rights as well as to the furthering of democratization. The implementation of the Millennium Development Goals based on the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2) is at the core of Swedens foreign policy. Thus, Sweden highly appreciates all initiatives by industrialized countries to finally achieve the goal of spending 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) on development assistance. Additionally, Sweden urges the international community to optimize peacekeeping and peacebuilding measures in order to generate a basis for development as well as to protect human rights in post-conflict regions. In this respect, Sweden fully supports the establishment of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission. With its participation in numerous UN peacekeeping operations, Sweden strongly underlines its commitment to international peace, human rights, and democratization. III. The Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa Sweden considers a multilaterally coordinated development policy the common responsibility of all nations. As Swedish Prime Minister Gran Persson stated in 2005: The expectations are high. Let us take on the challenge and let our legacy be: no more poverty. Sweden already fulfills its obligations under the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2) and the associated Millennium Development Goals (2000), having embarked on a strategy which combines political and economic considerations. As one of the few countries having achieved the goal of spending 0.7% of their GNI on Official Development Assistance (ODA), Sweden will soon have reached its own goal of allocating even 1.0% of its GNI to ODA. However, it is in the interest of both donor and recipient countries to assure the sustainable utilization of such extensive financial help. This goal can only be reached through reforms that ensure good governance, transparency and the rule of law a fact that bears particular relevance for Africa. Sweden believes that durable peace is a precondition for sustainable development. Therefore the international community must first provide the very basis for sustainable development: conflict settlement and the establishment of durable peace. Indeed, peacekeeping remains a focal area of Swedish policy within the UN framework. Sweden approves of the proposals of the Agenda for Peace (1992), which provide a wide range of new fields for peacekeeping. Sweden also welcomes regional contributions to peacekeeping operations like those of the African Union (AU). A holistic approach to peacebuilding will enable Africa to reach important objectives like those of the Agenda 21 (1992) and the succeeding Johannesburg Summit (2002). Sweden especially highlights the multilateral character of these approaches as being the only way to reach global environmental sustainability. Therefore, Sweden also actively promotes the goals of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) and the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997), giving special attention to developing countries, where a lack of resources often makes it impossible to comply with important provisions. Sweden realizes that it is the international communitys duty to pursue a development policy which meets the special needs of the African continent. The worlds common goal has to be a strengthening of the domestic capabilities of African states in order to stop poverty and environmental degradation both of them factors that are often at the root of conflicts. In this context, one highly important step is further assistance for Africa in its fight against the malignant HIV/AIDS epidemic. On the basis of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001), Sweden calls upon all states to contribute to the fight against this disease, since it is a threat to peoples health and therefore survival, as well as to regional and even international security. Another way to strengthen the domestic capabilities of Africa is to further support the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD). Sweden fully subscribes to NEPADs understanding of Africas problems: sustainable development, security and democratization are inextricably interlinked. These goals can only be achieved together: through common efforts both of donor and recipient countries towards the implementation of good governance. Thus, Sweden is convinced beyond doubt that the combination of African initiatives and global capabilities not only has the chance to put an end to the marginalization of Africa in the process of globalization, but also to save countless lives.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen Position Paper for the General Assembly First Committee

The issues before the General Assembly First Committee are as follows: Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East; Non-State Actors and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction; and Regulating Conventional Weapons. I. Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East Sweden views the total elimination of nuclear weapons as its top priority, with non-proliferation being a means to an end, not an end in itself. As the Swedish Ambassador to the UN Anders Lidn has stated: Nonproliferation is vital. But it is not sufficient. Sweden therefore lends its unconditional support to GA Res. 58/51: Towards a Nuclear Free World: A New Agenda, of which it is a sponsor. Sweden strongly urges Nuclear Weapons States to fulfill their obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT, 1968) and disarm, deploring their unwillingness to honor their obligations under the Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Final Document of the 1995 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the NPT in respect to both disarmament and the giving of legally-binding security assurances to Non-Nuclear Weapons States. Sweden emphasizes that the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones is a means of furthering the intertwined goals of non-proliferation and disarmament. Sweden supports the creation of a Middle Eastern nuclear-weapon-free zone, believing that it would greatly enhance regional as well as global security. Sweden strongly believes that the main obstacle to the realization of a Middle Eastern nuclear-weapons-free zone is a lack of trust between the states of the region. Sweden is therefore convinced of the need for the states concerned to put their nuclear facilities under comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and of the need for universal adherence to the NPT in the region as a confidence building measure in accordance with the GA Resolutions on the Establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Region of the Middle East (most recently reaffirmed in GA Res. 60/52). Sweden calls upon all states in the region to accede to the NPT as Non-Nuclear Weapons States. Sweden is also deeply concerned by nuclear weapons being once again viewed by some states as a viable national security option, and calls upon all UN Members to take into account the International Court of Justices advisory opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons (1996). After all, the use of nuclear weapons as a tool of a nations security policy will not only weaken that states security, but the collective security of all nations. Sweden encourages the bilateral efforts taken by the United States of America and the states of the former Soviet Union, in particular the Moscow Treaty (2002) and the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction programme. It is important to note that complete, irreversible and verifiable disarmament does not entail a rejection of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Sweden accepts the need of some states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with Article IV of the NPT. Sweden is, however, deeply concerned by the Islamic Republic of Irans unwillingness to comply with IAEA inspectors and safeguards as well as by the uncooperative stance that Iran has taken with the international community. Sweden urges Iran to agree to the Russian Federations proposal of enriching uranium on Russian soil as a measure to allay the international communitys fears as to the purpose of the Iranian nuclear program, and to cease the enrichment of uranium on Iranian soil. II. Non-State Actors and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Sweden believes that the possibility of weapons of mass destructions falling into the hands of non-state actors, especially terrorists, must be prevented by all means. Sweden is party to treaties dealing with weapons of mass destruction in general, such as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (1975) and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (1992), and to treaties dealing with their possible use by terrorists, such as the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005). Sweden strongly urges other states to also become parties to these treaties. Sweden applauds the joint efforts by the U.S., the G8 and the states of the former Soviet Union under the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction programme, and encourages other Nuclear Wapons States to make full use of this or similar programmes to reduce and ultimately abolish their nuclear arsenals. Sweden has several bilateral agreements with European states relating to specific aspects of this problem, such as the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden and the Government of the Republic of Hungary on Co-operation in Combating Organized Crime, Illegal Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Terrorism and Other Forms of Serious Crime (1997), although it believes that the problem is best

solved multilaterally. Sweden fully co-operates with the Counter-Terrorism Committee and has submitted reports, as requested, detailing measures taken against terrorism and the possibility of terrorists obtaining weapons of mass destruction. Sweden calls attention to its active participation in the creation of European legislation pertaining to terrorism. It is a member of the European Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, which has recently extended its mandate to the suppression of the financing of terrorism. Sweden also draws attention to the creation of the September 11 Committee, a Swedish initiative which maps out and analyses the level of preparedness of Swedish authorities and other Swedish public agencies to deal with a potential terrorist attack on Swedish soil. Lastly, the Swedish Security Services co-operate readily with other agencies and states in the fight against terrorism. Although Sweden views weapons of mass destructions being used by non-state actors as a clear and present danger, it is also deeply troubled by the use of conventional weapons by non-state actors and their involvement in the illicit manufacture and trade of these weapons. Sweden is of the opinion that conventional weapons are indeed weapons of mass destruction, given that they kill hundreds of thousands of people across the world each year. Sweden is convinced that this death toll is due to spiraling weapons development and stockpiling and draws attention to the use of vast funds and human energy in arms manufacture that would be better used in the field of development. A lack of development and the disenchantment that it entails are factors behind the spreading of terrorism. In turn, Sweden expresses the belief that the stockpiling of all weapons of mass destruction by states, as well as inadequate surveillance of these, will inevitably lead to their falling into the hands of non-state actors. Sweden therefore strongly urges states to reduce their stockpiles of all weapons of mass destruction with a view to eliminating them. III. Regulating Conventional Weapons Sweden believes that the regulation of conventional weapons is fundamental to maintaining international peace and security. The use of conventional weapons by non-state actors, particularly in civil wars, jeopardizes not only regional security, but also international security. The international community must deal with both aspects of the regulation of conventional weapons: not only supply, but also demand. Establishing rules for the use of certain conventional weapons in warfare in such international treaties as the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminant Effects (1980) is a very important first step, but does not go far enough: the supply of conventional weapons must also be regulated. Sweden endorses the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (1998) and its emphasis on the need for destination states to conform to certain criteria, such as the respect for human rights. Sweden has set up, in line with its EU commitments, stringent legislation pertaining to the export and import of small arms and light weapons. Sweden is also deeply concerned by the possibility of legally manufactured and traded small arms and light weapons turning up in black markets and thence falling into the hands of terrorists. Sweden endorses the Programme of Action adopted at the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects (2001) and calls for more stockpile checks and the improvement of stockpile management. Sweden supports the view expressed in the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons (2000) that the accumulation of small arms and light weapons by states poses a threat to international peace and security. Sweden is utterly convinced of the need for states to reduce their small arms and light weapons stockpiles, and envisages the need for confidence-building measures as a prerequisite for their willingness to do so. It views the deactivation of small arms and light weapons stockpiles as necessary to maintaining international peace and security. Sweden is convinced that the regulation of conventional weapons goes hand in hand with the international human rights regime. States must take into account to whom or to what purpose their weapons exports are being destined. The search for profit must not be put above the value or dignity of human life. Measures taken against the supply of conventional weapons must be combined with programs for disarmament, reintegration into society of former combatants, conflict resolution, and development. Demand can, in this concerted way, be checked. Sweden strongly believes that the possible re-circulation of conventional weapons, whether de-commissioned from military use or otherwise, must also be prevented. This can be achieved through the deactivation and destruction of existing stockpiles. Sweden further recommends the involvement of NGOs to assist in the monitoring of this process. In order for deactivation and destruction to be all-inclusive and for any decisions to be able to be effectively implemented, these aspirations must be informed and supported by global civil society the forces that are on the ground.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the General Assembly Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) The issues before the General Assembly Economic and Financial Committee are: Combating Illicit Fund Transfers; The Integration of Markets of Developing States into the Global Economy; and Macroeconomic Policy Issues and International Trade and Development. I. Combating Illicit Fund Transfers Sweden, featuring one of the worlds lowest Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Indices for over a decade, is firmly committed to combating illicit fund transfers due to their close association with some of the most appalling human activities such as corruption, organized crime, the trafficking of human beings and the financing of international terrorism. Swedens constant concern about illicit funding activities is far from being an academic one: illegal fund transfers impoverish national economies, undermine democratic institutions and the process of economic and social development, and fuel other illegal activities that are a threat to international peace and security. Thus, Sweden attaches particular importance to preventing and combating the transfer of illicit funds at all levels. Sweden continues to implement a comprehensive policy in this regard and, at the same time, is convinced that stronger, more coordinated actions by all Member States in the framework of the United Nations are more urgent than ever. Sweden believes that effective action aimed at stemming illicit fund flows must be of a comprehensive nature, including both prevention and law enforcement measures. In this regard, the Swedish government fully endorses existing international conventions, including the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (GA Res. 55/25), the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (GA Res. 54/109) and the Forty Recommendations of the G 7 Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and particularly welcomes the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption (GA Res. 58/4). Especially the latter offers a valuable and decisive framework dealing with issue of corruption, one of humanitys greatest scourges. Secretary-General Kofi Annan rightly stressed that corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a government's ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice. Over the past years, Sweden, in close concert with its European partners, has been working intensively to reduce national gaps in legislation with a view to criminalizing illicit funding activities, especially corruption, thereby enhancing common capacities to combat this major obstacle to the well-being of all nations. On the national level, Sweden has put foreign criminal financial investigations on an equal footing with corresponding national cases and encourages other states to follow this example. Sweden is convinced that the full implementation of the pertinent UN Conventions substantially reduces illicit fund transfers prospects of success. However, acts of illicit funding remain hard to detect and may have farreaching effects on societies. To tackle these deficits of information and to ensure accountability and transparency, Sweden reaffirms the importance of financial intelligence units and invites all Member States to consider creating appropriate bodies of financial intelligence. Sweden recognizes that crime and illicit funding issues cannot be addressed solely at the national level. Adequate support should be given to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, including its Global Program against Corruption. As shown by the GA Report on Globalization and Interdependence (A/59/585), innovative and effective legal instruments including criminal and civil procedures dealing with the illicit transfer of funds and their restitution need to be developed. Sweden is poised to provide knowledge and assistance to developing countries seeking to recover embezzled funds. Sweden promotes intensified international cooperation in the field of asset restitution, particularly the idea of a new international committee assisting states in civil fund recovery law cases. Sweden strongly encourages the participation of non-governmental organizations such as Transparency International in these efforts due to their invaluable provision of technical expertise and monitoring, thereby advancing the joint combat against illicit fund transfers. II. The Integration of Markets of Developing Countries into the Global Economy After the Monterrey Conference of 2002, then Swedish Minister of Finance Bosse Ringholm stated that "developing countries need tools to enable them to take advantage of globalization. They need to be given a better chance to manage their debts, attract foreign investment and negotiate reasonable trade agreements". Sweden believes that globalization is essentially a force for good. When developing markets are integrated into the global economy, new opportunities for growth and development emerge. In the last decade, the international community has given its support to a number of crucial proposals put forward by Sweden, including the requirement for each country to practice good governance and respect human rights; establishing greater harmony between trade, development assistance and investment; increased market access for developing countries; and augmented ca-

pacity for monetary and financial management. Sweden deplores that, despite the remarkable progress made, developing countries continue to play a minor role in the world economy. Sweden has been actively lobbying for the adoption of the Doha Declaration (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1) and remains strongly dedicated to a liberalized multilateral trading system. Endorsing the WTO Ministerial Conferences Hong Kong Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC), the Swedish government calls for further negotiations within the framework of the WTO in such important reform areas as trade facilitation and government procurement. At the same time, Sweden recognizes that the special needs and interests of developing countries must be taken into account, in particular through temporary preferential market access. As expressed in the Monterrey Consensus (2002), Sweden is convinced that, if accompanied by the proper flanking policies, there is no instrument more powerful to foster development and human security than an effective integration of developing countries markets into the flow of international trade and finance. However, the success of this process depends on certain prerequisites. Without adequate financial and monetary infrastructure, capital inflows, although vital to development, may entail adverse effects on developing economies. Therefore, Sweden believes that international cooperation must focus on local capacity building in order to improve developing countries supply capacity and infrastructure in a manner that will allow them to benefit from the opportunities brought about by globalization. Joint private and public initiatives, such as multi-stakeholder consultations organized by the Financing for Development Office or the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), indicate the model future UN initiatives should be based on. In the same respect, more trade-related assistance must be given to developing countries in WTO negotiations. Being the largest donor to the WTO Fund for Technical Assistance, Sweden proposes a strong "Aid-for-Trade" package that meets the immediate needs of developing countries in negotiations regarding participation, analysis and negotiating techniques, thus permitting them to fully benefit from free trade agreements. Sweden reaffirms the necessity of international cooperation on global public goods that form the very foundation of economic growth, prospering business activities and human development. More precisely, commercial and financial integration will only be crowned with success if problems such as pollution, insufficient water and energy supply and health care deficits are effectively tackled. In this regard, Sweden asks all states to renew their support for the Swedish co-sponsored International Task Force on Global Public Goods. III. Macroeconomic Policy Issues and International Trade and Development Sweden strongly believes that trade plays an important role in promoting economic growth and human development. For this to happen, the importance of a constructive domestic macroeconomic environment cannot be overemphasised, as stated in GA Res. 60/456. Sweden stresses that a sound macroeconomic framework includes incentives for increased savings, the development of open trade policies, strengthening and reform of the financial sector and supervision capacities along with improved access for the poor, in particular women, to financial services. A country devoid of good governance, the rule of law, and the transparent and accountable management of human, natural and financial resources will not benefit from the gains associated with free trade. Sweden affirms that Member States must end unfair trade practices, and give developing countries a real chance to pursue economic growth through increased international trade. Reaching a binding agreement on trade facilitation and preventing abuses of anti-dumping procedures is vital for achieving this goal. Sweden believes that the most important tools when it comes to promoting financial and macroeconomic stability are prevention and management of financial crises. Sweden strongly encourages private lenders to take a more active part in managing financial crises and supports the establishment of a bankruptcy mechanism for countries. Furthermore, as the monetary and financial crises in Asia and Russia during the 1990s have shown, adequate sequencing of macroeconomic policies and market liberalization is of utmost importance for successful economic development. Sweden believes that developing countries should be allowed to articulate their specific preferences relating to the speed and degree to which they open their markets in the current WTO negotiations. Situational and differential approaches will enable developing countries to effectively kick-start development processes. Sweden supports a stronger co-operation and better coherence between the United Nations, the WTO and the Bretton Woods institutions. Regional and sub-regional co-operation on finance, development and trade, should complement this effort. Furthermore, Sweden calls upon all other developed countries to live up to the 0.7% Official Development Assistance (ODA) objective, itself already allocating 1.0% of its GNI to ODA. But as Swedish Prime Minister Gran Persson underscored, efforts to increase aid volumes must be accompanied by measures to increase their quality. ODA can only be effective if it is distributed to create a stable and accountable macroeconomic environment, mobilizing internal savings as well as foreign direct investments. Over the next years, Sweden will remain dedicated to enabling developing countries to fully profit from global opportunities and to strengthening the UN system as a vehicle of knowledge transfer, and thereby economic development.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen Position Paper for the General Assembly Third Committee

The issues before the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee are: Alternative Approaches for Improving Human Rights; The Right of Peoples to Self-Determination; and Crime Prevention in Developing States. Sweden, putting the protection of human rights at the center of its foreign policy, is committed to working cooperatively and effectively within this committee to achieve all necessary progress. I. Alternative Approaches for Improving Human Rights In the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all member states have "pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the UN, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms." Aware of the efforts undertaken by the international community to implement the UDHR priniciples, Sweden remains deeply troubled by the fact that large-scale violations of basic human rights are still omnipresent all over the world. Sweden considers it to be every country's duty not only to reaffirm past achievements by endorsing the multitude of existing Human Rights Conventions, but also to generate new, holistic strategies to reinforce the promotion of universal human rights, especially welcoming innovative initiatives like the Global Compact. In his report In Larger Freedom, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has led the way by accentuating the fact that security, development and human rights go hand in hand. For Sweden, the interconnectedness of extreme poverty and never-ending conflicts both due to underdevelopment and the non-respect of human rights has been proven beyond doubt. Sweden therefore pleads for human rights issues to be mainstreamed into all aspects of foreign policy, including development cooperation, migration, security, and trade. Sweden urges all countries to focus on the rights of those who are the most affected by human rights violations: women, children, and minorities. Therefore, Sweden is particularly active in the struggle against all forms of discrimination, emphasizing the principles of non-selectivity and impartiality of human rights. Sweden seeks to ensure that more and more countries ratify and implement the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) while actively monitoring and objecting to any regulations that erode the legal protection of women. Although the 2001 Durban World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance was characterized by sharp dissension, Sweden stresses that cooperation in combating modern-day forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia remains of utmost importance. Sweden will continue to work towards the implementation of the final document of the conference under the aegis of the UN to contribute to such a development. Sweden is in support of the Declaration on the Right to Development adopted by GA Res. 41/128, being strongly convinced that development is a prerequisite to the full enjoyment of all other human rights for every individual. Sweden insists on a two-fold approach to human rights and development, which is implemented by the Swedish development agency SIDA and its Action Programme for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights. This policy is a way to incite countries to respect human rights and advance democratization by establishing conditions for the allocation of development assistance. In parallel, only the full implementation of the Millenium Development Goals will help to contain the scourge of extreme poverty and to guarantee the "Right to Food". By allocating 1.0% of its GNI to Official Development Assistance (ODA), Sweden seeks to provide an example in encouraging other developed countries to meet or exceed the 0.7% ODA contribution objective. It is also a main concern of Swedish foreign policy to emphasize the importance of continuing or initiating new democratization processes on a regional level, following the example of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) for the purpose of reinforcing the rule of law and democratic institutions, which can but be beneficial to the strenghtening of human rights. II. The Right of Peoples to Self-Determination Sweden is entirely committed to the general principle of The Right of Peoples to Self-Determination, as stated in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter, and reaffirmed by numerous conventions and resolutions, the most recent being GA Res. 59/180. Sweden fully understands and morally supports every people's desire to freely decide upon its own fate and to resist discriminative oppression, occupation, or tutelage. Even so, Sweden has certain reservations when it comes to the exercise of this right. It shall only be claimed in case of effective oppression and shall not be contrary to the perpetuation of international peace and security. Sweden strictly refuses all instrumentalization of the concept of sovereignty for the purpose of unhindered human rights violations against populations inside a state, and will continue to plead for the necessity of international involvement and intervention through the United Nations in cases of such violations. Even so, Sweden insists on the legitimacy of liberation movements, and urges the international community to take more responsibility in the resolution of existing conflicts between states and peoples claiming the right to self-determination. The right to self-determination must not be seen as a legitimization for violence, especially not against innocent civilians, even in situations of total despair caused by oppression.

Sweden is convinced that further action in the field of intermediation is required to confront the dilemma between the right of peoples to self-determination and every country's integrity. In this respect, Sweden continues to believe in the usefulness of peacekeeping operations as well as internationally conducted peace processes. Sweden has actively participated in the UNTAET and UNMISET missions, assisting the East-Timorese on their way to independence. Nevertheless, Sweden favours solutions that preserve a countrys sovereignty whenever possible. Together with the EU, Sweden continues its efforts to find a peaceful and equitable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which would guarantee the Palestinian people the right to self-determination. Sweden has supported all resolutions on The Right of the Palestinian People to Self-Determination, the most recent one being GA Res. 59/179, and SC Res. 1559 of 2004 on the strict respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon. The settlement of all territorial and sovereignty-specific issues in the Middle East is a prerequisite for establishing peace in this region. In order to truly guarantee every people their right to self-determination while avoiding civil wars and regional instability, Sweden strongly encourages all UN Member States to fully recognize minority rights. Sweden considers GA Res. 47/135 the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious or Linguistic Minorities a first step towards affirming every nation's responsibility to protect the existence and identity of minorities. Fighting the discrimination of minorities and granting them special rights such as self-government obviates secessionist feelings and maintains a states integrity. Sweden therefore considers only equitable, democratic national regimes to be conducive to internal peace. The Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (1995) provides a common European approach to this issue. Sweden strongly supports the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, and encourages the UN to create a similar office. Sweden is especially sensible to the issue of indigenous rights, itself having an indigenous Sami population. Together with the other Nordic countries, Sweden is making every effort to achieve agreement on a UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. III. Crime Prevention in Developing States Sweden is genuinely concerned about the proliferation of crime, especially in the developing world. Sweden not only deplores the direct implications of crime for individuals, such as physical insecurity, but also its disastrous long-term effects on economic growth and social development. The focus of crime prevention must lie on developing countries, due to their increased vulnerability to criminal activity and the fact that lacking judicial institutions make them appealing to criminal organizations. Acording to the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice, adopted by GA Res. 55/59 and the subsequent Bangkok Declaration: Strategic Alliances in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice adopted at the 11th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2005, Sweden recalls the imperative of increased bilateral, regional and international cooperation in combating and preventing crime everywhere, yet with a focus on the developing world. Sweden strongly welcomes the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime of 2000 and the UN Convention against Corruption of 2003, yet nevertheless, more transnational efforts have to be taken to fight organized crime. Sweden is convinced that without global drug, arms, or money trafficking networks, local crime would be much less rampant. Therefore, special emphasis must be put on intense international cooperation to dismantle such networks. Sweden is especially alarmed by the disastrous consequences of corruption in developing countries, being convinced that development assistance will continue to lack effectiveness if corruption as a major obstacle to development is not fought more consistently. More generally, Sweden outlines the importance of formulating new conventions for the purpose of reaffirming and strengthening the global consensus on the need to make joint efforts to fight crime more effectively. Sweden considers impunity to be a major obstacle to any strategy aimed at preventing the further spread of crime. Therefore, Sweden is a strong supporter of the various UN Criminal Tribunals and welcomes the entry into force of the Rome Statute (A/Conf. 183/9, 1998), encouraging countries that have not yet done so to ratify or acceed to the statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Sweden supports all efforts to improve the accessibility and functioning of legal systems in the framework of development cooperation. Among others, development cooperation includes the drafting, revision and application of laws, the establishment of legal aid and ombudsman systems, as well as reforms of the public prosecution authorities, the police forces and the prison system. Sweden endorses the principles of the Swedish Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, which insists on the necessity to combat crime with legitimate methods at all times, in compliance with the rule of law and human rights. The fight against terrorism must not be used as an excuse for unjust state action that conflicts with human rights, such as the suppression of domestic opposition. Additionally, Sweden considers it highly important to combine punishment with education and programmes designed to minimise the risk of recidivism. Sweden encourages the United Nations to establish a common assistance programme in order to improve states capacities in the legal field. Therefore, Sweden reiterates both the responsibility of developed countries to enhance international cooperation through technical assistance in the legal field, and developing countries responsibility to continue to implement the principles of Good Governance.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the Committee on the Follow Up to the World Conference on Disaster Reduction The issues before the Committee on the Follow Up to the World Conference on Disaster Reduction are the following: Implementation of Early Warning Systems: Monitoring and Prevention of Natural Disasters; The Yokohama Strategy: The Role of Good Governance in Disaster Reduction; and Environmental Extremes and Their Potential for Natural Disaster. I. Implementation of Early Warning Systems: Monitoring and Prevention of Natural Disasters Swedens promotion of the prevention of, and preparedness for, natural disasters dates back to 1989, when the Swedish Rescue Services Agency (SRSA) published handbooks dealing with disaster risk management, including risk assessment. Concerned by the increasing number and scale of natural disasters, Sweden became one of the main donors to the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) of 1990 to 1999 established by GA Res. 44/236, whose most important outcome was the 1994 Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World (A/CONF.172/9). Sweden has continued its sponsorship in the framework of the successor arrangement to the IDNDR, the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) established by GA Res. 54/219, by providing funding for numerous programs in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia. Sweden is convinced that the coordination between governments within the framework of the ISDR is of utmost importance for developing early warning systems. As Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds stated in 2005 in light of the tsunami catastrophe in Asia, we need to learn from this terrible disaster, nationally and internationally. An integral part of this learning process is the development of effective early warning systems. Sweden has pledged to cover 20% of the costs for the construction of a Tsunami Warning System and is therefore one of the main donors to the UN/ISDR-coordinated initiative Evaluation and Strengthening of Early Warning Systems in Countries Affected by the 26 December 2004 Tsunami (2005). This project is part of the implementation of effective disaster risk reduction as a contribution to the 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters (A/CONF.206/L.2/Rev.1). In accordance with the Hyogo Framework, Sweden stresses the link between disaster risk and social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. Lastly, Sweden is the second-largest donor to the Central Emergency Response Fund, created by GA Res. 60/124 to promote early action and response to humanitarian crises. Sweden is concerned about the humanitarian consequences of natural disasters and therefore promotes early action to develop effective systems for their prevention. In accordance with GA Res. 58/214: International Strategy for Disaster Reduction which recommends the implementation of the outcome of the Second International Conference on Early Warning (2003), Sweden regards the development of early warning systems as being part of a broader development agenda which has to integrate disaster prevention into Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. Sweden seeks to intensify cross-border cooperation, especially between developed and developing nations to reduce the impacts of disasters. Sweden is an active supporter of the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative (2000) of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe (1999), which it considers a model for effective regional cooperation. Moreover, Sweden encourages bottom-up approaches involving all relevant stakeholders to achieve early warning and effective responses to natural disasters. Sweden stresses the importance of identifying local risks, hazards and capacities. Furthermore, evaluation and lessons-learned-mechanisms should be strengthened especially in disaster-prone countries to develop better preparedness for the future. II. The Yokohama Strategy: The Role of Good Governance in Disaster Reduction Sweden is convinced that good governance can reduce the need for disaster response and lead to higher levels of safety through mitigation and preparedness measures, as stated in GA Res. 49/22. Sweden understands that good governance characterized by the rule of law, transparency and accountability and development are closely related. Sweden is also aware of the fact that environmental protection is inextricably interlinked with sustainable development. Sweden has therefore actively advocated the concept of the Green Welfare State during the last decade. This aims at reconciling economic progress, social justice, and protection of the environment to the benefit of present and future generations. With respect to the Yokohama Strategy (A/CONF.172/9) adopted at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 1994, Sweden promotes active partnerships between national governments and international institutions, as well as between public and private actors. Sweden is convinced that ecological mismanagement worsens the consequences of natural disasters. Thus, good governance is an indispensable element of successful disaster management in developing and disaster-prone countries, as stated in the 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development

(A/CONF.199/L.6/Rev.2). Sweden believes that good governance can dramatically enhance coherent post disaster management. Pursuant to GA Res. 54/219, Sweden encourages a comprehensive international postdisaster strategy based on the promotion of transparency and accountability of authorities, and the collaboration of international experts who can assist countries affected by natural disasters. Sweden points to the fact that in order to help developing countries, it is vital to actively share knowledge and resources, to enable the international community to obtain information about existing needs, and to stimulate international co-operation. Sweden urges the members of the European Union to continue to intensify the dissemination of results and methodologies at the UN level. Sweden firmly believes that good governance presupposes a strong involvement of local communities, just as it must involve gender sensitivity. Therefore, Sweden encourages the development of risk education and partnerships which focus on the environment of local communities, and especially children. Sweden views the subsidiarity principle as vital for good governance, and encourages political participation at the local level in municipalities and local administrations. These institutions provide and protect traditional and indigenous knowledge with respect to the economic and social capabilities of the region. Sweden reaffirms its belief that local organizations must co-ordinate the work of different local communities. Moreover, Sweden invites local communities and disaster-prone countries to invest into measures to prepare for, and prevent disasters to a greater extent. Sweden emphasizes that poor people are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Therefore, Sweden urges the international community to implement the Millennium Development Goals and urges donor countries to dedicate a larger amount of their development assistance budget to disaster preparedness and reduction. III. Environmental Extremes and Their Potential for Natural Disaster Sweden strongly believes that environmental extremes must be prevented within the larger framework of the active global protection of the environment. Sweden is deeply concerned about the increasing number and scale of disasters as referred to in GA Res. 56/195. Sweden reaffirms its belief that global climate change is presently already causing devastating natural disasters. Therefore, Sweden supports all commitments to prevent climate change and to protect environmental resources. Sweden has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 4% on average below the 1990 level, as called for in the Kyoto Protocol, and already prepares a post-Kyoto regime. Sweden reaffirms the importance of conventions such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (GA Res. 51/510) or the Program of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (A/CONF.167/9). Sweden is furthermore actively involved in the protection of water and sea resources, especially in the framework of the Council of Baltic Sea States. Sweden promotes the reduction of pollution, over-fishing, and physical exploitation which affect coastal and sea areas. Sweden is convinced beyond doubt of the direct link between human activities and natural disasters. Sweden recognizes that human activities can considerably increase the risk of environmental extremes, and therefore seeks to integrate the prevention of natural disasters into a broader bi- and multilateral development agenda. To cope with this problem, Sweden has adopted a trans-disciplinary approach in which a number of different institutions deal with disaster prevention and reduction. Sweden urges agencies, ministries, and NGOs to work together on every stage of the disaster management process, including disaster prevention, disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, relief, and development assistance. Sweden reiterates that every country must improve its preparedness, since the identification of local risks, hazards and capacities will undoubtedly contribute to reducing the number of disaster victims. Sweden insists on the local population being actively involved in disaster prevention and preparation programs. Sweden welcomes the use of environmental monitoring in improving the prevention of environmental extremes and post-disaster management. Sweden promotes a model of environmental monitoring based upon the collaboration of agencies, ministries, municipalities, and experts. Sweden appeals to all countries to build a cooperative information system on disaster risk. Sweden further reiterates the importance of European programmes supporting research in the field of risk information systems. Together with its European partners, Sweden unveiled the EURORISK PREV.I.EW proposal in 2004, involving research and the development of services on a broad spectrum of risks, including floods, forest fires and landslides. The propositions include a methodology for working with digital maps and similar data that can be used for disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Sweden strongly encourages other states to follow in this path of enhancing scientific co-operation on the regional, national and international level, which would ultimately strongly increase the quality of the prevention and management of natural disasters.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) The issues before the United Nations Environment Program are the following: Water Resource Management; Review of the Montevideo Programme; and Prevention of Trade in Endangered Species. Sweden is a dedicated advocate of the UNEP mandate and strongly adheres to the rules and norms generated by UNEP. It is of paramount importance to Sweden that UNEP is the central organ to provide expert advice including policy and capacity-building assistance on the regional, national and international level. Sweden takes an active role in enhancing the future governance of UNEP. In pursuit of the overarching goals of UNEP, Sweden seeks to strengthen the political and economic position of the program. Under the principle of Shared Responsibility, Sweden works towards a harmonized and well-coordinated global division of labor. I. Water Resource Management Water issues in general are a very important part of Swedish development cooperation programmes. Sweden has worked intensively for decades on improving clean water supply. Sweden highlights the role of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) as governance instruments on the international level. Since 1975, Sweden is a party to the The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention, 1971). Development has been carried out in both the private and public sector including civil society, emphasizing the interlinkages in various policy areas, e.g. environment, economy and, above all, waterrelated impacts on health. Sweden especially emphasizes the role of sanitation, environmentally friendly production and health-related aspects of water supply such as waste and grey water management. Sweden views waterrelated problems such as transboundary water courses as potential and dangerous sources of conflict. All Swedish water policies are guided by the principles of the International Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (1992), i.e. the Precautionary Principle, the Polluter Pays Principle, and the Principle of Sustainability. Sweden is actively working towards a common strategy on the international level, interlinking institutions and civil society regionally, nationally and internationally. Together with the World Bank and UNDP, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) initiated the establishment of the Global Water Partnership Organization (GWPO) in 1996. Through SIDA, Sweden has become one of the major financial contributors of the Global International Water Assessment (GIWA) which is directly associated with UNEP. Its main bodies, including the executing body and the coordination office, are located in Sweden. Swedens specific focus rests upon the aspect of ecological sanitation systems. Therefore, Sweden draws attention to the Ecological Sanitation Research Programme (EcoSanRes) which is financed by SIDA and managed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). A crucial point for Sweden is the impact of water-related policies on women: Sweden strongly suggests UNEP to conduct analyses of its activities in order to assess the impact of water policies on women and to ensure the development and implementation of policies and programmes that effectively meet and reflect the needs and concerns of women, as Swedish Minister of the Environment Lena Sommestad stated. For the period of 2004 to 2006, water resource management has been identified as one of the primary objectives of Swedish efforts in UNEP. As far as ecological sanitation is concerned, Sweden endorses integral elements such as the Polluter Pays Principle, local management, and financing. It is of utmost importance to Sweden that new MEAs related to sustainable water management are initiated. Sweden stands for further progress and advancement of policies and strategies of water management, including freshwater and marine resources, and intends to foster the further development of GIWA. This could be seen as a potential basis for policy advice for future MEAs comparable with the work of the International Panel on Climate Change. The project could be facilitated through the coordinating role of the Environmental Management Group (EMG), which Sweden actively supports as an additional instrument for the coordination of all relevant UN-Bodies. In addition, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) should be strengthened through regional bodies and civil society. II. Review of the Montevideo Programme Sweden strongly supports the UNEP mandate concerning the further development and review of environmental law and the effective integration and implementation on the domestic and international policy level. Nevertheless, Sweden raises concerns regarding the debate of the environmental dimension of sustainable development: Although we aim at integrating environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development, environmental perspectives tend to become marginalized, as Swedish Minister of the Environment Lena Sommestad pointed out. For this reason, Sweden strongly emphasizes the role of UNEP as a catalyst in promoting and generating environmental law on the national as well as on the international level. Sweden itself was the first country to establish an Environmental Code that serves as a framework of law by formulating 15 environmental

objectives for the purpose of promoting sustainable development. Sweden therefore calls upon all industrialized countries to follow suit by taking a leading role in policy initiatives through the Environmental Code. Sweden recognizes the difficulties developing countries face in implementing environmental law and will therefore intensively promote capacity-building measures. In order to strengthen International Environmental Governance (IEG), Sweden reaffirms the need for effective political and financial measures. In accordance with the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2) and the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (2002), Sweden fosters cooperation and coordination. It welcomes the established partnerships of UNEP to other UN bodies, such as the World Bank, UNDP, the WTO, as well as to various NGOs. In addition, Sweden recognizes the value of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) at the country level, due to UNEP not maintaining local offices itself. Furthermore, Sweden strongly supported the establishment of the Global Ministerial Environmental Forum (GMEF) and the EMG as set out by GA Res. 53/242. With regard to more effective and coherent cooperation with the various convention secretariats, Sweden particularly emphasizes the role of the GMEF in providing normative guidance and recommendations. UNEP should coordinate the work of the secretariats to a greater extent, a measure which should result in more efficient reporting regarding the respective conventions. Nevertheless, Sweden is convinced that there is a strong need to make IEG more coherent and effective. Therefore, the Swedish Foreign Ministry arranged a seminar on the future governance of UNEP in 2004. Sweden calls for a strengthened UNEP and underlines the strong relationship between its normative work and its operational role. In the debate about reforming UNEP, Sweden recommends universal membership in the GMEF in order to strengthen the normative work of the programme i.e. by giving the GMEF a leading role in deciding the direction of international environmental policies. Sweden is aware of the risks involved regarding universal membership in the GMEF, as it could weaken the operational capacity of UNEP. Thus, Sweden proposes to supplement universal membership with an Executive Board as an efficient governing body which should guide and support the work of UNEP and ensure the effective management of its activities. III. Prevention of Trade in Endangered Species Sweden is an active supporter of the UNEP initiatives for environmental sustainability, especially as they relate to the conservation and safeguarding of biodiversity. Sweden is convinced that trade in all endangered species, whether illegal or legal is a potential threat to the conservation and sustainability of biological diversity. Afterall, such trade not only increases the rate of biodiversity loss, but also threatens the very survival of ecosystems. Sweden has been one of the first countries to ratify the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES, 1973) in 1974. Although Sweden in general agrees with the provisions set out in this convention, Sweden is exempted from trade regulations in certain species such as wolves, weasels, and martens. Despite Sweden being a non-party with respect to these species, it will maintain statistical records on trade in the species concerned to ensure control and effective monitoring of international trade. Therefore, Sweden reiterates the continuous promotion of environmental monitoring to ensure the viability of sound ecosystems. In addition, Sweden strives to further enhance its role in protecting these animals and plants and conserving their habitats through the cooperation with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). Furthermore, Sweden has long been an advocate for the conservation of certain species, as specified by the Convention on the Conservation of Wild Migratory Species (Bonn Convention, 1979). Swedens priority species comprise the AfricanEurasian Migratory Waterbirds, the European Bats, and small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas. Its commitment to the conservation of fauna and wildlife is further encapsulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) aiming to reduce detrimental effects on natural habitats. Sweden stresses that the conservation of biodiversity is essential to [the] long-term productivity of ecosystems and integral to safeguarding the long-term survival of species, as stated in the Convention on Biological Diversity. Therefore, Sweden proposes to further strengthen the conservation of natural habitats by enlarging the area of protected land. Moreover, Sweden highlights the need to improve and implement further international environmental monitoring mechanisms in order to better assess the number of endangered species. Furthermore, Sweden calls upon governments to implement legal instruments ensuring the survival of endangered species. Thus, the development of international instruments to monitor ecological activities, with special emphasis on endangered species, should be paramount, as the Convention on Biological Diversity clearly states that endangered species are important primarily because they serve as indicators of the overall situation in different ecosystems and within groups of organisms. Lastly, Sweden reiterates the need to enhance cooperation and collaboration between various environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) The issues before the United Nations Childrens Fund are: Sexual Exploitation of Girls in Conflict Situations; Promoting and Implementing Landmine Education; and Effects of Natural Disasters on Children. I. Sexual Exploitation of Girls in Conflict Situations Sweden, being a strong advocate of childrens rights, considers the promotion and the protection of children in conflict regions a main priority of its foreign policy. Accordingly, Sweden works actively within the UN framework to legally codify the rights of girls in conflict situations. Having been at the forefront of drafting the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on Involvement of Children in Armed Conflicts (GA Res. 54/263) as chair of the respective working group of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Sweden highlights the Protocols provisions. Sweden furthermore emphasizes the significance of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (GA Res. 54/263) and calls upon all governments that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the two Optional Protocols to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (GA Res. 44/25). Recognizing the documents already adopted by UN bodies which address the appalling situation of girls in conflict regions, Sweden affirms the need to turn these provisions into concrete and effective policy programs. Sweden condemns all crimes against children in the context of armed conflict, placing special emphasis on the protection of girls from sexual exploitation in general, and from abuses conducted by peacekeeping soldiers in particular. With regard to the savage circumstances of war, Sweden underlines the vital role which peacekeepers must play in ensuring that girls are able to grow up in a safe and child-friendly environment. Thus, Sweden strongly recommends the introduction of particular provisions for the protection of girls into UN peacekeeping mandates. Sweden stresses the need for blue helmet soldiers to receive special training in human rights, and more explicitly in the Rights of the Child. In order to mitigate sexual misconduct by UN peacekeeping personnel, Sweden encourages the further integration of female staff into peacekeeping operations. Recognizing the need for gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations, Sweden highlights the crucial importance of SC Res. 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, which specifically addresses womens contribution to conflict resolution and sustainable peace. Sweden notes with appreciation that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently initiated the undertaking of a Study on Violence Against Children, appointing Paulo Sergio Pinheiro as an independent expert to lead this global study on the nature, extent and causes of violence against children. The study aims to identify effective preventative measures to protect children against all forms of violence as well as to ensure that child victims receive adequate support. Sweden welcomes this proposal and strongly encourages the conducting of an equivalent study on the sexual exploitation of girls in conflict situations. Moreover, Sweden calls upon the Executive Board of UNICEF to recommend the execution of a Study on All Forms of Sexual Exploitation of Girls in Conflict Situations in its annual report to ECOSOC. This in-depth international study should provide a global picture of the situation of girls in conflict situations, while outlining strategies to mitigate the problem. Due to the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, it is furthermore of utmost importance that information gathered by NGOs be incorporated into the study in order to more clearly define, more effectively prevent, and finally to eliminate the problem of the sexual exploitation of girls. Hence, the study proposed by Sweden should be conducted in strong collaboration with regional and local NGOs. II. Promoting and Implementing Landmine Education Sweden notes with deep concern that although much progress has already been made, thousands of children around the globe are still injured or killed in landmine encounters every year. Hence, Sweden fully embraces the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) of 1997 and entirely welcomes the call of the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2) upon all states to accede to the MBT. As a sponsor of all GA resolutions dealing with the implementation of the treaty (most recently GA Res. 60/80), Sweden emphasizes the need to put an end to the suffering caused by landmines. In 2003, Sweden became Co-Rapporteur of the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies which was established in accordance with the MBT. On the national level, Sweden has incorporated the MBT into national legislation through the Swedish Penal Code, Chapter 22 6b. In 2002, Sweden announced a new strategy on mine action, emphasizing that it needs to be integrated into long-term development assistance. Sweden pledges to continue to allocate more than 0.7% of its GNI to development cooperation, and commits itself to focusing its contributions even more on the needs of children. In addition, Sweden appointed a special ambassador for mines and small arms/light weapons in 2004.

Sweden is deeply troubled by the fact that children become victims of landmines even more often than adults. This loss of lives can be prevented if the international community combines its efforts. Sweden reiterates its conviction that risk education and risk prevention must continue to be attributed utmost priority, all the more so since it is estimated that at the present rate, complete de-mining would take until the year 2500. Sweden is a strong supporter of Mine Risk Education (MRE) as proposed by UNICEFs comprehensive Mine Action Strategy: 2002-2005, with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) making significant financial contributions to UNICEFs MRE endeavours. Sweden notes with deep regret that children are particularly endangered by landmines, since the latter are often constructed in ways that are appealing to children, for example in bright colors. Moreover, when children lack safe places to play, they are more likely to stray into mine-infested areas. Sweden therefore deems it crucial to provide enough playgrounds for children, thereby making their environment more secure. Sweden is a strong advocate of the now expired UNICEF Mine Action Strategy: 2002-2005, which focuses especially on MRE. Sweden firmly believes that all countries have a moral responsibility to contribute to mitigating the impact of such cruel weapons as landmines. Sweden stresses the need to evaluate the success of the strategy in order to create an even more comprehensive approach to the problem of landmines, especially through education. For this purpose, an international summit should be held evaluating the current strategy, and creating a new approach for the time period of 2006-2010. Sweden offers to host this summit at a date in the very near future, and offers to contribute financially to a study concerning the topic. Sweden suggests that closer attention should be paid to how MRE could better reach children in rural areas as well as children who do not attend school. Cultural aspects must also be taken into consideration when developing MRE strategies. To this end, Sweden calls upon all states to join forces with non-governmental organizations in the ongoing fight for a mine-free world. III. The Effect of Natural Disasters on Children Sweden deeply regrets the effects of natural catastrophes putting childrens lives in jeopardy. The protection and development of children affected by phenomena such as earthquakes, massive tidal waves, or extreme winter weather is high on Swedens agenda. Sweden draws special attention to the fact that children are particularly vulnerable in the aftermath of natural disasters since they will often not know who to turn to after losing family and close friends. As a consequence, children are in danger of being sold as a cheap labor, of being sexually exploited, or even becoming victims of trafficking. For this reason, Sweden emphasizes the need for psychological assistance to children in post-disaster regions, and welcomes UNICEFs efforts to mitigate this problem. Sweden is actively striving to alleviate the tragic impact of natural disasters and highlights the need to give children all the assistance and protection necessary to enable them to resume normal lives as soon as possible. Sweden is aware of the fact that humanitarian aid is crucial for meeting the basic needs of children in disasteraffected regions, such as the supply of clean water, food, and clothing. Sweden therefore welcomes all initiatives which seek to lessen the negative effects of natural devastation on children. UNICEFs Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies (CCC) of 2003 represent such a program. With the revision of the CCC, UNICEF acknowledges the fact that more and more children are affected by natural disasters, while specifying rapid and long-term assistance to be granted in the occurrence of humanitarian crises in order to re-establish the affected childrens regular lives. Sweden specifically welcomes the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) established in 2005, whose creation it actively promoted. Sweden is the second-largest contributor to the CERF, accounting for 22.5% of total pledges. Notably, after the tsunami catastrophe of December 2004 had wreaked havoc across South East Asia, Sweden allocated an initial sum of $54 million to assist the most severely affected areas such as the region of Aceh in Indonesia. Sweden supports UNICEFs efforts to promote education in countries affected by natural disasters. In particular, the establishment of a working school system in disaster-hit areas is of utmost importance to Sweden, since education integrates children socially, provides them with psychological assistance, helps them cope with their dreadful experience, and gives them a future. Sweden therefore highly encourages the development of school programs in post-disaster areas which focus on these aspects. Sweden deems it highly important to find approaches for the provision of information about disasters in a child-friendly way. On the national level, Sweden has introduced the concept of the Global School, which aims to stimulate learning about global issues. Sweden recommends the implementation of similar strategies in countries both prone to and hit by disasters, in order to be better equipped to explain the effects of natural disasters to children. An international initiative in cooperation with UNICEF, UNESCO, and other related UN bodies should be undertaken in order to promote the idea of the Global School worldwide. Sweden espouses the distinguished work of NGOs that engage in disaster-hit regions and play a vital role in learning about natural disasters, such as Save the Children. Sweden therefore strongly encourages the further deepening of cooperation between states, international organizations and NGOs on the aforementioned issues.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) The issues before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are: The Protection of Women and Children Refugees; Refugee Aid and Security in Post-Conflict Zones; and The Promotion of Refugee Law and Refugee Advocacy. Being one of the largest contributors to UNHCR and an active partner in its efforts to assist and protect refugees, Sweden is committed to cooperating within UNHCR in every way possible towards making these aspirations a global reality. I. The Protection of Women and Children Refugees Given that women and children make up more than 80% of the population of concern to UNHCR, as well as due to their relatively higher vulnerability, the protection of this particular group is a central goal for Sweden. Aided by its chairmanship of the Executive Committee in 2002, Sweden played a very active role in the Global Consultations on International Protection and supported the drafting of the Agenda for Protection in 2002. Sweden was one of the first nations to sign the Convention on all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (GA Res. 34/180) in 1980, and has since continued to work on mainstreaming womens rights issues into the UN system, most notably through financial contributions to the UN Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW). On the domestic level, Swedish refugee legislation was amended in 1997, providing new conditions for being eligible for refugee status which go beyond the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (GA/429 (V)). Through such laws, Sweden seeks not least to better protect women against non-state persecution in general, and gender-related persecution in particular. Sweden strongly supports UNHCR and its commitment to the protection of refugees and asylum seekers based on the comprehensive framework of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the affiliated Additional Protocol (GA Res. 2198 (XXI)) of 1967, and the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950. In this regard, Sweden underlines the responsibility of every government to safeguard equal rights and opportunities for women and men along with childrens rights. Having ratified the Convention on the Right of the Child (GA Res. 44/25) in 1990, Sweden highlights the importance of this document as well as of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (GA Res. 54/263), and the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (GA Res. 54/263). Sweden actively promotes the mainstreaming of gender equality into development programmes. In this respect, Sweden also strongly encourages states which have not yet ratified the CEDAW to do so and to recognize the age- and gender-sensitive approach of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Stressing the devastating impact which armed conflicts have on women and emphasizing the important contributions made especially by women to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, Sweden wholeheartedly welcomes the Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security (SC Res. 1325) of 2000 and stresses the significance of womens participation and active agency in establishing peace and security. In order to prevent criminal actions against refugee women and children, such as violence, slavery, trafficking and sexual abuse, Sweden urges all states to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (GA Res. 54/263), the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (GA Res. 55/25) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (GA Res. 55/25). Sweden furthermore points to the fact that diseases and epidemics such as HIV/AIDS or Malaria are often related to the poor living conditions and insufficient medical resources that refugees are confronted with. Hence, Sweden seeks to strengthen cooperation between UNAIDS, the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis and UNHCR, and strongly encourages both national governments and international organizations to explicitly include refugees in national and international disease prevention and treatment programmes. II. Refugee Aid and Security in Post-Conflict Zones Sweden acknowledges the fact that in post-conflict situations, the reintegration of returning refugees poses a considerable challenge to both states and returnees. Sweden notes with regret that states persistently find themselves in a politically and economically fragile environment while returnees live in deprived conditions for extended periods of time. Sweden is concerned that a lack of integration measures, future perspectives, and personal protection too often leads refugees to opt for a return to their country of asylum. In accordance with the UNHCRs Framework for Durable Solutions for Refugees and Persons of Concern of 2003, Sweden remains firmly committed to the international communitys goal of going beyond short-term strategies and finding durable and lasting solutions for returnees.

Sweden recognizes the danger of the eruption of new conflicts in unstable post-conflict-zones. Acknowledging that development, peace and security are inextricably linked, Sweden strives for a comprehensive approach, combining the national reconstruction of infrastructure with the establishment of an effective educational and health care system. The eradication of the very causes that drive refugees from their homes, such as war, violence, injustice and oppression, is a key aspect of Swedish politics. To this end, Sweden relies not only on providing financial development assistance which in 2006 will reach 1% of Swedens GNI but is also employing the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) to engage in numerous projects in over 120 countries around the world, acting in closely coordinated cooperation with several international organizations, including UNHCR and the International Organization on Migration (IOM). Sweden notes with deep satisfaction that the latest Note on International Protection (A/AC.96/1008) calls 2004 the year of return, because the ending of several civil wars has led to an increase of refugees returning to their home countries. In this respect, Sweden reaffirms its support of GA Res. 46/108, stressing the need for states of origin to create conditions favorable to voluntary repatriation. Sweden seeks to ensure that returnees are included in national post-conflict transition as well as in development plans and programmes as described in UNHCRs Statement on Good Practice on Targeting Development Assistance for Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement (Forum/2005/3). In accordance with the 2002 Agenda for Protection, Sweden is involved in several concrete projects including immediate assistance to returnees, reconstruction of destroyed homes, investments in infrastructure, farming support, job-creation measures, agricultural support, as well as judicial assistance for returnees. In addition, the Migration Board, Swedens central government authority for aliens affairs, aims to support refugees opting to return home voluntarily by covering travel costs, offering go and see visits and providing relevant information for reintegration. Sweden believes that only the sustainable reintegration of returnees in combination with a comprehensive plan for reconstruction and development will lead to a successful post-conflict rehabilitation of states. III. The Promotion of Refugee Law and Refugee Advocacy It is Swedens deep conviction that migration and asylum policies must be characterized by legal certainty, humanitarian considerations, and respect for the human rights of all people. Sweden strongly believes that it is a human right for refugees to be granted asylum. Therefore, Swedish national law is in compliance with the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (GA/429 (V)), and its Additional Protocol of 1967. However, Sweden reemphasizes that the definition of the term refugee as stated in the Convention should include further categories. Therefore, Sweden has already integrated a broadened definition into Swedish domestic law through the Aliens Act of 1989, and is now granting asylum status to persons who risk execution, corporal punishment, torture, inhumane degrading treatment or punishment; to persons who are escaping armed conflict or environmental disaster; and to persons who risk persecutions due to gender-related reasons or on grounds of homosexuality. Sweden urges all states to enact similar domestic legislation. Sweden is deeply concerned by the dilemma situation which the international community is currently facing: While on the one hand aiming to assist and protect all people of concern to UNHCR, Sweden is on the other hand very aware of the problematic possibility of terrorists abusing the protection granted through refugee status. Sweden is actively committed towards preventing the establishment of safe havens for terrorists, firmly condemning all forms of terrorist actions and reaffirming the importance of Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001). Swedish security services and intelligence agencies are cooperating on all levels in the global fight against terrorism. Sweden insists that no person violating human rights should be permitted to exploit the protection provided by the international community. Highlighting the significance of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Sweden calls upon all states which have not yet ratified the Convention to do so as soon as possible. Furthermore, Sweden promotes a broadened refugee definition and encourages the United Nations to include the categories proposed by the Swedish Aliens Act of 1989. At the same time, Sweden urges all members of the United Nations to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and to impede the development of safe havens sheltering international criminals. In addition, Sweden is aware that contributions to refugee protection are very unevenly distributed throughout the world, especially with regard to the granting of asylum. Hence, Sweden actively supports all initiatives ensuring equal burden-sharing among UN member states. Recalling the basic principles of the United Nations, Sweden strongly encourages all host states to grant refugees basic human rights, including but not being limited to the freedom of movement; access to education, the labor market, and public services; as well as the possibility of, and assistance in, acquiring and disposing property.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference The issues before the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference are the following: Agricultural Sector Negotiations; Advancing WTO Transparency; and Invigorating the Trade in Services Mandate. Sweden, a dedicated supporter of a fair and open global trading system, is committed to working cooperatively within the WTO towards making the current negotiations under the mandate of the Doha Development Agenda a success for all Members, developed and developing countries alike. I. Agricultural Sector Negotiations As Swedish Minister for Industry and Trade Thomas stros stated: Agriculture is a key issue on which we must agree if the new round is to be successful. Sweden strongly believes that the successful conclusion of the current Doha Round negotiations, which is vital for injecting new confidence and momentum into the global economy, is closely linked to the rise and fall of an agreement on agriculture which benefits all partners in the WTO and takes fully into account the developmental implications of agricultural trade policies. Sweden is convinced that a liberalized and non-distorted agricultural trade sector would not only enhance economic efficiency and global welfare, but would also provide developing countries with the chance to make significant progress in terms of sustainable development. Sweden deplores that, despite notable improvements, impediments to a fair and open agricultural trading system persist. Restrictions on free trade such as export subsidies, domestic support measures, and market access barriers continue to prevent countries from gaining effective access to the worlds agricultural markets. Sweden, as a member of the European Unions (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), has actively sought to advance liberalization of the CAP and has advocated stronger multilateral discipline on trade-distorting policies within the WTO. Sweden has supported the pioneering Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) passed at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round (1994) as a notable step towards the effective reduction of trade-distorting practices and the development of a fair, transparent and inclusive trading system in the agricultural sector. Sweden reaffirms the key importance of further promoting the multilateral regulation of national agricultural trade policies through a new comprehensive agreement of that kind. For Sweden, the mandate of the Doha Development Agenda as spelled out in the Doha Declaration (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, 2001) constitutes a milestone in agricultural trade negotiations, since for the first time, global trade talks focus on the crucial linkage between trade and sustainable development. Therefore, Sweden notes with satisfaction the progress made at the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference in December 2005. Sweden particularly welcomes the Members commitment in the Hong Kong Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC, 2005) to abolish export subsidies by 2013 at the latest. Sweden, in accordance with its long-standing commitment to fair and free trade, believes that a timely and successful conclusion of the Doha Round is the responsibility of all Members. Real progress in market access and particularly in domestic support issues, including the modalities for a new Agriculture Agreement, is now required. Sweden supports the CAP and welcomes efforts by the EU towards further liberalization. Within the EU and the WTO, Sweden is committed to lowering tariffs in developed countries and abolishing tariff escalation and tariff peaks in sensitive goods such as sugar. Sweden is also convinced that the production of agricultural goods must ultimately take place on market terms. The reform of the CAP, which has decoupled agricultural subsidies from the amount of production, is an important contribution to that objective. In order to assure the preservation of common goods such as open landscapes and biological diversity, non-trade-distorting forms of compensation to farmers should be devised. Non-trade-related concerns in developing countries such as food security and rural development must also be recognized, and Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provisions set up. Eventually, Sweden calls upon all WTO Members to take into account the utmost importance of an agreement on agriculture not only for the success of the Doha Round, but also for global development. II. Advancing WTO Transparency Sweden is seriously troubled by the present deficiencies of the WTO when it comes to issues of external and internal transparency. Building on positive domestic experiences with extensive civil society involvement, Sweden is committed to promoting consultation and cooperation with non-state actors, thereby increasing the accessibility and accountability of the organization. Sweden is convinced that only a transparent and responsive WTO will be able to muster the legitimacy and credibility required to successfully meet the economic and political challenges to todays global trading system. As former European Commissioner of Trade and present WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy has aptly put it, we need a broad public debate about the way in which the trading system should develop. As to the topic of internal transparency, Sweden supports all measures that are necessary to tackle developing countries persistent disadvantages in information gathering, agenda-setting and

negotiating capacities. Being the largest donor to the WTOs technical assistance fund, Sweden proposes a strong aid-for-trade package to developing countries which will eventually benefit all Members of the WTO. Sweden has welcomed the recognition of the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Art. V:2 of the Marrakesh Agreement (1994). However, while this provision constitutes an improvement over GATT 47, Sweden deplores that it does not specify neither the status nor the rights of NGOs. To Swedens regret, the Guidelines for Arrangements on Relations with Non-Governmental Organizations (WT/L/162, 1996), currently the main foundation for interaction between the WTO and civil society, still allow the WTO a high degree of discretion and flexibility on how to address civil society actors. This lack of specificity and the ambiguity of the Guidelines reflects controversies among Members about the appropriate degree of NGO participation which Sweden believes need to be addressed with a view to promoting transparency. Hence, Sweden has supported the Decision on Procedures for the Circulation and Derestriction of WTO Documents (WT/GC/W/464/Rev.1, 2002). Sweden advocates the intensification of efforts to enhance external transparency by the increased involvement of the public. Sweden reaffirms its belief that a reform of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (1994) would be beneficial to the WTOs legitimacy by making the crucial factors and the reasoning behind decisions taken more easily traceable. The EU already releases information submitted in dispute settlement procedures on a voluntary basis. Sweden also supports the closer involvement of parliaments in WTO matters, both in the capitals and in Geneva. Recognizing the systemic inferiority of developing countries in the negotiating process, Sweden encourages all Members to take measures that ensure developing countries right to meaningful participation. Thus, Sweden calls for increased technical assistance and capacity-building, clearer procedural provisions to prevent developing countries exclusion from the actual agenda-setting, and further trade facilitation. III. Invigorating the Trade in Services Mandate Sweden is very aware of the continuously growing sector of international trade in services and its great impact on the world economy, and therefore welcomes communication and cooperation among the governments participating in the WTO. Furthermore, Sweden is firmly convinced of the importance of the current Doha Round negotiations dealing with this fundamental issue, and affirms its full support of the EUs leading the negotiations to a successful conclusion. Sweden is fully committed to the principles and obligations laid out in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), ensuring the promotion of trade and development through progressive liberalization. To reach the objectives stated in the GATS Preamble as well as in GATS Article IV is highly desirable to Sweden. Moreover, Sweden deems the adoption of the Guidelines and Procedures for the Negotiations on Trade in Services (S/L/93, 2001), as required in GATS Article XIX:3, a necessity for strengthening the trade in services negotiating mandate. In order to foster developing countries participation and development, Sweden strives to open up the EUs services market through trade liberalization. Sweden fully subscribes to the mission of the Doha Development Agenda launched at the 2001 Doha Ministerial Conference, and has taken multiple steps to considerably enhance market opportunities for both businesses and consumers worldwide. As Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Carin Jmtin pointed out, access to the markets of developed countries must be improved. As a first step we should provide immediate duty-free and quota-free access for all exports from the LDCs. After the 2003 Cancn Ministerial Conference had ended in stalemate, Sweden played an active role in drafting the EUs Conditional Revised Offers (2004) on market access, as assigned in Annex C of the July Package (WT/L/579, 2004). These offers aim at further liberalizing the modes of supply, especially modes 3 and 4, as demanded by developing countries. However, concerning the modest outcome of the 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Conference with respect to services, Sweden strongly encourages all Members to be more persistent about this important issue. Sweden urges all WTO Members to intensify their efforts in finding solutions to outstanding issues in accordance with their respective commitments and the timelines set out in the Hong Kong Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC, 2005). Regarding the decisive issue of domestic regulation, the EU has submitted a Proposal for Disciplines on Licensing Procedures (S/WPDR/W/25, 2003) to the Working Party on Domestic Regulation, which refers to GATS Article VI:4. Sweden particularly supports placing multilateral disciplines on domestic regulation concerning mode 3. Sweden also believes that objective criteria and transparency requirements are crucial for measures such as technical standards and licensing procedures. Moreover, Sweden emphasizes the issue of government procurement. As a signatory of the Agreements on Government Procurement of 1979 and 1994, Sweden underlines the importance of the established working group with regard to fair competition in the trade in services sector. Sweden also reaffirms that GATS Article XIII:2 provides for negotiations on government procurement in services, including market access and national treatment. Regarding the outstanding issue of Emergency Safeguard Measures, Sweden stresses that GATS provides enough flexibility through Article XXI and therefore suggests a moderate agreement. Finally, Sweden calls upon all Members to cooperate on these controversial issues in order to further invigorate the trade in services mandate.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) The issues before the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS are the following: UNAIDS Policy and Human Rights Concerns; the Economics of AIDS Treatment; and Combating AIDS in Asia and the Pacific. I. UNAIDS Policy and Human Rights Concerns Sweden is utterly convinced that the global fight against HIV/AIDS must go hand in hand with the universal protection of human rights. Sweden supports current HIV/AIDS programs that combat the pandemic, especially those that support the human rights of individuals already infected with HIV/AIDS. However, the basic rights of vulnerable groups are regrettably being overlooked in some regions. Sweden stresses that vulnerable groups must not be denied their human rights, regardless of race, religion, sex, and equally regardless of being infected with a life-threatening disease like HIV/AIDS. Sweden reminds the international community of the commitments made in previous documents, such as the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2), the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (GA Res. S-26/2), and the Commission on the Status of Women: Women, the Girl Child and Political Declaration (ECOSOC/E47/1)(2003). Sweden fully subscribes to the granting of treatment based on the human rights principles of non-discrimination and non-stigmatization. The further spread of the pandemic can only be stopped through both the implementation of long-term goals and the strengthening of current programs. Sweden believes that the international community must strive for a world free of discrimination, regardless of an individuals infection with HIV/AIDS. Sweden has with grave concern taken notice of the fact that socially disadvantaged groups, and particularly women are most vulnerable to being infected with HIV/AIDS. Sweden recognizes that in some cases and especially in war regions, women do not have the choice to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases. Especially if rape is used as a weapon of war, the prevalence of women acquiring HIV/AIDS is significant. Sweden being a dedicated promoter of gender equality, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Carin Jmtin rightly emphasized a womans right to her own sexuality and information, calling for an open atmosphere where vulnerable groups, i.e. women and most notably sex workers, are freed from being marginalized. Sweden further points to the fact that infected women carry both the burden of the disease and the responsibility for their families. Sweden therefore seeks to empower women and thereby ultimately reverse the debilitating impact which HIV/AIDS has had on the worlds population in the past decades. Moreover, Sweden strongly urges the international community to be open towards new methods of combating the disease. Sweden urges all states to put an end to the marginalization of groups vulnerable to being infected with HIV/AIDS, and urges the international community to fully embrace gender equality. As a concrete innovative measure, Sweden suggests that local medical personnel visit sex workers who are at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS on a weekly basis, providing them with support, condoms, medicine, and educational brochures. Such visits would unquestionably protect, motivate and empower women, giving them the extra assistance they need. Implementing this idea would help already infected women and prevent the future spread of HIV/AIDS among atrisk women. The elimination of misconceptions and the evolution of ideals without losing the integrity of already established core-values are among Swedens central policy goals. By being open to discussion as well as by implementing goals which attack HIV/AIDS on all fronts, the pandemic can and must be stopped. By supporting vulnerable groups, those already infected with HIV/AIDS may be helped and a future spread within these groups be prevented. Sweden strongly emphasizes that directly tackling the problem of HIV/AIDS now will prevent the spread of that scourge in the future. II. The Economics of AIDS Treatment Sweden is firmly convinced that poverty, economic insecurity, and the lack of development are critical roadblocks to effective HIV/AIDS prevention. Respectively, Sweden believes that effective funding for treatment, economically priced medication, self-help programs, and guidelines for governments receiving aid are important factors in winning the fight against HIV/AIDS. Sweden highlights the international responsibility of funding set out in such documents as Prevention and Control of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (GA Res. 45/187), and Access to Medication in the Context of Pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Commission on Human Rights Res. 2005/32). However, funding is not enough. Since treatment is extremely expensive especially for patients in developing countries, Sweden advocates the concept of working relationships between home governments and pharmaceutical companies in reaching agreements on the distribution of medication to those already infected with HIV/AIDS. Providing treatment in high-risk areas would help prevent the spread and infection of HIV/AIDS.

Sweden stresses the fact that combating HIV/AIDS is not the responsibility of states and governments only. Technical support from private enterprises such as drug companies is also essential. Sweden welcomes the 2001 WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), which allowed for measures that draw on pharmaceutical companies responsibilities for public health. Moreover, Sweden urges private companies to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS to the best of their abilities by either reducing the cost of medicines or distributing free medication to the least-developed areas where patients cannot even afford the minimum cost of treatment. Sweden also emphasizes that additional funding is required to train health care workers who administer HIV-medications. However, in reality, aid is often delayed because administrative issues take precedence over questions of life and death. Sweden calls upon the international community to not lose focus on the issue of international HIV/AIDS prevention, and to help fund those countries and regions most in need. Sweden furthermore proposes the implementation of HIV/AIDS task groups that cooperate with local actors and monitor progress. Effective public-private partnerships may thus empower poorer countries to help themselves and become more self-sufficient in the provision of health-care, thereby combating HIV/AIDS. Sweden believes that instead of merely relying on aid and support from other countries, governments must adhere to certain guidelines to be eligible for aid. Since denial of the issue will not help to combat the disease, it is vital that governments acknowledge the scope of the problem and carry out effective measures such as education campaigns and health workshops. Sweden is aware of the lethal impact which silence has on HIV/AIDS prevention. Therefore, Sweden calls on governments to work with the international community in handling HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Since access to medication is still highly insufficient in many affected areas, Sweden recommends that treatment be made available at a reduced cost, and medication delivered to patients who find themselves physically unable to reach health services. Sweden deems it the particular responsibility of the international community to persuade pharmaceutical companies to provide treatment at a reduced cost and to cooperate with local hospitals. Sweden calls upon countries and pharmaceutical companies to cooperate, changing the economic landscape to incorporate corporate social responsibility. III. Combating AIDS in Asia and the Pacific Sweden calls for the following documents on HIV/AIDS prevention to be enhanced: The Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (GA Res. 26/2), and the Prevention and Control of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (GA Res. 45/187). Both documents do not consider the effects which denial by local governments and cultural restrictions have on tackling the pandemic. Sweden deems it particularly lamentable that sex workers are a vulnerable group often affected by the denial of home governments. Sweden is a strong supporter of womens rights, the most vulnerable group affected by HIV/AIDS, especially in Asia and the Pacific. Sweden is aware that the majority of sex workers in Asia and the Pacific do not use condoms, thus contracting HIV/AIDS from clients and spreading the disease to others. Sweden would furthermore like to highlight the heightened risk of female sex workers of acquiring the HI-virus due to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In addition, if a person already acquired HIV/AIDS, STDs make the disease more lethal. Denial, discrimination, lack of education, drug use, and a lack of health care create an environment where the HIV/AIDS pandemic can only grow stronger. Sweden supports concrete, applicable concepts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, such as women sanctuaries providing emotional support, special transportation for women to shelters, and helping women in abandoning their high-risk jobs and finding new employment. Sweden believes a broad approach is needed and points out that HIV/AIDS prevention is about changing attitudes, especially through knowledge, education, and access to reproductive health. Relevant sex education programs are important components in widespread prevention strategies. Sweden would like to remind the international community that if the pandemic is left untreated in Asia and the Pacific, the number of people having to live with HIV/AIDS could increase by the millions. The restrictions placed on HIV/AIDS activists and websites providing information only advance the silent spread of the disease. Since HIV/AIDS thrives on ignorance, Sweden is firmly convinced that raising public awareness on issues of stigmatization and exclusion will ultimately have positive results. Sweden supports increased research cooperation in order to broaden approaches against HIV/AIDS. Sweden points to the fact that knowledge is as important as preventive measures because one cannot exist without the other. Information provides a social service and prevents the spread of the disease. Sweden is aware of abstinence being a common way to prevent HIV/AIDS although this is everyones right, it should nevertheless not be a policy model. Public authorities have a responsibility to inform those who do not practice abstinence with HIV/AIDS education. Sweden applauds efforts made by South-East Asian countries in regards to launching HIV/AIDS international conferences and holding mass educational campaigns. Sweden suggests enhancing such education programs by integrating local guest speakers who are familiar with the topic to educate children and adults. Sweden believes this service could educate the population of South-East Asia about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and save countless lives in turn.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The issues before the committee of the United Nations Development Programme are the following: Assessing the Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals Report; Democratic Governance and Its Impact on Development; and Reconstruction and Development of Post-Conflict Areas. I. Assessing the Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals Reports Sweden fully subscribes to the United Nations Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2), including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) attached to it. Sweden believes that, together with the commitments agreed upon at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey (2002) and the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), the Millennium Development Goals represent useful tools in assessing the worlds progress towards the eradication of hunger and poverty. With internationally agreed-upon goals, developed as well as developing countries must live up to their respective commitments made during the Millennium Summit in 2000. In order to assess countries willingness and achievements, Sweden is convinced that national Millennium Development Goals Reports (MDGRs) are indispensable instruments to keep track of the MDGs implementation. Sweden emphasizes that submitting regular reports is not only desirable for developing countries; rather, it is of equal importance that developed countries report regularly on how they contribute to the MDGs as well. Sweden strongly supports the Country Reporting on the Millennium Development Goals (2003) - proposing guidelines for national MDGRs, as well as the recently published MDG Monitoring and Reporting: A Review of Good Practices (2005) - an overview of commendable national MDGRs. Having regularly published a report on the implementation of the MDGs itself, Sweden is convinced that as many countries as possible should have the opportunity and capacity to present regular national MDGRs. Sweden is pleased by the fact that by August 2005, a total of 155 MDGRs had been published by 139 countries. At the same time, every effort must be undertaken to improve the edition of MDGRs. Sweden welcomes the policy of outsourcing the edition of MDGRs to the UNDP Country Offices, and encourages all states to follow the procedure outlined in the Millennium Development Goals Reports: A Suggested Step-by-Step Preparation Plan (2002) and the Country Reporting on the Millennium Development Goals (2003). It must be stressed that transparency and coherence are essential for a global partnership for development. Indeed, the purpose of national MDGRs is to galvanize actions among civil society, politicians, the private sector, academics, and the media in the joint effort to achieve the MDGs. Sweden strongly emphasizes the importance of making the achievement of the MDGs a national responsibility. As the first country in the world, the Sweden adopted a bill entitled Shared Responsibility: Swedens Policy for Global Development (PGD) in December 2003. It places responsibility for reaching the MDGs upon the government, thereby providing a legal framework for putting global issues on the national agenda. Sweden is fully prepared to share its experience in implementing the PGD with other countries, and especially other high-income states. Since Sweden holds the MDGs to be so important, it encourages all countries to take into account the existing guideline documents. Furthermore, Sweden is ready to grant technical assistance to countries planning to issue national MDGs reviews. Finally, Sweden welcomes all national initiatives to promote the MDGs, and will gladly share its know-how gathered from the Swedish Millennium Development Goals campaign launched in 2002. II. Democratic Governance and Its Impact on Development The promotion of democracy and sustainable development is at the core of Swedish foreign policy. Sweden is convinced that the key to development lies, inter alia, in establishing democratic systems that are guided by good governance, the rule of law, and equality of women and men. Good governance, as established in the Millennium Declaration (GA Res. 55/2), is among the factors indispensable for building and strengthening peaceful, prosperous and democratic societies. By adopting the PGD, Sweden became the first country to subscribe all branches of its government to the promotion of equitable and sustainable global development. The PGD has, from its outset, become an integral part of Sweden's contribution to the realization of the MDGs, in particular the fight against poverty. Nonetheless, Sweden is concerned that the MDGs will not be met unless human rights are respected. Sweden therefore strongly welcomes the decision to create a Human Rights Council (HRC). This Council will need a strong mandate to address any situation where human rights are endangered, to respond to urgent human rights violations, and to monitor compliance by all states with their human rights obligations. Therefore, the Member States of the UN must not only equip the HRC with an effective mandate to ensure the promotion and protection of universal human rights standards, but must also allow NGOs to take an active part in this work.

Sweden will continue to work tirelessly to meet the MDGs, sharing its experience with countries struggling to meet these targets. Furthermore, Sweden commends the initiative taken by UN Member States in preparing the Warsaw Declaration of the Community of Democracies (2000) and the Seoul Plan of Action (2002), being a signatory of both. These documents build upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (GA Res. 217 A (III)), which remains the most fundamental guideline for all nations when it comes to the treatment of their own and other countries citizens. As UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has made clear in his bold call for reform entitled In Larger Freedom (2005), democracy does not belong to any country or region but is a universal right. Sweden is gratified to note the common will of many states to promote democracy and foster development, and urges all states to respect central democratic elements such as human rights, good governance, gender equality, social progress, and security. Sweden therefore calls upon all countries to implement the goals set forth in the Millennium Declaration, although reminding the international community of the fact that the MDGs represent only minimum goals. Accordingly, Sweden will go beyond the 0.7% target and allocate 1.0% of its GNI to Official Development Assistance (ODA) in its 2006 and 2007 budgets. Sweden calls especially on donor countries to join Sweden in delivering on the commitments set forth in the MDGs. At the same time, Sweden reaffirms its commitment to the Monterrey Consensus (2002), and reminds developing countries that they bear the primary responsibility for their own development. The importance of good governance, well-functioning democratic institutions, full respect for human rights, the rule of law, as well as a conducive climate for business and investment cannot be overemphasized for the sustainability of development efforts. III. Reconstruction and Development of Post-Conflict Areas Sweden is gravely concerned by the fact that many people in war-torn countries have experienced fragile peace relapsing into new conflicts. Sweden notes with grief that currently, half the countries emerging from violent conflict revert to conflict within five years, as Secretary-General Kofi Annan pointed out in his report In Larger Freedom (2005). Managing transition from conflict to sustainable peace is a primary target of Swedish foreign policy. Sweden therefore welcomes the increasing importance which the UN attaches to this matter, as is evident in the United Nations willingness to prolong its involvement in conflict-affected areas. Sweden believes that it is the responsibility of the international community to support countries in recovering from violent conflicts and in bringing about sustainable development. Sweden is convinced that to be successful, peacekeeping activities have to be planned, coordinated, and implemented in an integrated manner, i.e. accompanied by peacebuilding. Moreover, stable political institutions, respect of human rights, and the rule of law constitute additional central elements for pulling countries affected by conflicts out of poverty and violence. Sweden strongly supports the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission called for by SC Res. 1645 (2005) and GA Res. 60/180, since it would allow the United Nations to be better equipped to build peace in war-torn societies and prevent countries from relapsing into war, as Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds emphasized in her address to the 60th General Assembly. Sweden has actively supported the establishment of this commission and will continue to play an active role in initiatives related to it. In order to have a positive and decisive impact, the Commission needs to systematically draw on lessons learned from international peace efforts. Given Swedens long history of supporting United Nations peacebuilding endeavours, Sweden underlines its ongoing commitment to the issue and emphasizes its willingness to share its experience in this field. Moreover, Sweden remains dedicated to supporting the UN Development Programmes Bureau for Crisis Prevention & Recovery, and reaffirms the importance of SC Res. 1325 (2000) which underlines the significance of gender equality in the resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding. The building of stable situations and conditions for lasting peace in post-conflict areas depends, above all, on a multilateral approach. With the Stockholm Initiative on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (SIDDR) an international working process initiated by the Swedish government in 2004 Sweden has demonstrated its willingness to take a leading role in a multilateral process aimed at finding solutions conducive to peace in post-conflict areas. Moreover, Sweden urges not only Member States, but also the relevant UN bodies to take a holistic approach when dealing with post-conflict situations. Hence, Sweden is persuaded that the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission is a first step in this direction which provides, above all, the Security Council with a useful tool to deal more effectively with problems arising in post-conflict regions. The Peacebuilding Commission must be given adequate competences mirroring the importance of its foreseen duties. Together with much-needed reforms of the UN itself, Sweden calls for better coordination of United Nations efforts in the fields of development, security, and human rights. Above all, Sweden stresses the importance of developed countries increasing their Official Development Assistance (ODA) in order to promote sustainable peace and development in post-conflict areas. Lastly, Sweden calls upon all states to take a more active role in multilateral approaches and to enhance their efforts in post-conflict areas.

Delegation of Sweden

Represented by the University of Tuebingen

Position Paper for the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) The issues before the Inter-American Development Bank are: The Promotion of Sustainable Eco-Tourism as a Means to Development; the Provision of Potable Water to Poverty Stricken Areas; and the Promotion of Early Childhood Development. I. The Promotion of Sustainable Eco-Tourism as a Means to Development Sweden deems eco-tourism an important strategy for sustainable development. In 2002, tourism generated 11% of the World Domestic Product and more than 200 million jobs. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) has underlined the importance of tourism and urged governments in its Report on the Seventh Session (E/CN.17/1999/20) to maximise the potential of tourism for eradicating poverty. However, unregulated tourism can have severe negative effects on natural resources, biodiversity, and local cultural heritage. Through ecotourism, the sustainability of national services sectors can be ensured. Therefore, Sweden aims at fostering ecotourism ventures in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), as they can promote direct foreign investment and introduce environmentallysound technologies for growth without major environmental setbacks. In addition, the natural environment of LAC among the richest in the world provides the possibilities for successful ecotourism projects. The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as the responsible UN agency initiated the important project Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty in 2003, with the main objective of bringing development and jobs to people living on less than a dollar a day while stressing the opportunities which sustainable tourism can have for local populations. The Report for the Multilateral Investment Fund (1999) to the IADB has defined eco-tourism as a method for sustainable development and specified its advantages, some of which are the inclusion of natural and cultural heritage, its labor-intensive character and the opportunity it gives to some areas with no other economic alternative. In order to achieve this goal, the CSD urged governments to consult all major groups in planning, implementing, and sharing benefits; to undertake capacity-building with endogenous and local communities; and to create favorable legal, economic, social, and environmental set-ups. With Latin American countries displaying an average unemployment rate of over 10% and a wage inequality which, according to IADB chief economist Ricardo Hausmann, is the worst in the world, national governments should take steps in promoting eco-tourism as a measure to eliminate these grievances. Sweden believes that the IADB should continue to finance eco-tourism projects as a means for sustainable development. Through eco-tourism, employment can be increased and as a consequence poverty reduced. As the honorable Carin Jmtin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation , stated, My conviction is that the link between jobs and poverty reduction has to be central in development economics. Sweden strongly supports the participation of the private sector in these projects. Yet, Sweden is convinced that the IADB should be extremely careful in setting the criteria necessary for support. Respect for the environment and the cultural and national heritage, profitability, as well as the inclusion of local populations in the decisionmaking process, mustbe pre-requisites for the reception of financing. Sweden has designed a special qualitylabeling system in order to bridge the gap between tourism entrepreneurs and environmental protection. Sweden therefore proposes the design of similar labels for those entrepreneurs in LAC who can achieve high quality standards both from the sustainability and the economics perspective. II. The Provision of Potable Water to Poverty Stricken Areas Sweden is convinced that access to water is not only a prerequisite for sustainable development, but also a fundamental human right which each individual must be able to enjoy. As Swedish Minister for the Environment Lena Sommestad pointed out, Access to sanitation is a matter of health, and also a matter of dignity. Water should be sufficient and safe as well as physically, economically, and non-discriminatoryly accessible. The Declaration on the Right to Development (GAR 41/128, 1986) not only regards the equality of opportunity for all in their access to basic resources as a necessary measure for the realization of this right, but also includes the right to food and health, which implicitly requires access to potable water. Moreover, the seventh Millennium Development Goal (2000) (MDG) which aims to ensure environmental stability clearly states the reduction by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water as one of its two major targets. Sweden is strongly committed to the MDGs, regarding them as the central framework to achieve sustainable development around the globe. To achieve these goals, Sweden strongly underlines the importence of allocating 0.7% of states GNI to Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Sweden notes with satisfaction that a number of UN agencies, including UNICEF and UNEP as well as the IADB, have launched programmes to improve sanitation and access to clean water. The WHO refers to a number of water-related diseases being responsible for the death of over 3.4 million people every year, with children under the age of 5 being most affected. Sweden considers this a disgrace for humanity and modern societies. Particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the problem is often primarily one of mismanagement. Swedens past experience has shown that concentrating on potable water, albeit important, must not remain the sole aspect of water management. Sweden encourages LAC in the use of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach, wherein not only the aspect of water as a consumption good is covered, but numerous other possible aspects of water as a resource are attributed due attention. Water quality, waste water disposal, sanitation, irrigation, and the environmental consequences of certain projects must be included in the design of any successful water policy. Sweden is furthermore convinced beyond doubt that social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency must become integral parts of each undertaken project. Sweden will continue to support the projects of the IADB to improve sanitation in poverty-stricken areas. However, as underlined in the 2002 IADB meeting by Swedish Representative Ann Uustalu, We need to provide evidence on how our tax payers money has contributed in visible improvements in peoples lives. Sweden therefore draws attention to the need for monitoring systems to achieve the goals set for each new project. The activities to be financed should be based on a detailed water governance plan drawn up by experts both from the IADB and the respective countries. Sweden explicitly supports the inclusion of NGOs, national governments, local people, and the private sector in the planning and decision-making process. Sweden believes that through comprehensive planning and good management, the improvement of the living standards of affected people can be achieved without negative influences on the environment. On the particular question of privatization, Sweden strongly favors a case-by-case approach: where privatization appears appropriate, governments should exercise regulative measures in order to ensure good quality and increased accessibility. III. The Promotion of Early Childhood Development Sweden, as an initiating country of the 1990 World Summit for Children (WSC), is strongly committed to the support and protection of one of the most vulnerable societal groups: children between the age of two and school enrollment. The goals established at the WSC have had an enormous mobilizing power, generating a high level of engagement around the world and creating new partnerships between governments, NGOs, donors, the media, civil society and international organizations. Sweden nevertheless regrets that the hopes of many children are still overshadowed by daily hardship and fear. As Anna Lindh, late Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated, too often, their talents and skills are buried in abject poverty, or diseases which are curable but not attended to. Focusing on the youngest, efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have to be reinforced, including the provision of nutrition, clean water, adequate sanitation and a safe and healthy environment; the combating of the HIV/AIDS pandemic; the abolition of child labor; and the protection of children in armed conflict. Sweden points to the fact that the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (GA Res. 44/25) still the international communitys most important tool for the promotion of early childhood development remains an unfinished task. Sweden furthermore appeals to all governments to ratifiy the two Optional Protocols to the Convention to prohibit the sexual abuse of children and the use of children below the age of eighteen in armed conflict. The Plan of Action for Implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children (1990) established seven major and 20 supporting goals that were considered achievable by 2000. Sweden deeply regrets that, despite the IADBs strong efforts, most goals could not be fulfilled in LAC. To enhance coherence in global development policies, Sweden therefore proposes the alignment of IADB strategies with the Comprehensive Development Framework (CDF) initiated by the World Bank. Developing countries must be allowed to own the policy agenda, as most important actions are taken on the national level. Hence, good governance is of utmost importance for the promotion of early childhood development. Sweden places strong emphasis on national legislation, planning, priority-setting, and the adequate allocation of resources. Sweden encourages all governments to support monitoring systems to ensure that programmes are results-oriented, and carried out timely and appropriately. Reporting procedures set up for the Plan of Action must continue to run parallel to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In order to ensure transparency and accountability, measures such as appointing outside auditors; high level committee meetings and other coordinating meetings; media publicity and regular exchange with donors, NGOs and international organizations have to be expanded. However, Sweden seeks to distinguish between actions by governments and recommendations to international organisations, including UN agencies and the Bretton Woods institutions, i.e. the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IADB is challenged to translate its obligations under the Convention into new achievements that set standards for a concrete and effective global agenda for children. To this end, all Member States should ensure the broadest possible support. After all, the world cannot afford to not invest in children - our future.