Beijing talks end in 'consensus'

By Santi WE Soekanto

BEIJING (JP): The Fourth World Conference on Women adopted yesterday the Platform for Action, a document whose draft was plagued by reservations from various quarters, particularly over the issue of sexual rights.

A final plenary session of the conference adopted the document "on consensus," but attached to it the reservations of many countries, including Indonesia.

"This is a forced consensus," commented one observer.

Activists of the NGO Coalition for Women and The Family said the document was completed by "denying translations, ignoring delegates from small nations and stone-walling delegates who objected."

The Indonesian delegation is particularly concerned that the many reservations attached to the document could pose obstacles in the domestic implementation of its principles.

Indonesian Ambassador to China Juwana commented that the country could not accept statements in the document which are against its national interests.

Most of the Islamic states also expressed reservations on matters concerning sexual orientation and inheritance rights on the basis that they run counter to Islamic teachings.

Egypt demanded that its reservations regarding sexual and reproductive health be recorded and attached to the report at the meeting.

"We'd like to air reservations to every phrase that run counter against the Islamic laws," the Kuwait delegation said.

The Holy See also had reservations over the issues of sexual and reproductive health, and said the document manifested "exaggerated individualism."

In what appeared to be a thinly-veiled reference to the European Union delegation, the Vatican criticized those "who paid lip service to the issue of new and additional resources" yet were reluctant to make new funding commitments for women's programs.

The Vatican delegation described its participation in the adoption of the Platform as "qualified participation."

India gave unqualified support to the document, a move which was met with wild applause from both the audience in the packed plenary hall and those outside the room.

Conference Secretary-General Gertrude Mongella said in her closing remarks that, with the gathering, the world had taken a "decisive, irreversible step forward. There's no going back."

"The strands for weaving a better world for humanity are here. Let us, therefore, act, and act now," she said. "While I do not wish to underestimate the problems which would accompany the implementation of the Platform, I believe firmly that if we all do our little bit, no matter how small it is, we shall succeed in making even the impossible possible.

"Disseminate the Platform on your return home to your countries," she told the participants. "Let the message be loud and clear: Action now."

The final session, which lasted all day, was presided over by Chinese parliamentarian Chen Muhua. United Nations Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali said in his speech, delivered by his Special Representative Ismat Kittani, that the Platform for Action places heavy responsibilities and poses a challenge to the system, capacity and commitment of the world body.

"I accept that challenge. I will ensure that the recommendations addressed to me are implemented swiftly and effectively," he pledged. "I am committed to placing the gender perspective into the mainstream of all aspects of the work of the organization.

"Let us work together to implement the Platform for Action adopted here at Beijing...The empowerment of women is the empowerment of all humanity."

Earlier on the day, the conference heard from World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland.

Fujimori, whose speech was met with repeated rounds of applause, said that family planning methods are now legally available in Peru for all to either use them or not to use them, according to their beliefs.

However, he complained that the Catholic Church was trying to prevent the state from carrying out a modern and rational family- planning policy.

Brundtland started her speech by declaring that women would no longer "accept the role of second class citizens."

In his speech, Wolfensohn invited governments, non- governmental organizations and civil society to work together with the bank, "the largest donor to issues relating to women," to develop effective mechanisms to meet the objectives of the conference.