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2 UNDP HDR 2000 TO FOCUS ON RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT 3 UNDP WORKSHOP AT JAKARTA 4 FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION 6 TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 7 HANDBOOK FOR LEGISLATORS ON HIV/AIDS, LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Letter from the Chairperson

Dear Colleagues and Friends j ;..:-•-. II'UY/" W I Wish you all a very happy new year and the millennium. As I look back in retrospection, it has been a very satisfying year. But with greater achievements, it has also raised our hopes and aspirations. Since our last issue, there have been several events and that too at a rapid pace. First there was the global launch of the Culture for Peace by UNESCO at Paris, on the 14th September 1999, which I had the privilege to address as=*he President of the Council of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). This was soon followed by the UNDP Workshop at Jakarta convened to frame the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament in a multi-party set up. October saw the 102nd Conference of the IPU at Berlin, which became memorable in more ways than one. It was for the first time that the IPU elected a woman as the President of its prestigious Council a responsibility that was bestowed upon me by way of unanimous choice HUMAN and acclamation. Also at the Berlin Conference, for the first time a meeting was convened to discuss the the 1999 UNDP Human Development Report, which was attended by a large DEVELOPMENT number of Members of Parliament from different regions and geo-political groups. NEWS The interaction meeting with the Members of Parliament during the visit of Mr. Richard Jolly, the Principal Author of the 1999 UNDP HDR, the Tenth Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the launch of the Handbook for Legislators on HIV/AIDS, Law and A NEWSLETTER OF Human Rights and the launch of Human Development in South Asia The Crisis of 1 Governance Report were some of the important events which took place within a short span of THE PARLIAMENTARIANS the last quarter of the year. FORUM FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT On the first day of the New Year we got the news of the sad demise of Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharji, who was associated with the Forum from the days of its inception in 1994. The recent event on the Tenth Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was January organized with his close support. He would be missed by all of us. On the threshold of the new millennium, it is important to take stock of the past and place 2000 markers for the future. New ideas and issues have emerged and parliamentarians have responsibility to take them on board. We propose to hold a large number of activities in the next three years. We would be looking forward to your views and suggestions to make the Forum a greater success.

(Najma Heptulla) ; ''""•? *• Chairperson UNDP HDR 2000 TO FOCUS ON RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT Human Rights Commission, Justice Ranganath Misra, Leader of Opposition in the , Dr. Manmohan Singh, representatives from the Government and Planning Commission. Representatives of UN Agencies also attended the Meeting. Interacting with the Parliamentarians' Forum for Human Development (PFHD) led by Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Chairperson of the Forum, Dr. Jolly said that as people are looking forward to the new millennium for new opportunities, the theme of the next report all rights for all people will be the most appropriate because of its universal nature. Interaction meeting on the occasion of the visit of Mr. Richard Jolly. L to R : Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition in Rajya The proposed Human Development Report 2000 Sabha; Mr. Richard Jolly; Dr. Najma Heptulla, President of the will tackle poverty issues in the context of a broader Council of Inter Parliamentary Union; Mr. Hanumanthappa, Member of Parliament and Prof. O. P. Kohli, Member of framework of human rights and development. Parliament. Elaborating on the theme, Dr. Jolly said the issue of human rights revolves round the question of dignity n the occasion of the visit of Mr. Richard Jolly, of an individual and that of human development also Principal Author of the UNDP's 1999 Human focuses on strengthening capabilities. Development Report a meeting with the members of Dr. Heptulla said that the Forum seeks to liase with Parliament was convened on 9th November in the the people on the one hand and with the government Parliament House Annexe. The theme of the meeting on the other, focusing on the two issues of human was Human Development Reports: Members of rights and development so that the action plans can Parliament Perspective. be formulated on the basis of the peoples needs and The Meeting was attended by a large number of aspirations. Members of Parliament from different political parties, including the former Chairman of the National International Day of Tolerance UNESCO and UNIC celebrated International Day for Tolerance with a panel discussion and a question and answer session on 16 November. The Declaration on Principles of Tolerance adopted by UNESCO's General Conference defined tolerance as respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of the world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. However, this does not mean, as UNIC Director Mr. F. Starcevic pointed out, that we should tolerate intolerance. Pleading for conflict resolution at the local level through dialogue, Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Najma Heptulla, stated, "disparity in the distribution of benefits of development has led to conflict situations in society. Hence it is essential that the concepts of societal justice should always be inherent in public policies." Member of Parliament and Former Speaker of the , Mr. P.A. Sangma speeking on the subject, referred to the caste system, prevalent in India. Dr. , Minister for HRD and eminent jurist, Mr. , also addressed the meeting. UNDP WORKSHOP AT JAKARTA

Uhe democratic set up in Indonesia is experienc- procedures prevalent in the Indian Parliament, code ing a change. So far there has been an 'all powerful of conduct, ethics among parliamentarians, executive succored by a compliant parliament.' The democratic systems in governance, gender parity, Rules of Procedure of Parliament thus envisaged the and the functioning of the parliament. existence of a highly organized party with two or Mr. Ravi Rajan, Resident Representative, UNDP, three other small party groups permitted to be there Jakarta explained the rationale for holding the on sufferance. However, with seven major and workshop. Representative of four out of eight major twelve minor parties now represented in the political parties Golkar (the ruling party), PPP, Parliament, it has become essential to recast the PKB, PDKP and ten members of the DPR rules of procedure to accommodate a changed Secretariat General attended the workshop, which political scene. UNDP, Indonesia, under the project was conceived by Mr. Michael Meadowcroft, Post- 'Support to the Election Advisor, Democratic E U - U N D P Electoral Electoral Support Process in Project. Indonesia' organized a As a key part of its week long work, UNDP workshop Indonesia has starting from undertaken a series 25 September of local partnership 1999 on the projects in civic request made education, by the democracy Secretary UNDP Workshop at Jakarta. L to R : Dr. Neeru Misra, Coordinator, PFHD, UNDP; monitoring and Dr. Najma Heptulla, President of the Council of Inter Parliamentary Union; General of the electoral law Mr. Ravi Rajan, Resident Representative, UNDP Indonesia; Prof. Saragih, Chief review. The House of Coordinator of the Workshop; Ir Dariyatmo Mardiyanto, Chair of the DPR Commission. Representative Participants elicited s. The objective of the workshop was to help the a great interest in the functioning and the rules of newly elected parliamentary party groups to arrive procedure of the Indian Parliament and particularly at an informal agreement on the Rules of Procedure the Committee System. A suggestion was made by to be adopted by the new House at its inception in some of the members of Parliament attending the early October 1999. workshop to send some of the members and officials of the Indonesian Parliament to India for a study of The Workshop was organized for participants from the procedures relating to the Committee System. political parties and the armed forces. Dr. Najma Heptulla, Chairperson of the Forum and It was felt that in future more specific topics could Distinguished Human Development Ambassador, be covered in similar workshops. These could UNDP was Special Consultant for the deliberations, involve participation from the sub-region which has assisted by the National Coordinator, PFHD, considerable experience in democratic traditions UNDP, Dr. Neeru Misra. and processes. The participants were also given an insight into the initiatives of UNDP India through The general overview on the Rules and Procedures the Parliamentarians' Forum for Human was given by Mr. Ir. Daryatmo Mardiyanto, Development. This evoked keen interest for similar Secretary General, House of Representatives (also replication ih Indonesia. known as DPR in Indonesia). Dr. Heptulla spoke on the role of parliamentary democracy, rules and O Dr. Heptulk elected President of the

uring the 102nd IPU Conference in Berlin on 16th The IPU provides a forum to foster and promote October, 1999, Dr. Najma Heptulla was elected the greater cooperation and contact between parliaments first ever woman President of the Council Inter- and parliamentarians, mobilize opinion among Parliamentary Union. She was elected unanimously parliamentarians on major international events and and all the six regional groups supported her trends, promotes democratic ideals and institutions candidature. The Women Parliamentarian's group in governance, and collaborates with other also unanimously endorsed her candidature. international organizations to promote these ideals. The IPU has signed memoranda of association with the and its agencies and was instrumental in setting up the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. It gives me a pleasure -personal, institutional and as a country - to felicitate you on your unanimous election as the After signing a Memorandum of Association with President...much more noteworthy is the fact that in the annals of the' the UN, the IPU has been collaborating with several IPU this is the first time when a women has been a President. UN agencies like UNDP, ILO, UNESCO and FAO. The main aim is to involve people's representatives Shri , Minister for External Affairs. to evolve strategies for sustainable development and democratic polity. Governments need to take legislatures into account to implement international treaties. Hence the parliamentary aspect of diplomacy was essential. IPU has been holding its parallel meetings to support and supplement the UN Conferences on Population, Social Security, Environment and Women. 1600 members of parliament from 140 member countries and for associate members attended the Conference. The President of the Inter- Parliamentary Council is virtually the head of the organization, which directs the secretariat to // is matter of intense pride for us that you are going to head a governing body of one of the most influential implement the decision taken by the Council. He or organization of world parliamentarians ...I am sure, when you She represents the IPU in all its associations and preside over the deliberations of the IPU the whole world negotiations. The members of the Council elect their community would gain by your vast knowledge, President for a term of three years. wisdom and experience. The Inter-Parliamentary Union was founded in 1889 Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition and at the initiative of English and French Former Finance Minister Parliamentarians. Over the last 110 years the membership has gone up to 140 countries. It has its Headquarters at . The membership is roughly divided among six geographical regions Asia- Pacific, Latin America, Africa, Arab, Eurasia and 12 + (OECD and European countries). Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

It is a recognition of the fact that, to built a democratic society based on justice and freedom for all, equality and partnership between men and women is a fundamental necessity... IPU could play an important role in promoting the implementation of United Nation decisions in the political, economic and social fields....

Dr Najma Heptulla's address to the Council of IPU on her election by acclamation

IPU is committed to gender parity in . It may UNDP Associate Administrator, Zephrin Diabre be recalled that in 1997 at the initiative of Dr. sent a letter of congratulations to Dr. Heptulla on her Heptulla, Delhi hosted a Specialized Conference of election as President of the Council of IPU on behalf the IPU on "Partnership between Men and Women of the UNDP. in Politics." Next year IPU proposes to hold a Conference of Presiding Officers and Speakers at New York that will coincide with the Millennium Conference of the UN. Dr. Heptulla as the President of the IPU will play a key role in the event. Dr. Johannes Rau, H.E. President of the Federal Republic of Germany, inaugurated the Conference. H.E. Gerhard Schroder, Chancellor of the Federal Let me congratulate you most heartily on Republic of Germany, Ms. Mary Robinson, United behalf of the Administrator... we are delighted Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and that the UNDP's Distinguish Human Development Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga, President International Ambassador has been raised to this prestigious post... Committee of the Red Cross addressed the Zephrin Diabre Conference. Administrator Administrator, UNDP During this Conference, UNDP convened a meeting of the Parliamentarians on 1999 Human Development Report. Dr. Heptulla chaired this meeting held at the International Conference Center in Berlin on 12 October 1999. About twenty Members of Parliament from different national groups attended the meeting. TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD unique interaction between Parliamentarians organized the event, urged MPs to each 'adopt' one and children was held at the Parliament House child right as their personal crusade in Parliament Annexe in on 18th December 1999 to and in their constituencies. Ms. Kiran Aggarwal, coincide with Ten Years of the Signing of the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Convention on the Rights of the Child. 19 children, Development, said that a National Commission for each addressing one-child right, demanded of MPs Children would soon be set up, and the that their rights be met. A skit, enacted by street commitment on compulsory education up to 14 children, received a standing ovation from all, led years would be implemented vigorously, and the by Mrs. , MP and Leader of Convention on the Rights of the Child taught in Opposition in Parliament. Dr. Najma Heptulla, various Government departments. President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, who

L to R : Mr. Alan Court, Country Representative, UNICEF; Ms. Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Dr. Najma Heptulla, President of the Council of Inter Parliamentary Union.

Children from 'Prayas 'performing on the occasion of the Interaction Meeting on the Tenth Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

INDIA LAUNCH OF Human Development In South Asia - The Crisis of Governance REPORT The India launch of the Human Development in South Asia The Crisis of Governance, a report by the Islamabad based Human Development Centre was held in New Delhi on November 29,1999. Policy-makers, media persons, and officials as well as the representatives of the UN System in India and the NGOs attended the launch. Eminent persons who addressed the occasion included the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Dr. Manmohan Q Singh, the Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha and UNDP Distinguished Human Development Ambassador. Dr. Najma Heptulla, the President of the Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre (HOC), and Principal Coordinator of the Report £ Dr. Khadija Haq, Director, Center for Policy Research, Dr. V. A. Pai Panandikar and the UNDP Resident Representative, Q. Dr. Brenda G. McSweeney. "6 HANDBOOK FOR LEGISLATORS ON fflV/AIDS, LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Doint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS called upon the parliamentarians to take appropriate (UNAIDS) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union legislative and budgetary action towards this end. jointly prepared the Handbook for Legislators on Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition in HIV/AIDS, Law and Human Rights. The handbook the Rajya Sabha, also addressed the meeting. Mr. is designed to help Parliaments enact HIV-related Ranganath Misra, former Chief Justice of India and law and policy reform by providing them and their Chairman, National Human Rights Commission members with information on the critical role of law and presently Member of Parliament spoke on the and human rights in responding to the epidemic. The human rights and legal aspects of the issue. Mr. JVR UK release of the Handbook took place in London Prasada Rao, Project Director, NACO and Mr. on 22nd November 1999. The handbook was Gordon Alexander, UNAIDS, New Delhi made a launched in India on 21st December 1999 by Dr. presentation on the status of the epidemic in India Manmohan Singh. Speaking on the occasion, the and worldwide. Mr. Alan Court, Resident Chairperson and the President of the Council of IPU Coordinator a.i., summed up the proceedings on Dr. Heptulla pointed out that the global HIV behalf of the United Nations System in India. In his epidemic is now entering a new and critical phase valedictory address Mr. Alan Court, UN Resident with a disastrous social and economic impact Coordinator, a.i and Country Representative of becoming evident in the worst affected countries of UNICEF while thanking the Forum for convening sub-Saharan Africa. The direction of the epidemic the event said that the collective effort of the now appears to be shifting towards Asia and within Parliamentarians would go a long way in containing that towards India. The role of legislators and the epidemic before it assumes unmanageable parliamentarians in mounting an effective national dimensions. response is vital both as lawmakers in creating the necessary environment for preventive efforts and as elected representatives in mobilising public opinion in their parliamentary constituencies. Dr. Heptulla

L to R : Dr. JVR Prasada Rao, Project Director, NACO; Shri Ranganath Misra, Former Chairman Human Rights Commission and Member of Parliament; Dr. Najma Heptulla, President of the Council of Inter Parliamentary Union; Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha; Mr. Alan Court, Resident Coordinator a.i. and Country Representative, UNICEF and Mr. Gordon a Alexander, Senior £ Programme Advisor, Q. UNAIDS. 7