Issue
August - September 2001

Conference of Parliamentarians of the CIS and Asian Countries on �Population and Development - Poverty and Its Alleviation�

From top first line, L - R: Mr. Chyngyz, Translator - Mr. Gerry de Kort, Consultant for AFPPD, Mr. Bakit Baketaev. Head of the Dept. on International Affairs, Interparliamentary Relations and State Protocol, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Suumbek Kasmambetov, Deputy General Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Alymbekov�s Senior Assistant. Second line, L to R: Mr. Alisher Abdimomunov, MP. (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Erkin Bulekbaev, MP, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Valentin Dragan, MP, (Ukraine) - Mr. Kybanych, Assistant. Third line, L to R: Mr. Nikolay Tanaev, Vice Prime Minister, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Abdygany Erkebaev, Legislative Assembly Speaker, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Vazgen Hachikjan, MP, (Armenia) - Mr. Baktybek Alymbekov, MP, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Marat Sultanov, MP, (Kyrgyz Rep.) Fourth line, L to R: Mr. Shavkat Ismoilov, MP, (Tajikistan) - Mr. Aytaly Amangeldy, MP, (Kazakhstan) - Mr. Mircga Anton, MP, (Moldova) - Mr. Dumitru Zidu, MP, (Moldova) - Mr. Bladimir Tolokontsev, MP, (Kyrgyz Rep.) Fifth Line, L to R: Mr. Kodyrov, MP, (Tajikistan) - Mr. Altay Borubaev, Peoples� Representatives� Assembly Speaker, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, MP and AFPPD Chairman - Mr......MP, (Ukraine) - Mr. Alymbay Sultanov, AFPPD Member and MP, (Kyrgyz Rep.) - Mr. Jeken Kaliuly, MP, (Kazakhstan).

Bishkek - Under the title of �Population and Development - Poverty and Ways of Its Alleviation,� parliamentarians from seven CIS countries discussed their respective national policies and exchanged experiences in the field of poverty reduction. Participants included parliamentarians from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia. Tajikistan and Ukraine, and seven parliamentarians from the Kyrgyz Republic, which included the Kyrgyz Vice Prime Minister, Vice President, (State Secretary), Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Speaker of the Peoples� Representatives� Assembly and other Ministers.

In addition, representatives from international and local organisations such as UNDP, UNFPA, Peace Corps of USA, Kyrgyz Agricultural and Financial Corporation, Complex Bases of Development, AFPPD, the mass media and others attended, which amounted to seventy participants in total.

The objectives of the meeting were:

 

To share views, knowledge and experiences within the field of population and development policy, focusing on poverty alleviation in CIS countries.

 

To further develop and enhance cooperation amongst parliamentarians in the field of population and development within CIS countries.

 

To identify tools, techniques, strategies and mechanisms to promote poverty alleviation though population and development work.

 

To produce a joint statement from CIS parliamentarians to promote poverty alleviation through population and development policies.

The �CIS Countries� Workshop on Population and Development � Poverty and Ways of Its Alleviation,� was chaired by Mr. Sultanov, MP and AFPPD Executive Committee Member. It was opened with presentations from; Mr. Erkebaev, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Parliament of Krygyz Republic; Mr. Borubaev, Speaker of the Peoples� Representatives� Assembly, Parliament of Kyrgyz Republic; Mr. Ibraimov, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic; Mr. Tanaev, First Vice Premier Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic and Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, MP and Chairman of AFPPD.

Kyrgyzstan

CIS Countries Have An Impotant Role To Play In Poverty Alleviation
Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, MP

" The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, (AFPPD), understands the significant importance of the Northern half of the Eurasian continent and has wished for many years, that you would join with us and participate in our activities. There was, however, until CIS independence, very few opportunities of meeting with you on a face to face basis for direct exchange of views.

After CIS independence, opportunities of meeting together have been increased. Kyrgyzstan, the host of this meeting, was especially enthusiastic in participating in our activities. Mr. Bokoshov, former AFPPD Executive Committee Member, was the first to organise the National Committee for Parliamentarians on Population and Development, and Kyrgyzstan was the first in the region to become a full, AFPPD member. Under the leadership of Hon. Sultanov, MP, Kyrgyzstan, now as a member of AFPPD�s Executive Committee representing the CIS region, is very much involved and active in the Forum�s activities.

In this sense, one can say that Kyrgyzstan plays an important, pioneering role in the CIS region. Following in its path, Kazakhstan was welcomed as a full AFPPD member in May, 2000.

So what is the significance of us, the parliamentarians, being involved in population issues? To create an environment where mankind can live as humans on planet Earth, the place we call home. I am convinced that this is the mission of politicians everywhere, transcending state and regional boundaries, through policy-making processes, we are mandated to set the future directions of our countries. "No child should be born merely to die of hunger." These are the words of the late Takashi Sato, Japan�s former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the founder and first Chairman of AFPPD. The spirit of AFPPD is contained in these words.

This region is blessed with an abundance of nature and underground mineral resources. In addition, from the perspective of literacy rate, educational level, medical services and its level of social development, it is equal to that of the developed countries. With such envious resources and talented people, there is much more to do to improve society as a whole.

USA Fails To Support Kyoto Protocol

The system of the former Soviet Union had reached its limit and there is pressure to shift to a market economy. On the other hand, the global flag-bearer of the market economy, namely the USA, has declared its cessation from the Kyoto Protocol for preventing global warming. The reason given was �inhibition of carbon dioxide emission denies American lifestyle and values.�

Today, when our planet Earth has become relatively small and finite, one country�s actions effects not just itself, but the whole globe. At the APDA sponsored conference, held in May in New Zealand, it was sadly pointed out that many of the Pacific island states will no longer exist in the next century due to global warming brought about by the economic activities of the developed countries, including the USA. This clearly demonstrates that our planet can not be maintained if we continue to follow a self-centered and short-term pursuit of national interests.

The changes the CIS countries, Russia and Eastern Europe are facing are not just those of the economic system, it is a question of the concepts that lie at the base of the economic system. It is easier said than done to change conventionally maintained thoughts because we are then required to think and act in ways that we have not done for the past seventy years.

The popular promotion of market economic development around the world is not going to solve all of these problems. For example, food issues and food trade is not going to be resolved by merely promoting market economies. At a time such as this when there is a surplus of food, trade may greatly contribute to alleviation of hunger and poverty.

Opening Ceremony. from L to R: Mr. Nikolay Tanaev, Vice Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic - Mr. Altay Borubaev, Speaker of the Peoples� Representatives� Assembly, Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic - Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, AFPPD Chairman - Mr. Sultanov, MP - Mr. Alymbay Erkebaev, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic - Mr. Osmonokun Ibraimov, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic

Food Shortages In The Near Future

If food shortage were to occur in the near future, the assumptions of the market economy and, especially, the principle of comparative advantage will crumble. A change of the economic system in your region could also cause a rapid decline of cultivated land, which will compromise the need to feed the rising population in the future.

Your region is the last plot of land left with promise on the planet. While you may have to undertake major reforms in social systems, your commitment to sustainable development will not only solve poverty in your region, but also contribute enormously to the world�s supply and demand of foodstuffs.

What regimes are appropriate in a society of the future? These are matters we must give serious thought to. I wish to stress that merely applying market economy principles is not a remedy, and will not solve all problems.

I am confident that you will build a social regime that is appropriate for the future and that you will be wisely using your talented human and natural resources to build a Shangri-La. I know that the meeting, in fact the peoples you represent, will benefit from your collective wisdom in mapping out ways to resolve the many issues at stake."

Poverty, How to Alleviate It?

Parliamentarians and representatives from NGOs, international organisations and UN agencies alike, gave a wealth of presentations, providing participants with a valuable insight into the issues surrounding poverty, and possible ways of its alleviation were also debated in depth.

Poverty, a global issue, as it is not restricted to only developing countries, has many faces. Combating poverty, or rather eliminating poverty, is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. It was pointed out, that unfortunately, poverty is more often than not an excuse for discrimination and abuse.

Poverty not only denies many people their civil and political rights, it also hampers their participation on a cultural basis, and frequently, poor people are rejected by society, resulting in social exclusion. It is also interesting to note that people living in extreme poverty are habitually excluded from political processes - they do not vote, they are denied access to information and fair, legal treatment and they are also deprived of the normal benefits of citizenship. The groups most vulnerable are: women, children, a considerable proportion of young adults, elderly persons, single-parent families, large families, refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as members of ethnic minorities.

Presented with facts such as these, the particpants made many suggestions as to how poverty could be alleviated. It was decided that parliamentarians can help to alleviate poverty by:

Increasing public understanding of our mutual dependence and the need for international cooperation and development.

Refocusing national and international development efforts on the elimination of poverty and encouraging economic and social poicies that benefit the poor.

Focusing on closer cooperation between NGOs, government activities on all levels and international organisations to promote international action for the elimination of poverty, and to help mobilise the political will to achieve international development targets.

Political Will and Innovative Policies Needed to End Hunger

"Today, 1.2 billion people live in abject poverty. More than 800 million of them are chronically undernourished. Hunger is not only a consequence of poverty in its most extreme manifestation; it also serves to perpetuate and deepen poverty itself. Hungry people�s capacity for productiviry and growth are stunted. They cannot fulfil their full potential as individuals, nor as a society. This has a devastating consequences for economic and social development as a whole.

We must end this cycle of misery. We must combine concerted political will and innovative policies with investment in agriculture and rural development as well as social safety nets."

Kofi Annan

Poverty Issues Are Directly Linked To Population And Family Planning
CIS Parliamentarians

CIS Parliamentarian�s Commitment

Acknowledging that poverty is the main obstacle for sustainable human development, we, the parliamentarians, request that the Heads of States, Governments and Parliaments of the CIS and Asian countries recognise these following points:

	Poverty alleviation must become a strategic objective and the core of social policy within CIS countries.
	To analyse the agreements signed within the last ten years by the Heads of the CIS and Asian countries� Governments and to discuss the emerging points at their own Parliaments.
	To recognise that the priorities of such a long-term strategy for stable development should be effective management, creating employment and favourable conditions for small and medium-sized enterprise development, social welfare, to acheive economic growth and ensure equitable use of its results.
	Provide targeted social support to the poorest populations.
	Laws adopted by CIS and Asian countries must be directed towards poverty alleviation.
	Acknowledge that poverty alleviation issues are directly linked to population and family planning issues. Participants of the Conference are committed to any constructive cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organisations in further institutional and structural transformations directed towards poverty reduction.

PLCPD - Philippines

From L to R: Mr. Ramon San Pascual, PLCPD Acting Executive Director - Ms. Cristina Peczon, Host / Newscaster - Sen. Teresa Aquino Oreta, Board Member - Hon. Leticia Ramos-Shahani, formerPLCPD Co-Chairperson - Hon. Gary Teves, - Rep. Robert Barbers, Board Member.

Philippine Parliamentarians Three Year Advocacy Plan

The Philippine Legislators� Committee on Population and Development Foundation Inc., (PLCPD), organised its �12th Congress� on the 3rd of September in Manila and as part of the 12th Congress, an Annual Membership Assembly was held.

PLCPD�s Main Theme - Population, Development and Health

It is clear, that population, development and health will become the main theme to which PLCPD will give its full attention in the 12th Congress. Under this theme are at least two measures, which all members should be able to support, ensuring their full passage. First is the �Integrated Human Development and Population Act,� and the �Reproductive Rights and Health Act,� the drafts of which are being prepared by PLCPD�s civil society partner advocates.

Under the banner theme of Population, Development and Health are the following policy sub-themes: Gender and Development, Children, Youth and Family Concerns, Economic and political Reforms, Housing and Urban Development, Agrarian Reform and Food Security, and Environment and Natural Resources.

According to PLCPD, the bills that fall under the sub-themes are quite numerous, currently reaching twenty bills, and these will increase in number once members submit their own proposals for consideration.

From L to R: Sen Rodolfo Biazon, PLCPD Co-Chairperson for the Senate - Ms. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Co-Chairperson for the House of Representatives - Ms. Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Board Treasurer

Most noteworthy amongst these bills are the ones that have their own history of being consistently advocated for by PLCPD and 115 civil society partners. Among these bills are: the �National Land Use Act,� the �Juvenile Justice System Act,� the � AWIR Domestic Violence Act,� the �Anti-Trafficking Act,� and the �Local Sectoral Representatives Act.�

PLCPD Review

PLCPD had an external consultant, who provided a set of recommendations, as a result of the Systems Review conducted in June, 2001, under PLCPD�s Organisational Effectiveness Programme, (OEP). OEP�s end goal is to produce an effectively managed PLCPD, where members, the Board and staff alike are united in vision and strategies in steering the organisation. This unity ensures that PLCPD takes a niche in formulation on population and human development, and education and information policy.

PLCPD�s greater renewal for the 12th Congress is based upon the most significant OEP recommendations, which are the following:

	Strategy and plan processes and outcomes should, at least, be elevated to the Board and to the General Assembly at best.
	PLCPD should take into account two types of issues that require the legislators� input, namely: a) strategic programme concerns, and b) internal management issues.
	PLCPD must confer with member legislators about the thrust, demands and future of local legislation as an effective compliment to national legislation.
	Acknowledge and act upon the fact that there is a need to enhance staff�s competencies on policy analysis and discourse on population and human development.

In summary, PLCPD will adopt the following strategies inorder to obtain optimum results in its advocacy goals for population and human development legislation in the 12th Congress.

	Full process engagement with legislators and in legislative offices, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
	Research-based, issue advocacy that utilises a firm grasp of analysis of events and information.
	Enlistment of member-legislators as �champions� of population and human development issues.
	Effective legislative - civil society partenrship, especially organisations within the People�s Legislative Advocacy Network.
	Active engagement with the church and the private business sectors for broader policy consensus on population and development issues.

PLCPD�s Board of Trustees for the 12th Congress

PLCPD has, as members, sixty-three parliamentarians from both Houses, (as from 30th of August, 2001).

Elimination Of Violence Against Women
- Follow-Ups In Many Countries

The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, (AFPPD), Malaysia, held a one-day forum entitled �Population Challenges in the New Millenium,� organised in cooperation with UNFPA ad UNDP, which took place in Selengor on the 19th of August, 2001.

From L to R: Datuk Dr. Fadzil Che Wan, Deputy President of AFPPD Malaysia and Chairman of IMPO Malaysia - Datuk Abdullah Wahab, Secretary to the Senate - Hon. Sen. Marimuthu and women senators

The forum was well-attended with more than 150 participants comprising parliamentarians, state legislators, government officers, academicians and representatives from various NGOs.

The forum was opened by Hon. Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin, Deputy Home Minister of Malaysia and also AFPPD Malaysia�s President. Many issues pertaining to population, and in particular those related to reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS and violence against in women, were discussed.

The objectives of the forum were:

	To increase awareness and knowledge on population and development issues amongst parliamentarians and state legislators.
	To create public awareness on the effects of HIV/AIDS, drugs and crime, and violence against women within the family and the nation.
	To understand the concept of reproductive health as the key to healthy families and to curb sexually transmitted diseases.

The forum was closed by Hon. Dutuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister for Women and Family Development, Malaysia. Ms. Maxine Olson, UNDP/UNFPA Resident Coordinator, also spoke.

L to R: Ms. Ramah Osman, AFPPD Malaysia - Hon. Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin - Hon. Datuk Shahrizat Jalil, Minister - Ms. Maxine Olson and Hon. Datuk Napsiah Omar.

Parliamentarians agreed upon a resolution that was officially handed over to Hon. Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil by Hon. Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin and Ms. Ramah Osman, Executive Director, AFPPD Malaysia

The Forum�s Resolution

The resolution focused on three key areas. These areas were: public awareness and education, law and enforcement, and monitoring and evaluation of laws, policies and programes related to HIV/AIDS. violence against women and reproductive health.

It was also decided to create a national task force consisting of parliamentarians, state legislators and NGOs by the end of 2001 for the purpose of:

Development of Indicators.

Monitoring of intra- and inter-border activities.

Exchanging programmes and activities.

Hosting a regional forum every two years.