WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
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ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ THIRTY -SEVENTH WORLD HEALTH ASSВMBLY
April 1984
Provisional agenda item 33.1
COLLABORATION WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM Report by the Director -General
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GENERAL MATTERS
The Director- General reports in this document on selected matters of concern to WHO which have come up within the United Nations system since the Thirty -sixth World Health Assembly (1983), and particularly on certain important resolutions adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council at its first and second regular sessions in 1983 and by the United Nations General Assembly at its thirty -eighth regular session. Section 2 of the document also includes matters brought to the attention of the Executive Board at its seventy -third session (January 1984). A draft resolution is suggested for the Health Assembly's consideration in section 8.
1.
Introduction
The first regular session of the Economic and Social Council in 1983 was held in New York from 3 to 27 May 1983, and the second regular session in Geneva from 6 to 29 July 1983. Resolutions adopted by the Council that are of direct interest to WHO are brought to the Health Assembly's attention in section 3 of this report. As usual, many of the resolutions adopted by the Council were subsequently considered by the United Nations General Assembly, and are reported on in section 4. 1.1 1.2 The first part of the thirty -eighth session of the united Nations General Assembly was. held in New York from 20. September to 20 December 1983. As in previous years, and in view of the large number of resolutions (239) and, decisions (77) adopted, the Director- General has of necessity been selective in reporting in section 4 only on those resolutions which have a direct or indirect bearing on health programmes and policies, or which contain a request to WHO. 2.
Matters brought to the attention of the WHO Executive Board at its seventy -third session (January 1984)
WHO, acting as a focal point for joint planning in primary health care within the United Nations system, continued to strengthen its collaboration with concerned organizations and agencies. A number of meetings with some of these organizations were held for the purpose of identifying and promoting cooperative programmes. 2.1
2.2 Within the framework of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and as a follow -up to the Leeds Castle Declaration on the Prevention of Disablement, UNDP, WHO and UNICEF developed a tripartite action programme in the field of disability prevention. This interagency initiative, called IMPACT, which focuses on primary prevention 0f disability at the country level, was launched in India on 2 October 1983. The Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination was held in Geneva from 1 to 12 August 1983. The representative of the WHO Regional Director for Africa addressed the plenary session of the Conference, reiterating that apartheid was incompatible with health as defined in the WHO Constitution. The Conference formulated two main documentst the Declaration, and the Programme of Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, on which the thirty -eighth session of the General Assembly took action (see The section on education, teaching and training under the Programme paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6). 2.3
A37/14 page 2 of Action requests WHO to continue to implement the Plan of Action in favour of the victims of apartheid, particularly in the field of health, education and training, as recommended by the International Conference on Apartheid and Health (Brazzaville, 16 -20 November 1981).
The International Conference on the Question of Palestine was held in Geneva from Many organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, to 7 September 1983. including WHO, participated in the Conference. Addressing the plenary session of the Conference, the representative of the Director -General of WHO expressed the Organization's concern for the health situation of the people in the occupied Arab territories and outlined WHO's activities in those territories. 2.4 29 August
2.5 The main outcome of the International Conference was the Geneva Declaration on Palestine and the Programme of Action for the Achievement of Palestinian Rights on which the thirty -eighth session of the General Assembly took action (see paragraphs 4.14 and 4.15). 2.6 The subject of economic and technical cooperation among developing countries (E/TCDC) was much in focus, largely due to the initiative of the Group of 77, and is being discussed in various United Nations forums as well as the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC). A report highlighting the basic issues involved in the effective role of the United Nations system in fostering and promoting E /TCDC is being prepared for submission to the The CPC has also selected this subject for Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC). cross -organizational programme analysis in 1985. 2.7 As underlined in the Global Strategy for Health for All by the Year 2000, cooperation among developing countries, and among developed and developing countries, is mutually beneficial in implementing national strategies and indispensable for implementing the Global Strategy. In this regard, WHO has continued its efforts to promote and support TCDC work in the exchange of cooperative activities and joint ventures in a number of fields such as: information, especially on all aspects of health strategies; training; collaborative joint programmes for the control of certain diseases; research; the exchange of experts; the production, procurement and distribution of essential drugs aid other essential medical and the development the development of the health infrastructure; equipment and supplies; and application of low -cost technology for water supply and waste disposal.
a
TCDC has been the subject of continuous attention at the regional level. For instance, in September 1983 the Regional Committee for Africa took note of the report submitted by its Standing Committee on TCDC and recommended that attention be given to health manpower training, control of diarrhoeal diseases, transfusion centres and blood banks, and health information systems, as some of the specific areas that might offer openings for TCDC, as 2.8
well as several other areas proposed by the three subregional working groups on TCDC. Cardiovascular diseases, acute respiratory infections and the Expanded Programme on Immunization were given prominence in the 1983 report of the Sub -Committee on TCDC or the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, and the 1983 session of the Regional Committee for South -East Asia reviewed TCDC progress particularly in health manpower development, immunization, and the control of diarrhoeal diseases. The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases has developed a considerable network of TCDC activities in both research and training. 2.9 While the prime responsibility for initiating and implementing TCDC activities lies with the developing countries themselves, the Director -General will continue to stress the importance of TCDC in the Organization's programmes and activities, and will cooperate to the utmost with countries anxious to develop new forms of cooperation using the TCDC approach, where the Organization can play an invaluable catalytic and supporting role. 3.
Resolutions and decisions of the first and second regular sessions of the Economic aid Social Council, 19831 requested the Secretary -General to take in the field of aging at the central and in the Plan of Action. It also requested information and experience at the
3.1 In resolution 1983/21, on "Aging ", the Council steps for the necessary strengthening of activities regional levels of the United Nations, as set forth the Secretary -General, in promoting the exchange of
1
Copies of the resolutions adopted by the Council are available on request.
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international level, to include, inter alfa, the publication of an international review on aging and to continue research activities on the prospects and challenges of the aging of the world's population. 3.2 In its resolution 1983/17, on "Youth participation in social and economic development and their exercise of the rights to life, employment and education ", the Council invited all interested United Nations bodies to take an active part in the implementation of the Specific Programme of Measures and Activities which has been developed in the United Nations and is to be implemented during the International Youth Year and in the preceding period.
3.3 In its resolution 1983/26, on "Coordination and information in the field of youth ", the Council invited all United Nations bodies, specialized agencies, regional commissions and other international intergovernmental organizations, as well as nongovernmental organizations concerned, to pay particular attention to the improvement of coordination and information in the field of youth in the context of the implementation of the Specific Programme of Measures and Activities to be undertaken prior to and during the International Youth Year. In its resolution 1983/30, on "Suppression of the traffic in persons and of the exploitation of the prostitution of others ", the Council invited all the organs, organizations and agencies of the United Nations system concerned, particularly UNICEF, UNHCR, ILO and WHO, to bring the traffic in persons to the notice of their representatives and experts and to transmit their observations and their studies to the Centre for Human Rights, which has been designated as the focal point by the Secretary -General.
3.4
In its resolution 1983/42, on "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations and assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement by agencies and institutions within the United Nations system", the Council urged the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system to accelerate the full and speedy implementation of the relevant provisions of the resolutions of the United Nations bodies. It requested the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to render, in consultation with the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Council for Namibia, increased assistance to the people of Namibia, in particular in connection with the Nationhood Programme for Namibia. It also requested the specialized agencies to continue to take all necessary measures to withhold any financial, economic, technical or other assistance to the Government of South Africa until that Government restores to the people of Namibia their inalienable right to self -determination and independence. It further requested the specialized agencies to intensify their support for the oppressed people of South Africa. Moreover, it urges the executive heads of the specialized agencies to submit, as a matter of priority, to their governing and legislative organs concrete proposals for the full implementation of the relevant United Nations decisions. Similar requests were addressed to the specialized agencies by the General Assembly in resolution 38/51. 3.5
3.6 In its resolution 1983/43, on "Assistance to the Palestinian people ", the Council requested the competent programmes, organizations, agencies aid organs of the United Nations system to sustain and intensify their efforts, in cooperation with the Palestine Liberation Organization, in providing economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people. 3.7 In its resolution 1983/47, on "Strengthening the capacity of the United Nations system to respond to natural disasters and other disaster situations ", the Council recognized the importance of disaster preparedness and prevention activities, and called on the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator, governments and agencies involved to ensure that due priority attention is given to them. It repeated its call to all governments and competent organs and organizations to cooperate with the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator and to improve in particular their flow of information on relief assistance, action, plans and needs. 3.8 In its resolution 1983/57, on "Water resources development: progress and prospects in the implementation of the Mar del Plata Action Plan and the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade ", the Council called on the organizations concerned within the United Nations system to intensify their catalytic roles in the promotion of technical cooperation among developing countries in the field of water resources.
A37/14 page 4 In its resolution 1983/59, on "Coordination of programmes within the United Nations system in the field of natural resources ", the Council requested the Secretary -General to submit to future sessions of the Committee on Natural Resources reports containing an analysis of the level of cooperation and coordination within the United Nations system in the field of natural resources, to enable identification of existing problems to assess the extent, if any, to which there is duplication of effort, and to formulate appropriate 3.9
recommendations. 4.
Resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly during the first part of its thirty -eighth session
4.1 In resolution 38/4, on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference ", the General Assembly encouraged the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to continue to expand their cooperation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference, inter alia by negotiating cooperation agreements. In resolution 38/5, on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity", the General Assembly noted with appreciation the increasing participation of OAU in the work of the United Nations and the specialized agencies, and recognized the importance of their continued close association, where appropriate, with the efforts of OAU to promote social and economic development. 4.2
4.3 In resolution 38/6, on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary -General to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the organizations of the United Nations system and the League of Arab States in order to enhance their capacity to serve the mutual interests of the two organizations in the political, economic; social and cultural fields.
4.4 In resolution 38/39, on "Policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary -General to prepare, in consultation with the executive heads of the United Nations agencies, proposals for concerted action by all agencies in the international campaign against apartheid. In resolution 38/14, on the "Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination ", the General Assembly proclaimed the 10 -year period beginning on 10 December 1983 as the It took note of the results of the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, and approved the Programme of Action for the Second Decade. It also invited governments, United Nations bodies, the specialized agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as interested nongovernmental organizations, to participate in the celebration of the Second Decade by intensifying and extending their efforts to ensure the rapid elimination of racism and racial discrimination.
4.5
4.6 In resolution 38/15, on the "Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination ", the General Assembly appealed to all Governments, United Nations organs, the specialized agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as the concerned nongovernmental organizations, to participate in the observance of the Second Decade by intensifying aid extending their efforts towards ensuring the rapid eradication of racism and racial discrimination. In resolution 38/54, on "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of • Independence to Colonial Countries aid Peoples ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary -General and the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to provide or continue to provide to the newly independent and emerging States all possible assistance in the economic, social and other fields. 4.7 In resolution 38/17, on "Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self -determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights ", the General Assembly urged the specialized agencies to extend their support to the Namibian people through its
4.8
to
1 Copies of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, other than those annexed this document, are available on request.
A37/14 page 5 sole and legitimate representative, the South West Africa People's Organization, in its struggle to gain its right to self -determination and independence in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. It called for a substantial increase in all forms of assistance given by the specialized agencies to the victims of racism, racial discrimination It urged and apartheid through their national liberation movements recognized by OAU. specialized agencies to extend their support to the Palestinian people through its sole and legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, in its struggle to regain its right to self -determination and independence in accordance with the Charter of the United
Nations. 4.9 In resolution 38/26, on "Channels of communication between the United Nations and youth and youth organizations ", the General Assembly called on specialized agencies to continue to promote actively the full and effective implementation of the guidelines and additional guidelines adopted at its thirty -second and thirty -sixth sessions, in particular through informing young people of relevant policies and programmes and encouraging them to participate in the preparation and implementation of these policies and programmes.
4.10 In resolution 38/27, on the "Question of aging ", the General Assembly invited the specialized agencies and other intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations concerned to continue to be actively involved, in a coordinated manner, in the implementation of the International Plan of Action on Aging. 4.11 In resolution 38/28, on the "World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons ", the General Assembly called on all organs, organizations and agencies of the United Nations system, through a reallocation of existing resources, to continue to ensure the early implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons.
4.12 In resolution 38 /105, on "Participation of women in promoting international peace and cooperation ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to bring the Declaration on the Participation of Women in Promoting International Peace and Cooperation to the attention of appropriate specialized agencies, including WHO, for consideration of measures to implement the Declaration. 4.13 In resolution 38/108, on "Preparations for the World Conference to Review aid Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women ", the General Assembly decided to accept, with appreciation, the offer of the Government of Kenya to host the World Conference in Nairobi in 1985.
4.14 In resolution 38/58, on the "Question of Palestine ", the General Assembly took note with satisfaction of the report of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine It urged the meeting of specialized and endorsed the Geneva Declaration on. Palestine. agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to be convened in 1984 to take into account the recommendations of the five regional preparatory meetings of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine and the United Nations resolutions concerning economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people in developing a coordinated programme of economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people, and to ensure the implementation of that programme. In resolution 38/145, on "Assistance to the Palestinian people ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary -General (a) to convene in 1984 a meeting of the relevant programmes, organizations, agencies and organs of the United Nations system to develop a coordinated programme of economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people and to ensure its implementation; (b) to provide for the participation in the meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Arab host countries and relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations; and (c) to utilize existing interagency mechanisms to prepare proposals for assistance projects to be considered at the meeting. It also requested the relevant programmes, organizations, agencies and organs of the United Nations system to intensify their efforts, in cooperation with the Palestine Liberation Organization, to provide economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people.
4.15
4.16 In resolution 38/93, on "Measures to improve coordination and cooperation in the international struggle against illegal production of drugs, illicit drug traffic and drug abuse ", the General Assembly urged organizations within the United Nations system to accord higher priority to drug control activities in their programme budgets and requested the
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Secretary -General to take the necessary steps to improve coordination of drug control activities within the United Nations system, and among member States, the specialized agencies and programmes and other organizations so as to avoid duplication of effort. In resolution 38/122, on "International campaign against traffic in drugs ", it urged organizations within the United Nations system to continue to grant assistance to countries most affected by the illicit production of and traffic in drugs and drug abuse. In resolution 38/149, on "Protection against products harmful to health and the environment ", the General Assembly requested the Secretary -General to make available the consolidated list of products, as established on the basis of information supplied in accordance with its request at the thirty - seventh session, and to bring it up to date on a It urged the relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations regular basis. system, particularly FAO, WHO, ILO, UNEP, GATT, and the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations, and other intergovernmental organizations to continue to cooperate fully in providing information for the consolidated list and for its updated It also requested the Secretary -General and the organs, organizations and other versions. competent bodies of the United Nations system to continue to provide, within available resources, the necessary technical assistance to the developing countries, at their request, for the establishment or strengthening of national systems for better use by those countries of the information provided with regard to banned hazardous chemicals and unsafe pharmaceutical products, as well as for an adequate monitoring of the importation of those 4.17
products. 4.18 In resolution 38/152, concerning the "International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade ", the General Assembly expressed its conviction of the urgent need for substantially greater efforts towards the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Strategy in the remaining period of the Decade. The Assembly reaffirmed the need to identify the real causes for shortfalls in the implementation of the Strategy in the global review and appraisal exercise to be carried out in 1984, and, if necessary, to adjust the policy measures foreseen in the Strategy in the light of evolving needs and developments.
4.19 In resolution 38/120, on "Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa ", the General Assembly appealed to the international community, all States, specialized agencies and regional intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations to provide the utmost support for the Conference with a view to offering maximum financial and material assistance to refugees in Africa and to ensuring the Conference's success. 4.20 In resolution 38/202, on "Strengthening the capacity of the United Nations system to respond to natural disasters and other disaster situations ", the General Assembly recognized the importance of disaster preparedness and prevention activities, and called on the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator, governments and agencies involved to It also repeated its call to all ensure that a high level of attention is given to them. governments and competent organs and organizations to cooperate with the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator and to improve, in particular, their flow of information on relief assistance, action, plans and needs. In resolution 38/118, on "Principles of Medical Ethics", the General Assembly invited 4.21 all relevant intergovernmental organizations, in particular the World Health Organization, and nongovernmental organizations concerned to bring the Principles of Medical Ethics to the attention of the widest possible group of individuals, especially those active in the medical and paramedical field.
4.22 Among other resolutions which concern WHO directly or indirectly are resolution 38/60, in which the General Assembly decided that the United Nations Conference for the Promotion of International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy should be held in 1986; resolution 38/154, on "Development aspects of the reverse transfer of technology", in which it requested the Secretary -General to establish urgently an interagency group, including inter alia WHO, to coordinate measures on the question of the reverse transfer of technology; resolution 38/158, on "Food problems ", in which it noted with concern the continuing hunger and malnutrition in many developing countries, especially in Africa and in the least developed countries and called upon the relevant entities of the United Nations system to accord priority support to economic and technical cooperation among developing countries in
A37/14 page 7
resolution 38/165, on "International cooperation in the field of the food and agriculture; environment ", in which it invited the organizations of the United Nations system to endeavour to take the provisions of the system -wide medium-term environment programme fully into and resolution 38/168, on "International Year of Shelter account in their own activities; for the Homeless ", in which it urged all organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to help achieve the objectives of the Year. 4.23 In a number of resolutions on development issues, including resolution 38/199 on "Special measures for the social and economic development of Africa in the 1980s ", resolution 38/200 on "Immediate measures in favour of the developing countries ", and resolution 38/225 on "Implementation of the medium-term and long -term recovery and rehabilitation programme in the Sudano- Saheliaп region ", the relevant organizations within the United Nations system were requested to take appropriate action. 4.24 In a series of resolutions, the General Assembly called for greater assistance by concerned organizations of the United Nations system including WHO, to certain countries, i.e. Ghana,(resolution 38/203), Yemen (resolution 38)204), Sierra Leone (resolution 38/205), Democratic Yemen (resolution 38/206), Uganda (resolution 38/207), Mozambique (resolution 38/208), Comoros (resolution 38/209), Benin (resolution 38/210), Central African Republic (resolution 38/211), Gambia (resolution 38/212), Djibouti (resolution 38/213), Chad (resolution 38/214), Lesotho (resolution 38/215), Vanuatu (resolution 38/218), Cape Verde (resolution 38/219), Lebanon (resolution 38/220), Guinea -Bissau (resolution 38/221), Nicaragua (resolution 38/223), and Equatorial Guinea (resolution 38/224). Resolution 38/216 dealt with assistance to the drought -stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda, and resolution 38/217 dealt with special assistance to alleviate the economic and social problems faced in regions of Honduras aid Nicaragua as a result of the May 1982 floods and other subsequent natural disasters. Resolution 38/222 called for assistance to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru to alleviate the effects of natural disasters.
4.25 In response to resolution WHA34.39, on "Material war remnants ", the Director -General reported to the Thirty -sixth World Health Assembly on progress in the General Assembly's consideration of this matter.1 In its resolution 38/162, on "Remnants of war ", the General Assembly noted the Secretary -General's report on the problem of remnants of war, prepared in cooperation with the Executive Director of UNEP, and expressed its regret that no concrete The Assembly requested the measures have been taken to solve the problem of remnants of war. Secretary -General to intensify his efforts to urge the States concerned immediately to conduct bilateral consultations for the solution of this problem, and to submit a further report to- its thirty -ninth session. The Director -General will keep the Health Assembly informed of developments.
4.26 In resolution 38/187, on "Chemical and bacteriological (biological) weapons ", the General Assembly reaffirmed the necessity of the speediest elaboration and conclusion of a convention on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of all chemical weapons and on their destruction, and requested the Secretary -General to pursue his action to devise procedures for the investigation of information concerning activities that may constitute a violation of the 1925 Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, or of the relevant rule of customary international law. 4.27 A number of resolutions were adopted on issues relating to disarmament, the arms race, In resolution 38/188J, on "Institutional arrangements relating to the and nuclear warfare. process of disarmament ", the General Assembly commended WHO's report on "Effects of nuclear war on health and health services ",2 and invited the specialized agencies and other institutions and programmes within the United Nations system to broaden further their contribution, within their areas of competence, to the cause of arms limitation and disarmament. It also reaffirmed the necessity of ensuring constant coordination of
1
Document А36/15, paragraph 4.9.
2 Effects of nuclear war on health and health services. Report of the International Committee of Experts in Medical Sciences and Public Health to implement resolution WHA34.38. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1984.
A37/14 page 8 activities carried out in the field of disarmament by various entities of the United Nations. Resolution 38/188) is attached to this document as Annex 1. In resolution 38/75, on "Condemnation of nuclear war ", the General Assembly "unconditionally and for all time condemns nuclear war as being contrary to human conscience and reason, as the most monstrous crime against peoples and as a violation of the foremost human right - the right to life ". Other resolutions on related issues include 38/76 on "Nuclear- weapon freeze ", 38/62 on "Cessation of all test explosions of nuclear weapons ", and 38/182 on "Prohibition of the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction and new systems of such weapons ". In resolution 38/71, on "Relationship between disarmament and development ", the General Assembly expressed its deep concern over the arms build -up and trends in military expenditures, the consequent waste of human and economic resources, and the resulting risks for world peace and security. 4.28 In this connection, and with reference to resolution WHA36.28 on "The role of physicians and other health workers in the preservation and promotion of peace as the most significant factor for the attainment of health for all ",1 the Director -General has established a WHO Management Group on the Follow-up on Resolution WHA36.28, with Professor S. Bergstrom (Sweden), Professor N. P. Bockhov (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), Professor A. Leaf (United States of America) and Professor J. Rotblat (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as members. The present and planned future work of the Group includes studies on the effects on health and health services of attacks on nuclear installations and chemical plants; atmospheric chemistry and climate change during and after nuclear war in relation to the health of populations; contamination of water aid food with radioactivity and the effects of wartime conditions on survivability after exposure to radiation; the estimation of the real medical commitment and rehabilitation of public health care after the nuclear conflict; and psychological aspects of the arms race and nuclear war. In accordance with resolution WHA36.28 the Director -General will keep the Health Assembly informed on the findings of these studies as they become available. 5.
Operational activities for development
5.1 At its thirty -eighth session the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 38/171, on "Comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development ". The basis for the debate in the General Assembly which led to the adoption of this resolution was the report of the United Nations Director -General for Development and International Economic Cooperation on operational activities for development of the United Nations system. The full text of resolution 38/171 is attached as Annex 2 to this report. 5.2 The Director -General has noted that a large number of recommendations for action have been addressed to the organs, organizations, and bodies of the United Nations system, as well as to the United Nations Director -General for Development and International Economic Cooperation. The United Nations Director -General recognizes that the next report he has been requested to prepare for consideration by the General Assembly in 1986 requires consultations with all the organizations of the United Nations system that are engaged in operational activities for development. In this respect he has asked that the ACC's Consultative Committee on Substantive Questions (Operational Activities) (CCSQ(OPS)) discuss ways by which consolidated and generally agreed views can be provided to the General Assembly. An initial review of the resolution and the approaches which might be followed took place at the first regular 1984 session of CCSQ(OPS), held in Geneva from 20 to 23 March. A representative of the office of the United Nations Director -General informed agency representatives of the concerns expressed in the General Assembly, particularly as regards the need to maintain the multilateral character of the operational activities of the United Nations system. The importance of promoting better coordination at the national level was also stressed.
5.3 In the light of resolution 38/171, the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) has included in its work programme for 1984 a study to review in depth the structure of the field representation of the organs and organizations of the United Nations system. The Director -General has taken measures to ensure that WHO will contribute fully to the study, and looks forward to receiving the JIU report in the spring of 1985.
1
Document WHA36 /1983 /REC /1, p. 25.
A37/14 page 9 The Health Assembly might wish to bear in mind that the concerns expressed in the 5.4 General Assembly have been taken into consideration by WHO Member States and the Health Assembly through the adoption of measures designed to promote health development within the The Organization's framework of the Global Strategy for Health for All by the Year 2000. practices regarding technical cooperation with its Member States are fully commensurate with Member States' wishes, and efforts will continue to be made to share WHO's experience with other United Nations organizations with a view to improving complementarity and coordination of effort. In view of the importance given by member States in the United Nations General Assembly 5.5 to the comprehensive policy review, the Director- General is suggesting a draft resolution for the Health Assembly's consideration (see section 8). 6.
International Conference. on Population, 1984
6.1 In its resolution 1983/6, on the "International Conference on Population, 1984 ", the Economic and Social Council decided to convene the International Conference on Population in Mexico City from 6 to 13 August 1984. The Council's decision was endorsed by the General Assembly in resolution 38/148, which requests the Population Commission, acting as the Preparatory Committee, to prepare a draft provisional agenda for the Conference.
WHO actively participated in and provided inputs for four expert group meetings organized by the Conference Secretariat during 1983. These were on fertility and family (New Delhi, 5 -11 January), population distribution, migration and development ( Hammamet, Tunisia, 21 -25 March), population, resources, environment and development (Geneva, WHO also participated 25 -29 April), and mortality and health policy (Rome, 20 May - 3 June). in the five regional conferences on population and development organized by the regional economic commissions. The reports of these regional conferences, as well as of the Preparatory Committee, were reviewed at the annual meetings of the commissions in March and April 1984. 6.2 6.3 Two background documents - a "Review and appraisal of the World Population Plan of Action" and "Recommendations for the further implementation of the World Population Plan of Action" - were prepared by the Conference Secretariat. They were developed in close collaboration with the ACC Task Force on the International Conference on Population, which met in Geneva from 18 to 21 May 1982, and from 15 to 20 September 1983, and in New York from WHO actively participated in and contributed to the discussions. 30 to 31 January 1984.
6.4 WHO also participated in the work of the Preparatory Committee at its meeting in It reviewed the two draft documents referred to above, New York from 23 to 27 January 1984. as well as draft procedures and a draft agenda for the Conference.
During the second meeting of the Preparatory Committee (New York, 12 -16 March 1984) the draft list of recommendations prepared by the first meeting was reviewed, modified and It will be submitted to the Economic and Social Council for its consideration. supplemented. 6.5
WHO will be represented at the Conference by staff members from regional offices and headquarters, and the Director -General will address the plenary meeting. 6.6 7.
Critical economic and social situation in Africa
The critical economic and social situation in Africa has become a matter of great concern to the United Nations system. The crisis is multisectoral and affects most areas of economic and social activity. This emergency situation prompted the United Nations Secretary -General to alert the heads of the specialized agencies to the need to take speedy action to deal with conditions posing an immediate threat to human life, to redress conditions which gave rise to the current crisis, and to establish a basis for the resumption of economic and social development in the area. 7.1
7.2 The Secretary -General, following informal consultations with member States aid agencies, has established an advisory group on the crisis in Africa at the United Nations headquarters He has also designated a Special Representative in Africa to facilitate in New York. effective response to the situation by the United Nations system, and assigned a key role in countries to the United Nations Resident Coordinators.
А37/14 page 10 As part of a process of consultations with all interested parties aimed at mobilizing additional support and strengthening existing efforts, the Secretary-General convened a special meeting on the crisis situation in Africa, held on 20 March 1984 in New York. WHO was represented at this meeting by the Regional Director for Africa. 7.3
The specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system are called upon to designate a senior focal paint to collaborate with the Special Representative of the 7.4
Secretary -General and the United Nations Resident Coordinators. for Africa will assume this task. 7.5
For WHO the Regional Office
WHO will closely coordinate activities with national authorities, the United Nations and other organizations concerned, through its already established mechanisms, to ensure a concerted active response to the Secretary-General's initiative. The Director -General, in close collaboration with the Regional Director for Africa, will continue to monitor the situation aid assist the countries concerned in dealing with the critical health conditions prevailing. 8.
Draft resolution The following is a suggested draft resolution for consideration by the Health Assembly: The Thirty -seventh World Health Assembly,
8.1
Having considered the Director -General's report on collaboration within the United Nations system - general matters, and in particular United Nations General Assembly resolution 38/171, on "Comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development ";
Remaining fully, cognizant of the concern expressed by member States in the General Assembly that the operational activities of the United Nations system should be in accordance with the national plans, priorities, and objectives of the recipient countries, and that the multilateral character of such activities should be maintained; ENDORSES the policies and principles reflected in General Assembly 1. resolution 38/171; 2.
CONFIRMS that these development policies and principles are being applied in the technical cooperation work carried out between WHO and its Member States within the framework of the Global Strategy for Health for All by the Year 2000;
REAFFIRMS the cardinal principle of national determination in the use of resources available through WHO for ensuring national health development in accordance with strategies for attaining health for all by the year 2000. 3.
А37/14 page 11 ANNEX RESOLUTION 38/188) OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY Institutional The General Assembly, 1
arrangements relating to the process of disarmament
Convinced that the United Nations, in accordance with the Charter, has a central role and primary responsibility in the sphere of disarmament and should, accordingly, play a more active role in this field,
Reaffirming that the international machinery should be utilized more effectively to promote the cause of disarmament, Reaffirming also the role of the Conference on Disarmament 23/ as negotiating body, a
single multilateral
Stressing that the Department for Disarmament Affairs of the Secretariat should take full account of the possibilities offered by specialized agenices and other institutions and programmes within the United Nations system with regard to studies and information on disarmament, Stressing again the close relationship between matters concerning international security and disarmament and the interest in close co- operation between the units in the Secretariat dealing with them,
Convinced that all possible avenues should be effectively utilized for the cause of preventing war, in particular nuclear war, and achieving disarmament, Reaffirming also a close link existing between disarmament and development, Convinced that disarmament would contribute over the long term to the effective economic and social development of all States, in particular developing countries, by contributing to reducing the economic disparities between developed and developing countries and establishing the new international economic order on the basis of justice, equity and co-operation and towards solving other global problems,
Convinced also that there is a close relationship between the development of international co- operation in various fields, such as trade, economic development, environmental protection, health and the prevention of war, in particular nuclear war, and the achievement of arms limitation and disarmament, Reaffirming its invitation to the relevant specialized agencies to intensify activities, within their areas of competence, to disseminate information on the consequences of the arms race,
Taking note with appreciation of various activities, conducted by United Nations institutions and agencies in the framework of the World Disarmament Campaign, Commending the report of the World Health Organization entitled "Effects of nuclear war on health and health services ", as well as appropriate efforts undertaken by other specialized agencies, 1. Invites the specialized agencies and other institutions and programmes within the United Nations system to broaden further their contribution, within their areas of competence, to the cause of arms limitation and disarmament;
2. Reaffirms the necessity of ensuring constant co- ordination of activities carried out in the field of disarmament by various entities of the United Nations;
A37/14 page 12
Annex
1
Э. Invites the specialized agencies and other institutions and programmes within the United Nations system to report to the General Assembly at its thirty-ninth session on the activities carried out by them in implementation of the present resolution;
4. Recommends to the Secretary -General that, in the agenda of his periodic meetings with the executive heads of the specialized agencies, he includes an item relative to disarmament in the consideration of which the Under -Secretary- General for Disarmament Affairs would participate; 5. Resolves to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-ninth session an item entitled "Contribution of the specialized agencies and other institutions aid programmes within the United Nations system to the cause of arms limitation and disarmament ".
23/ From the date of commencement of the annual session in 1984, the Committee on Disarmament will be known as the "Conference on Disarmament" (see Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty -eighth Session, Supplement No. 27 (А/38/27), para. 21).
А37/14
UNITED NATIONS
ANNEX 2
А
General Assembly
Distr.
GENERAL A/RES/38/171 12 January 1984
Thirty -eighth session Agenda item 79
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY [on the
report of the Second Committee
(А/38/703)]
38/171.
Comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 3201 (S -VI) and 3202 (S -VI) of 1 May 1974, containing the Declaration and the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order, 3281 (XXIX) of 12 December 1974, containing the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States, and 3362 (S -VII) of 16 September 1975 on development and international economic co- operation, Recalling also its resolution 35/56 of 5 December 1980, the annex to which contains the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade, Recalling further its resolutions 2688 (XXV) of 11 December 1970 on the capacity of the United Nations development system and 3405 (XXX) of 28 November 1975 on new dimensions in technical co- operation,
Reiterating its resolutions 32/197 of 20 December 1977, 33/201 of 29 January 1979 and 35/81 of 5 December 1980 on a comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development, 36/199 of 17 December 1981 and 37/226 of 20 December 1982 on operational activities for development of the United Nations system,
Reaffirming the exclusive responsibility of the Government of the recipient country in formulating its national development plan, priorities and objectives, as set out in the consensus contained in the annex to General Assembly resolution 2688 (XXV), and emphasizing that the integration of the operational activities of the United Nations system with national programmes would enhance the impact and relevance of those activities,
84 -00975
4912Z
(E)
ARES /38/171 Page 2
Emphasizing the importance that developing countries, through their actions, including increased financial contributions, have attached to the operational activities of the United Nations system, in recognition of the role of those activities in their overall economic development, Expressing its deep concern about the increasing elements of bilateralism in multilateral economic co- operation and the increased channelling of tied resources through multilateral programmes,
Concerned at the increasingly high cost of experts and consultants and the financial effect on the programmes and projects being implemented, and convinced of the need, as far as possible, to use the services of national experts and consultants and to implement programmes and projects in a cost -effective manner, Aware that continues to be security and on the operational substantial part of world resources, material as well as human, diverted to armaments, with detrimental effect on international efforts to achieve the new international economic order, including activities for development of the United Nations system, a
Reaffirming that one primary objective of operational activities for development of the United Nations system is to promote the economic self -reliance of developing countries, Having examined the report of the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation for 1983, on the comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, 1/ Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Director -General for 1. Development and International Economic Co- operation on the comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system; 2. Reaffirms the important contribution that operational activities of the United Nations system make to the development of developing countries and urges the relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to continue to attach priority to operational activities in their plans and programmes;
3. Notes that, although the outcome of the 1983 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities reflected a positive trend, the overall level of resources remains unsatisfactory, falling short, in many cases, of the various types of targets set by the relevant intergovernmental bodies, thus hampering the ability of the system to respond to the growing needs of developing countries; 4. Strongly reiterates the need for a substantial and real increase in the flow of resources for operational activities on an increasingly predictable, continuous and assured basis, so as to enable the organizations of the system to maintain and, where possible, increase the level of their operational programmes
1/
А/38/258- E/1983/82 and Add.l and Add.l /Corr.1, annex.
I.
A/RES /38/171 Page 3
strongly urges all countries, particularly developed countries, whose overall performance is not commensurate with their capacities, to increase rapidly and substantially their voluntary contributions for operational activities for development, taking into account the targets that have been set by relevant intergovernmental bodies; and, in that context,
Reaffirms that the should be in accordance with recipient countries in order development process of those 5. 6.
operational Activities of the United Nations system the national plans, priorities and objectives of the to enhance their impact and relevance to the national countries;
Invites the World Bank group to continue to carry out its country activities in accordance with the national plans and priorities of recipient countries, in order to promote the economic self -reliance of developing countries; 7. Emphasizes the need to maintain the multilateral character of the operational activities of the United Nations system and urges all Governments to enhance their commitment in this regard; 8. Calls upon all Governments, in the interest of preserving the multilateral principles of the system, to refrain from the practice of the tying of aid for operational activities of the United Nations system to procurement of goods and services from the donor countries, restricting it to those funds that have a mandate to accept it on an experimental basis;
Invites the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system resources to developing countries to pay with the flows of greater attention, in their reviews of these issues, to the funding needs of the United Nations funds and programmes in support of the development plans formulated by the recipient Governments; 9.
Urges the international community to provide a substantial increase in 10. financial resources to United Nations funds and programmes engaged in operational activities in order to enhance their contributions to the implementation of the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed bearing in mind the need of those countries for official development Countries, assistance from multilateral sources;
2
11. Urqes all Governments concerned to conclude negotiations regarding the seventh replenishment of the International Development Association, with a view to ensuring an appropriate increase in resources, and calls for those negotiations to be completed as soon as possible so that the seventh replenishment may become effective in July 1984;
Report of the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Paris, 1 -14 September 1981 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.82.I.8), part one, sect. A.
/
ARES/38/171 Page 4
12. Urges all Governments concerned to strengthen the International Fund for Agricultural Development, particularly by releasing their contributions according to agreed schedules and responding positively during the negotiations regarding the second replenishment;
13. Welcomes the progress made towards the attainment of the 1983 -1984 target for voluntary contributions to the World Food Programme and urges Governments to make every effort to ensure the full attainment of that target, as well as the
proposed 1985 -1986 target; Takes note of the recommendations made in section III of the report of the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation, 3/ designed to enhance the responsiveness of operational activities to the needs and requirements of all developing countries in accordance with their objectives and priorities, as formulated in their national development plans and programmes, and their efforts to promote greater economic anc' technical co- operation among 14.
themselves; 15.
Invites all organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system
engaged in operational activities for development, with a view to achieving, inter alia, higher cost effectiveness, to make greater use of the capacities of developing countries by: (a)
Engaging national experts and personnel;
Utilizing local or regional sources for procurement of material, equipment and services; (b)
Decides that the guidelines on procurement to be issued pursuant to 16. paragraph 7 of decision 81/28 of 30 June 1981 4/ and section II, paragraph 2, of decision 82/34 of 18 June 1982 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme 5/ should govern the procurement activities of organs and bodies under the authority of the General Assembly in their execution of projects financed by the Programme; 17. Welcomes decision 82/8 of 18 June 1982 of the Governing Counc'1 of the United Nations Development Programme, 5/ designed to promote government execution of projects funded by the Programme, the support cost savings that could result therefrom becoming available for programmes and plans, on the basis of the illustrative indicative planning figure;
1/
See А/38/258- Е/1983/82, annex.
See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1981, 4/ No. 11 (E /1981 /61 /Rev.1), annex I. 5/ Ibid., 1982, Supplement No. 6
Supplement
(E/1982 /16 /Rev.1),
annex
I.
A/RES /38/171 Page 5
Reiterates the set of principles which, in the programming of the 18. resources at the disposal of the different organizations of the United Nations system, should be uniformly applied; those principles, embodied in the consensus of 1970 6/ and decision 80/30 of 26 June 1980 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme 7/ include, inter alia, the following: (a)
Equity, particularly in the distribution of resources among developing
countries;
Assistance to be provided only in response to the express needs of the (b) recipient countries; Assistance to be integrated with the overall development objectives and (c) priorities of the country concerned; (d) Programming to be seen as an integrated process, of which the different phases, such as programming, project formulation, assessment, approval and evaluation, constitute integral parts;
Emphasizes the important role of the United Nations system in assisting 19. developing countries, upon request, in developing their evaluation capacity, and requests the Secretary -General in consultation with the organs, organizations and bodies of the system, to elaborate, in the light of the conclusions and recommendations of the Joint Inspection Unit contained in its report, 8/ proposals to promote the evaluation capacity of recipient Governments; 20. Recognizes that, concerning operational activities for development of the United Nations system, evaluation is an important part of the programming process in order to achieve a rational and optimal utilization of the overall resources available;
Reaffirms and urges full application of the general guidelines embodied 21. in the new dimensions in technical co- operation adopted by the Governing Council in 1975; 9/ Recommends improved coherence of action and co-ordination of the operational systems at the country level, under the overall responsibility of the resident co- ordinator and in consultation with the Governments concerned, in order 22.
6/
Resolution 2688 (XXV), annex. 1980, Supplement
No.
7/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 12 (E/1980/42/Rev.1), chap. XI.
For the comments of the Administrative Committee on 8/ А/38/333, sect. IX. Co- ordination, see A/38 /333 /Add.1. 9/
See resolution 3405
(XXX), annex.
A/RES/38/171 Page 6
to cut down expenses on administrative and support costs, minimize waste through avoidance of duplication of work and facilitate the task of the host country in co- ordinating external assistance, and considers that further efforts should be undertaken in this regard; 23. Invites the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and the President of the World Bank, as well as the heads of regional development banks, to examine further possibilities of co-operation between the Programme and those institutions regarding the complementarity of their respective technical co- operation programmes, in order to enhance the implementation of the present resolution and, in so doing, ensure greater utilization of the facilities available in the various organizations of the United Nations system regarding projects financed by those funding agencies, and requests the Administrator to report thereon to the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme;
Urges the relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations 24. system to increase their support for the process of technical co-operation among developing countries by orienting their programmes and projects, as appropriate, towards strengthening such co-operation; Urges the Secretary -General and the executive heads of organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, bearing in mind the need to maintain an appropriate level of support functions, to seek to minimize administrative and other support costs without affecting the field programmes and the network of United Nations Development Programme offices in developing countries, with a view to increasing the proportion of 'resources available to improve programme delivery to developing countries; 25.
Requests the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations 26. system receiving resources of an extrabudgetary nature to include information on those resources and their utilization in their budgets and reports and to make that information available to the Governments concerned and to the resident co-ordinator in the recipient country; Recommends that, in accordance with resolution 32/197, due consideration 27. should be given to the technical expertise of the Department of Technical Co- operation for Development for its designation as an executing agency for the implementation of projects within its mandate, as well as its role in the execution of technical co- operation activities of the United Nations system, in order to reaffirm the role of the Department within the existing technical and administrative structures and to avoid duplication and accomplish economies of scale; 28. Urges all organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, in the light of the recommendations contained in section V of the report of the to Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation, take the necessary steps to ensure the harmonization of administrative, financial,
1
personnel, planning and procurement procedures, and requests the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation to report annually on specific action taken;
/-
ARES /38/171 Page 7
Reiterates the importance of the co- ordination of multilateral 29. development assistance at the field level, and requests the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation while preparing his next report on operational activities, to pay particular attention to the need for improved coherence of action and effective integration at the country level, in accordance with section V of the annex to resolution 32/197 and paragraph 11 of resolution 35/81, and to the role of resident co- ordinators in the co- ordination of operational activities of the United Nations system; Requests the Joint Inspection Unit to study in depth the structure of the 30. field representation of the organs and organizations of the United Nations system, particularly with regard to the tasks allotted to the resident co- ordinators; Requests the Director -General for Development and International Economic 31. Co-operation to include in his annual report to the General Assembly at its thirty -ninth session: (a) An examination of the extent and implications of the continuation of the practice of contributions being provided to organizations with conditions attached to their use, taking into account the information to be provided by the heads of the relevant organs, organizations and bodies; (b) An in -depth analysis of the subject mentioned in paragraph 22 above concerning improved coherence of action and co- ordination of the operational systems at the country level;
(c) A comparative analysis of the relationship between programme delivery and administrative costs pertaining to operational activities for development executed by the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, as well as an assessment of agency support costs;
32. Requests the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation to include in his report for the 1986 comprehensive policy review:
A study, with supporting data, on the progress achieved with respect to (a) the issues identified in paragraph 15 above; (b) A system -wide review of the activities identified in paragraph 24 above relating to technical co- operation among developing countries as carried out by different organizations, with particular reference to the approaches and methods devised and followed, the kind of activities undertaken by them and the institutional arrangements for them;
33. Requests the Secretary -General, for the purpose of the 1986 comprehensive policy review, as part of the continuous review by the General Assembly, to entrust the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co-operation with the preparation of a report on policy issues pertaining to operational activities for development undertaken by the United Nations system, taking into account the views and comments of delegations at the second regular session of 1983 of the Economic and Social Council and at the thirty -eighth session of the General Assembly, for submission to the Assembly at its forty -first session through the Council at its second regular session of 1986; I.
A/RES/38/171 Page 8
34. Strongly reiterates its desire for a coherent and co- ordinated United Nations system in the field of operational activities for development and, in that context, requests the Director -General for Development and International Economic Co- operation to continue to provide effective leadership in the co- ordination of the various components of the United Nations system in that field and in exercising overall co- ordination within the system, as set forth in resolution 32/197, and requests all organs, organizations and bodies to co- operate fully with the Director -General.
102nd plenary meeting 19 December 1983