WaterAid briefing document 27/07/15` WaterAid response to the 26/07/15 draft of the outcome document for the summit to adopt the post-2015 agenda WaterAid welcomes the latest draft of the outcome document and provides below four specific recommendations to be considered before the final version. A track changes version with specific changes is included in Annex 1: 1. We welcome language in paragraph 4 on prioritising those furthest behind in access to basic services. However, we urge member states to make explicitly clear that “no one left behind” means reaching all socioeconomic groups. 2. The vision as outlined in paragraph 7 is welcomed, particularly the improvement made relating to the right to water. It can be further improved by referencing the “human right” as opposed to “the right”. We encourage member states to join up the language on water and sanitation given that both are recognised as human rights. Finally, this paragraph should make reference to hygiene. 3. ‘Sanitation’ should be added to the list of traditional development priorities in paragraph 17. In particular, given that sanitation is one of the most off-track of the MDG targets, it must be considered part of the “unfinished business”. The same is true for water, sanitation and hygiene in paragraph 18. . 4. The follow up and review section still lacks the specificity of the zero draft. We call on member states to return reference to national reviews on a periodic basis. Member states should commit to developing ambitious national responses to the SDGs within an agreed timeframe, ensure reviews at a national level happen regularly (suggested at least every 4 years) and set interim targets across all goals so it is clear to all whether progress is being made. [email protected] www.wateraid.org/post2015resources WaterAid is a registered charity: Australia: ABN 99 700 687 141. Canada: 119288934 RR0001. Sweden: Org.nr: 802426-1268, PG: 90 01 62-9, BG: 900-1629. UK: 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland). US: WaterAid America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization 1 WaterAid briefing document 27/07/15` Annex 1 – Track change proposals to the 26/07/15 Draft People We want to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential. We want to end poverty in all its forms; end hunger and malnutrition; promote human dignity; combat inequalities in and between countries; achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; ensure quality education, water, sanitation, hygiene and a healthy life for all; and secure the participation of all people and groups, including children, in the realization of the new Goals and targets. 4. As we embark on this great collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind. Recognizing that the dignity of the human person is fundamental, we will strive to see the goals and targets met for all nations and for all social and economic groups. And we will endeavour to reach the furthest behind first. 7. In these goals and targets, we are setting out a supremely ambitious and transformational vision. Poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions is the overarching priority and central imperative of the Agenda. We envisage a world free of poverty, hunger, disease and want, where all life can thrive. We envisage a world free of fear and violence. A world with equitable and universal access to quality education at all levels and to health care and social protection, where physical, mental and social well-being are assured. A world where the human right to have access to safe and affordable drinking water is universally realized; where food is sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious; where there is adequate and accessible sanitation. A world where human habitats are safe, resilient and sustainable and where there is universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. 17. Almost 15 years ago, the Millennium Development Goals were agreed. These provided an important framework for development and significant progress has been made in a number of areas. But the progress has been uneven, particularly in Africa, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing States, and some of the MDGs remain off-track, in particular those related to sanitation, maternal, newborn and child health and to reproductive health. We recommit ourselves to the full realization of all the MDGs, including the off-track MDGs, in particular by providing focussed and scaled-up assistance to least developed countries. The new Agenda builds on the Millennium Development Goals and seeks to complete what these did not achieve, particularly in reaching the most vulnerable [email protected] www.wateraid.org/post2015resources WaterAid is a registered charity: Australia: ABN 99 700 687 141. Canada: 119288934 RR0001. Sweden: Org.nr: 802426-1268, PG: 90 01 62-9, BG: 900-1629. UK: 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland). US: WaterAid America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization 2 WaterAid briefing document 27/07/15` 18. In its scope, however, the framework we are announcing today goes far beyond the MDGs. Alongside continuing development priorities such as poverty eradication, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, education and food security and nutrition, it sets out a wide range of economic and environmental objectives. It also promises more peaceful and inclusive societies. It also, crucially, defines means of implementation. Reflecting the integrated approach which we have decided on, there are deep interconnections and many cross-cutting elements across the new goals and targets. 50. Indicators are being developed to assist this work. Quality, accessible, timely and reliable disaggregated data will be needed to help with the measurement of progress for all social and economic groups. Such data is key to decision-making…. 74. We encourage all member states to develop as soon as practicable ambitious national responses to the overall implementation of this agenda and to report back on their progress by the beginning of the 71st General Assembly. These can support the transition to the SDGs and build on existing planning instruments, such as national development and sustainable development strategies, as appropriate. 75. We also encourage member states to conduct regular reviews on a four year cycle to assess progress at the national and sub-national levels. These should be country-owned and country-driven. Such reviews should draw on contributions from civil society, the private sector and other actors, in line with national circumstances, policies and priorities. National parliaments as well as other institutions can also support these processes. We encourage member states to set national interim targets across all goals to determine whether progress is being made, particularly for the most disadvantaged. [email protected] www.wateraid.org/post2015resources WaterAid is a registered charity: Australia: ABN 99 700 687 141. Canada: 119288934 RR0001. Sweden: Org.nr: 802426-1268, PG: 90 01 62-9, BG: 900-1629. UK: 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland). US: WaterAid America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization 3
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