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Mr. Chairman,
My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the Representative of
Jamaica on behalf of G-77 and China.
2. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on Implementation of the
outcome of the Second UN Conference on Human Settlements (-Habitat-II) and
strengthening of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT ) as contained
in document A/60/168.
3. Since its transformation, a few years ago, from the UN Centre for Human
Settlements (Habitat) to the UN Human Settlement Programme, UN-HABITAT is
growing as the lead UN agency on international efforts concerning human
settlements. Among the developing countries who favoured this transformation,
Pakistan was prominent.
4. We recognize UN-HABITAT’s contribution in work relating to disaster
mitigation and post-conflict assistance. Activities of UN-Habitat in areas of
technical assistance and cooperation at the country level are also proving
useful.
Mr. Chairman,
5. The Secretary-General, in his report, has correctly pointed out that slum
upgrading provides a unique opportunity for attaining the MDGs. Security of
tenure and improvements in shelter water and sanitation have salutary effects in
other areas, in particular health and nutrition, reduction of vulnerability to
HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
6. A lot more needs to be done if we are to realize significant improvement in
the lives of 100 million slum dwellers by 2020. Like other areas, in this one
too accelerated and concerted efforts at the international level are required.
Pakistan has, therefore, stood for strengthening UN-HABITAT, so as to better
place it in playing its part in facilitating progress towards achieving the MDGs
targets.
7. The need for pro-poor policies with a focus on tenure security in particular
for slum dwellers, and access to affordable housing is now even greater in view
of the growth in population and increase in the number of slums. The CSD-13 and
the World Summit 2005 have underlined the adoption of an integrated approach to
Human Settlement Development, water and sanitation involving multiple actors and
multiple sectors. The World Summit 2005 has also emphasized urgent provision of
increased resources.
Mr. Chairman,
8. For such an integrated approach to be result-oriented, it will be necessary
to:
1) Further expand technical
assistance to developing countries including training and capacity building,
2) Identify disaster prone areas and
formulate mitigation strategies, rapid response to post-disaster and
pos-conflict situations, and
3) Provide sustained technical
assistance in reconstruction efforts.
9. We also believe that in order to strengthen UN-HABITAT, the following steps
will be crucial:
Introducing an effective balance in the normative and operational activities of
UN-HABITAT. Given its limited resources it is important for UN-HABITAT to
identify and focus on a few critical areas of its mandate for operational
activities.
Improving Inter-agency cooperation in the field of Human Settlements and other
cross-cutting issues; for this purpose, it will be helpful if UN-HABITAT becomes
a member of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
Strengthening the capacity of UN-HABITAT for providing prompt assistance in
post-conflict and post-disaster situations. To avoid growth of new slums, Human
settlement experts should be involved as early as possible in post-conflict and
disaster assessment and reconstruction.
For governments, in a position to do so, to strengthen UN-HABITAT by providing
non-earmarked, predictable funding and regular budget resources for its core
programme activities;
Mobilizing support for the UN Human Settlement Foundation and its Slum Upgrading
Facility
Streamlining the functions of various branches/divisions of the UN-HABITAT
Secretariat to ensure better coordination on cross-cutting issues. The recent
appointment of the Deputy Executive Director, which was long due, we hope will
address this issue.
Giving balanced and proportionate representation to the developing countries in
the recruitment of personnel, while keeping in view the principle of equitable
geographical representation.
Mr. Chairman,
10. Pakistan is faced with challenges of urbanization. Out of its more than 150
million population, urban population constitutes about 33% and is increasing at
the rate of 4% per annum. This has resulted in overcrowding of cities, taxing
further, the already inadequate civic amenities and services. It is estimated
that about 40% of the total urban population lives in katchi abadis/slums.
Currently, there is an acute shortage of housing units. According to estimates,
the number of housing units required is 5.5 million with an annual increase of
270,000 units. The Government has taken several measures to address the problem.
These include:
Regularization of katchi abadis/slums and slum upgrading
programme by granting ownership rights to dwellers at the same location, if
possible;
Consultation with and involvement of local communities in
development of physical infrastructure in slum areas targeted for upgrading.
Establishing new housing projects for middle and low-income
people.
Encouraging private sector to invest in the housing sector.
11. Apart from national activities, Pakistan is also involved at the regional
level in supporting several initiatives. Pakistan will be hosting the Second
South Asian Conference on Sanitation (sacosan-2005) in Islamabad in the near
future.
Mr. Chairman,
12. The devastating earthquake that struck parts of Northern Pakistan and Azad
Kashmir on 08 October, has left behind a trail of death and destruction. Beside
killing more than 55,000 people and injuring many more, it has completely
destroyed physical infrastructure of the affected region. More than 3.5 million
people have been rendered homeless and shelter-less. It will required a
Herculean effort to restore normalcy. The damage is colossal and the challenge
of reconstruction even bigger. With the assistance and support of the
international community, and with a strong resolve, we are determined to
undertake the reconstruction task through a coordinated effort. We would like to
emphasize early involvement of human settlement experts in the assessment and
reconstruction of the affected areas.
Mr. Chairman,
13. The World Urban Forum of UN-HABITAT provides a useful forum for interaction
of all stakeholders to discuss and refine strategies relating to human
settlements. We are, therefore, looking forward to a fruitful third session of
the World Urban Forum in Vancouver, Canada in 2006. We hope the World Urban
Forum will help increase global partnerships and enhance implementation of
targets of MDG 7.
14. Pakistan remains committed to implement its international obligations in
order to attain sustainable development. With the support of the international
community we shall strive for providing safe and healthy living conditions for
our people.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.