TAP Network
www.tapnetwork2015.org
TAP Network Redlines for the Post-2015 Outcome Document
The Transparency, Accountability & Participation (TAP) Network – an informal coalition of over 140 CSOs from around the world – welcomes the revised final draft of the Post-2015 Outcome Document, particularly as improvements have steadily been made in highlighting the people-centred and participatory nature of the new Agenda. However, a few critical areas remain as Redlines for the TAP Network, in order to consider the Outcome Document as successfully providing the complete and transformative vision needed:
Leaving No One Behind
We strongly welcome language throughout the document on the people-centred nature of the agenda (Preamble, para 2, 28, 70), however we are concerned that the language around “leaving no one behind” has been weakened considerably, and discouraged that the reference and commitment to meeting all goals for “all economic and social groupings” has been removed from this revised draft – with little to no resistance on this point from Member States during the previous week’s negotiations. We strongly call for this reference to be reinstated and strengthened throughout the Document to show Member States’ commitment to ensuring that this new agenda truly leaves no one behind.
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 wish to see [affirm that] the goals and targets [will only be fully achieved when they are] met for all nations and for all people [and for all economic and social groupings.] And we will endeavour to reach the furthest behind first.
70 e. They will be gender-sensitive, respect human rights and have a particular focus on the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalized groups and those furthest behind. [To ensure no one is left behind, no goal shall be considered met unless met for all social and economic groups.]
Meaningful, Effective and Active Participation
We note that all references to “meaningful” participation in follow-up and review processes have still not been re-inserted in this revised text, and strongly call for its re-inclusion. Precedent for language on “meaningful, effective and active” participation is firmly rooted throughout the Rio+20 “Future We Want” Outcome Document, and the meaningful, effective and active engagement of all people and all stakeholders, particularly those most marginalized and the world’s poorest, is a prerequisite for achieving the pledge to “leave no one behind.”
70 d. They will be open, inclusive and transparent for all and will support the [meaningful, effective and active] participation of and reporting by all people [and all stakeholders,] and [reporting by] all relevant stakeholders.
85. The HLPF will support [meaningful, effective and active] participation in follow-up and review processes by the major groups and other relevant stakeholders in line with Resolution 67/290. We call on these actors to report on their contribution to the implementation of the Agenda.
Strengthening Measurement and Follow-up Through Non-official Data
To help fill existing data capacity gaps and to provide a robust and accurate picture of progress at all levels, the document must explicitly feature increased recognition of the complementary value of non-official data sources, such as those generated by, inter alia, the UN, other multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions, academia the private sector and citizens themselves, and make the case for the creation of a pluralistic ecosystem of data production.
70 g. They will be rigorous and based on evidence, informed by country-led evaluations and [official and non-official] data which is accessible, [understandable, shareable, comparable] timely, reliable and disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability and geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts.
A Positive Vision of Peace and Goal 16 Issues
We welcome the strong focus on peaceful and inclusive societies throughout the document, and this language must be maintained or further strengthened. The positive vision of peace put forth includes reference to crucial issues such as access to justice, human rights, addressing corruption, and promoting transparent, accountable and participatory governance. These issues, when taken together, will ensure development is focused on people, protects our planet, enables prosperity and creates transformative partnerships.
A Human Rights Based Approach
We welcome the inclusion and strengthening of language around the “grounding” of the document in human rights and the right to development, and it is imperative for this language – particularly from paragraph 11 on the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and commitments in paragraph 20 to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms – is maintained throughout the document. An Agenda cannot be “people centered” without reaffirming the fundamental rights all people should enjoy under international law and agreements.
For more information on these TAP Network Redlines for the Post-2015 Outcome Document, please contact John Romano, Coordinator of the TAP Network at romano@wfuna.org or +1 609 721 3316
TAP Network Redlines for the Post-2015 Outcome Document
The Transparency, Accountability & Participation (TAP) Network – an informal coalition of over 140 CSOs from around the world – welcomes the revised final draft of the Post-2015 Outcome Document, particularly as improvements have steadily been made in highlighting the people-centred and participatory nature of the new Agenda. However, a few critical areas remain as Redlines for the TAP Network, in order to consider the Outcome Document as successfully providing the complete and transformative vision needed:
Leaving No One Behind
We strongly welcome language throughout the document on the people-centred nature of the agenda (Preamble, para 2, 28, 70), however we are concerned that the language around “leaving no one behind” has been weakened considerably, and discouraged that the reference and commitment to meeting all goals for “all economic and social groupings” has been removed from this revised draft – with little to no resistance on this point from Member States during the previous week’s negotiations. We strongly call for this reference to be reinstated and strengthened throughout the Document to show Member States’ commitment to ensuring that this new agenda truly leaves no one behind.
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 wish to see [affirm that] the goals and targets [will only be fully achieved when they are] met for all nations and for all people [and for all economic and social groupings.] And we will endeavour to reach the furthest behind first.
70 e. They will be gender-sensitive, respect human rights and have a particular focus on the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalized groups and those furthest behind. [To ensure no one is left behind, no goal shall be considered met unless met for all social and economic groups.]
Meaningful, Effective and Active Participation
We note that all references to “meaningful” participation in follow-up and review processes have still not been re-inserted in this revised text, and strongly call for its re-inclusion. Precedent for language on “meaningful, effective and active” participation is firmly rooted throughout the Rio+20 “Future We Want” Outcome Document, and the meaningful, effective and active engagement of all people and all stakeholders, particularly those most marginalized and the world’s poorest, is a prerequisite for achieving the pledge to “leave no one behind.”
70 d. They will be open, inclusive and transparent for all and will support the [meaningful, effective and active] participation of and reporting by all people [and all stakeholders,] and [reporting by] all relevant stakeholders.
85. The HLPF will support [meaningful, effective and active] participation in follow-up and review processes by the major groups and other relevant stakeholders in line with Resolution 67/290. We call on these actors to report on their contribution to the implementation of the Agenda.
Strengthening Measurement and Follow-up Through Non-official Data
To help fill existing data capacity gaps and to provide a robust and accurate picture of progress at all levels, the document must explicitly feature increased recognition of the complementary value of non-official data sources, such as those generated by, inter alia, the UN, other multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions, academia the private sector and citizens themselves, and make the case for the creation of a pluralistic ecosystem of data production.
70 g. They will be rigorous and based on evidence, informed by country-led evaluations and [official and non-official] data which is accessible, [understandable, shareable, comparable] timely, reliable and disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability and geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts.
A Positive Vision of Peace and Goal 16 Issues
We welcome the strong focus on peaceful and inclusive societies throughout the document, and this language must be maintained or further strengthened. The positive vision of peace put forth includes reference to crucial issues such as access to justice, human rights, addressing corruption, and promoting transparent, accountable and participatory governance. These issues, when taken together, will ensure development is focused on people, protects our planet, enables prosperity and creates transformative partnerships.
A Human Rights Based Approach
We welcome the inclusion and strengthening of language around the “grounding” of the document in human rights and the right to development, and it is imperative for this language – particularly from paragraph 11 on the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and commitments in paragraph 20 to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms – is maintained throughout the document. An Agenda cannot be “people centered” without reaffirming the fundamental rights all people should enjoy under international law and agreements.
For more information on these TAP Network Redlines for the Post-2015 Outcome Document, please contact John Romano, Coordinator of the TAP Network at romano@wfuna.org or +1 609 721 3316