Apologies for not sending daily reports, etc. We are increasingly few
in number and have been getting increasingly busy with a whole range
of issues -- mainly working on drafting action items, and lobbying on
a few issues. The Action Plan should be available later today (a few
hours.)
Information changes hour by hour, but the latest news about the
status of Observer comments is that they will be considered but not
with the same status as contributions from governments.
Input from observers will be provided in a separate document to the
final report of governments. Documents from governments will be used
as the basis for negotiation. The reason given for this distinction
seems to be that some governments say that when they agree to a
document it becomes binding for them. This is not the same for civil
society, we cannot be held accountable for what we agree to.
On the one hand, I can see the logic of this. If I, as a government
make a commitment, then I am responsible (in our ideal of democracy)
to the citizens who elected me. However. When was any government
ever bound by anything they put in a declaration... take it to the
extreme of the UN process, they are not even bound by what the agree
in the security council. It is silliness on the part of a few
governments.
However, the Chair of SubCommittee2 will take our work into
consideration when she attempts to produce a consolidated and
improved document. The governments have recognized that the
declaration and action plan they have produced need work. The
documents are illogical, incomplete, poor format, etc. So the Chair
will produce a new improved document. I think she will finish within
1 month (not sure of the timing, about 1 month.)
These new documents will be put on the web and sent to all accredited
delegates [how to interpret "accredited delegates" is not 100% clear]
for their further comment. Louise Lassonde said Civil Society
(Private Sector, etc.) will be able to comment.
The document that results from this process might be the basis of a
possible inter-sessional meeting to be held in Paris in July -
possible hosted by UNESCO.
Again, Louise Lassonde said Civil Society (Private Sector, etc.)
will be able to participate, but the rules of procedure are not known.
And PrepCom3 will be held 15-26 September in Geneva.
This is news as of noon, Friday. Expect an update by mid-afternoon!
(there are already rumors.)
Thanks,
Adam
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