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Women gather at the United Nations and pledge to undertake further action for implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action
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Thousands of women from throughout the world gathered at the United Nations this week and pledged to undertake further action to ensure the full and accelerated implementation of the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women. With the consensus adoption of a declaration on the fifteenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference, the Commission also reaffirmed the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly -"Women 2000:gender equality, development and peace for the 21st Century.
The Bahamas says it has consistent initiatives aimed at the empowerment of women
Minister Butler-Turner says that as a further commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, The Bahamas government continues its efforts to clearly condemn and outlaw domestic and sexual violence. She says legislation has been amended to allow for stiffer penalties for sexual offences such as rape, with up to life imprisonment for a first offence.
Barbados is focusing on the critical areas of women and poverty; gender and HIV AIDS and violence against women
Barbados explains that recognizing its limited resources and capacity, as well as its success in achieving access to education and health care, it has centered its focus on four critical areas of the Platform for Action. Minister of Youth, Family and Sports Esther Byer-Suckoo pointed to women and poverty; gender and HIV/AIDS; violence against women, in particular domestic violence; and women in power and decision-making.
Jamaica says the long-term stability and socio-economic development of Haiti remains a priority for the Caribbean Community
Jamaica has extended the sincere gratitude of the Caribbean Community to the UN mission in Haiti -MINUSTAH contingents, and other members of the UN family who were among the first responders on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Ambassador Raymond Wolfe told the Special Committee on Peacekeeping that their heroic efforts were undoubtedly instrumental in saving countless lives.
He said that in the past weeks various heads of state and government, individually and collectively have expressed their condolences to Haiti over the significant loss of life that resulted from the tragic natural disaster.
Producer: Donn Bobb
Duration: 14'00"
