CASE No - Inter-Parliamentary Union

- 17 - CL/183/SR.1
SECOND SITTING
Tuesday, 14 October, 2008
(Afternoon)
The meeting was called to order at 5.10 p.m. with the President of the Inter-
Parliamentary Union, Mr. P.F. Casini (Italy), in the Chair.
The President said that violence against women was a priority item on the international
human rights agenda. The continuation of violence against women was unacceptable, and
must be addressed urgently. The IPU could play a role by encouraging parliaments to strive to
end violence against women. In March 2008 the United Nations Development Fund for
Women (UNIFEM) had launched a campaign to stop violence against women, which called for
people to show their support by signing a petition. The objective was to have acquired one
million signatures by the end of 2008. An increasing number of people wanted to be heard on
the question of violence against women, which should be high on government agendas around
the world. He called on all participants to sign the UNIFEM petition and demonstrate the will
of the world’s parliamentarians to bring an end to violence against women.
Item 7 of the agenda
(continued)
DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR 2009
(CL/183/7-P.1)
Mr. R. del Picchia (France), speaking on behalf of the Executive Committee of the IPU,
said that the 2009 draft budget had a new layout, which was more realistic, simpler and more
comprehensive than in previous years. The budget was particularly clear on the integration of
gender issues and the environment in respect of the activities of the IPU. The budget was a
technical policy document that established the goals and objectives of the IPU, to promote
peace, democracy and development through a variety of activities conducted by Members. It
therefore accounted for the future development of the Organization, and stressed the
importance of voluntary contributions. The 2009 budget was results-based and contained
indicators for success. The CHF 18.4 million budget included an increase of 2.5 per cent in
assessed contributions, which was below the rate of inflation and was therefore within the
boundaries that had been set by the Organization. An increase in spending had been foreseen
for the promotion of international activities, and specifically the involvement of parliaments in
the fight against HIV/AIDS, the attainment of the MDGs, and monitoring aid for development.
Funds had also been foreseen for activities on Middle East issues, as well as for conference
facilities, in particular security. Despite the fact that the world had been hit by financial crisis,
it was hoped that the situation of the Legacy Staff Pension Fund would return to normal over
the coming months. The Executive Committee recommended that the Governing Council
should adopt the draft programme and budget for 2009, as presented by the Secretary
General, by consensus.
Mr. T. Páez Hernández (Cuba), speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin America and
the Caribbean, said that the budget was an important issue that always attracted the attention
of participants. The format of the 2009 budget was clearer, more specific, more transparent,
and more realistic than in previous years. The programme of activities addressed important
issues such as development, gender equality, environment and climate change, and the
problems of parliamentarianism and democracy. The programme and budget for 2009 had the
full support of the Group of Latin American and the Caribbean.