Children left behind: HIV/AIDS, parental death, and living with the disease

Deeply concerned about the effects of HIV/AIDS on children and reaffirming A/RES/45/187, the Republic of Tajikistan believes that supporting and protecting children is a priority that requires urgent action from the international community. Noting the Paris AIDS Declaration and further noting that prevention is the key to fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we support setting up preventative, multi-sectoral control centers consisting of Information Education Communication, surveillance, health care, and counseling services. Recognizing that most children suffering from HIV/AIDS contract the disease from their mother during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, we recommend programs on HIV/AIDS education and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Fully aware of the increasing problem of AIDS orphaned children, Tajikistan supports prolonging the lives of HIV positive parents through treatment of opportunistic infections and promotion of good nutrition and health practices. We will work with United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund and local communities to strengthen health, immunization, nutrition, and education services for children affected by the AIDS pandemic.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

HIV/AIDS in conflict zones

Tajikistan recognizes that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is exacerbated by conditions of violence and instability. Having devoted attention to A/56/342, we are aware that the risk of exposure to HIV is increased through large movements of people, uncertain conditions, economic disruption, and limited access to medical care. We have observed that combatants, peacekeepers, refugees, and civilians are particularly vulnerable when residing in conflict zones due to a lack of resources. Reaffirming S/PRST/2001/16, we encourage the establishment of education initiatives for peacekeeping personnel focusing on prevention of HIV/AIDS. Taking note of the Secretary General's report to the Millennium Assembly A/54/2000, we recommend peer education programs on general awareness, risk management, and occupational exposure for all military personnel. Tajikistan encourages all Member States to increase international cooperation to assist with the creation and implementation of policies for HIV/AIDS prevention, voluntary and confidential testing and counseling, and treatment for personnel to be deployed in international peacekeeping operations.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

The role of non-governmental organizations in the HIV/AIDS pandemic

Tajikistan believes Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are crucial in designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, which address and effectively combat HIV/AIDS. We are convinced of the need to implement an urgent, coordinated, and sustained response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which NGOs provide. Emphasizing the value of NGOs and the resources they provide, we support NGOs who promote HIV/AIDS prevention programs by facilitation collaborative efforts and partnerships among Member States. Reaffirming A/RES/43/15, we believe NGOs should be involved in strengthening existing mechanisms for the exchange and dissemination of information, technical expertise, and best practices. Noting the importance of A/RES/44/233, we recommend that NGOs mobilize material and human resources to complement governments in social development work. We also support NGOs that direct public attention to the great number of social problems that contribute to the spread of HIV, and promote social reforms, prompting further education and prevention that facilitate the fight against HIV/AIDS.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

Climate change

The Republic of Tajikistan (ROT) is committed to the prevention of climate change and environmental degradation as stated in Agenda 21, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. As a developing country, the ROT understands the need for international cooperation in achieving sustainable development. The ROT believes that regional and sub-regional agreements are essential in achieving the goals of the UNFCCC. Recalling the United Nations Special Programme for the Economics of Central Asia and the Tashkent Declaration, the ROT reaffirms our commitment to economic and environmental sustainability. We believe that financing is of critical importance for developing countries in order to meet the goal of sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. Understanding that most developing countries have many issues with external dept, we encourage all Member States, in accordance with A/RES/44/228, to work towards greater financing for development. Developed countries have the resources needed to ensure sustainable development and are therefore urged to honor their commitment of 0.7% of GDP for ODA and to uphold responsibilities as stated in the UNFCC Article 4. We are fully aware, however, that developing countries do not have the resources or the training in order fully realize the goals of Agenda 21. We urge the international community to assist developing countries in training, resource management, and economic sustainability in order to meet the global need for sustainable development. Facilities such as the World Bank and the Global Environmental Facility do much to ease the financial burden, however this is not enough for the poorest developing countries to impose a national sustainable development plan of action, in accordance with Agenda 21. The ROT believes that domestic educational and informational campaigns, supported by the international community, are essential in order to gain public support for sustainable development.
--Robert Westerfield, Wright State University, 2002.

The impact of armed conflicts on the environment

The ROT is aware of the impact of conflict on the environment and is committed to conflict prevention in accordance with the precepts of sustainable development. We view personnel landmines to be one of the greatest threats to environmental development and urge all States to eliminate all land mines in accordance with the Convention on the Prohibition of Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. We also understand that land mines are not the only indiscriminate weapon that can cause harm to the environment, the ROT urges all States to accede to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. One of the most devastating scourges that conflict visits on the environment is desertification. Not only does desertification destroy habitat, but it also destroys arable farmland and the means of development. As such, we reaffirm our commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention on Desertification. We believe that the best method to combat desertification is to prevent conflict and as such urge all states to end conflict and come to peaceful solutions conflicts. The ROT is also firmly committed to reforestation and sustainable farming practices that enable developing countries achieve the goals of Agenda 21. The ROT is concerned by the poverty of people in areas of conflict or recent conflict. We would like to urge the international community to focus on poverty reduction as a means toward sustainable development and the protection of the environment.
--Robert Westerfield, Wright State University, 2002.

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