World Leaders Clash with Vatican and Islamic Scholars Over Population Control Accord

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Conference on Population and Development opened today with sharp attacks from world leaders on religious conservatives who have been blocking an international agreement on curbing population. The accord, intended to establish guidelines for population stabilization over the next two decades, contains references to abortion and women's rights. Vice President Al Gore delivered a conciliatory speech, but Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway called for a general legalization of abortion, accusing opponents of hypocrisy. The conference saw an enthusiastic response from many delegations, dealing a temporary setback to the Vatican and Islamic scholars who have led the opposition.

Key Takeaways:

  • World leaders, including Vice President Al Gore and Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway, clashed with Vatican and Islamic scholars over the population control accord.
  • The accord contains references to abortion and women's rights, which have been a point of contention for the Vatican and Islamic scholars.
  • Prime Minister Brundtland accused opponents of hypocrisy, calling for a general legalization of abortion.
  • The conference saw a high level of enthusiasm from many delegations, including representatives from women's organizations from poorer nations.
  • Vice President Gore expressed confidence that most disputes with the Vatican would be settled, but Prime Minister Bhutto of Pakistan criticized the proposed plan of action for its flaws, particularly with regards to abortion and traditional values.
  • Islamic militants have been pressuring delegates to boycott the conference, with Iran vowing to fight for Islamic language in the conference plan of action.
  • The conference has seen a significant presence of women's organizations from poorer nations, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in family planning programs.
  • Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali warned that "indifference and inaction are the real crimes against conscience" and that the conference must not allow itself to be trapped in words.
  • President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt emphasized the need for improving the living conditions of women to wage the battle for development efficiently, while avoiding "dogmatism and fanaticism."

Statistics:

  • The conference is taking place over the next week, with a significant number of delegates and representatives from around the world in attendance.
  • The United Nations estimates that the population explosion in the poorest nations is a major concern, with Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali stating that the future of human society depends on effectively confronting the issue.
  • Over 1,000 representatives from women's organizations from poorer nations have gathered at the conference, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in family planning programs.
  • The Vatican and Islamic scholars have been accused of blocking the accord due to its references to abortion and women's rights.
  • 20% of the world's population lives in poverty, with a significant proportion being women.
  • The conference has seen a significant presence of Islamic militants, with several hundred women being brought through the streets of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, to the Press Club.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, September 9, 1994
  • The Associated Press
  • The United Nations Conference on Population and Development