The statement read as follows:
Christian Council International thanks the Rapporteur for this report. Complex challenges directly impact global development and cause people to rely on the core basics to survive.
When it comes to the pillars of development for these people. Which would be the most important? We see that when economies and political systems collapse, social and cultural backgrounds often remain resilient. The report unfortunately fails to take this into full account.
It was stated, for instance, that countries should not invoke religious values to deny women’s autonomy and that countries should legalize abortion. This denies however the fact that abortion and SRHR are not universally accepted rights and that countries are sovereign in restricting abortion.
Unborn lives should not be seen as potential barriers to women’s development, but as future thrivers. The word mother was only mentioned once in the report. Where was the recognition of the invaluable role millions of mothers play and want to play in having full and primary responsibility for the upbringing of their children?
We therefore respectfully call on the Rapporteur to recognize the cultural and social frameworks of countries and to adhere to the international consensus within his mandate.
Thank you.