24 May 1989

15th plenary meeting

Enlargement of the Commission on the Status of Women

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1987/23 of 26 May 1987, in which it accepted in principle the need for an increase in the membership of the Commission on the Status of Women and decided that the Commission, at its thirty-second session, should discuss and submit proposals to that end to the Economic and Social Council at its first regular session of 1988,

Bearing in mind the increase in membership of the United Nations from 120 Member States in 1966 to 159 Member States in 1988, which provides the basis for a proportionate enlargement of the Commission, and taking into consideration the principle of equitable geographical distribution for the allocation of seats,

Recalling its decision 1988/125 of 27 May 1988, in which the Council invited the Commission to offer its views on the question of its enlargement,

Taking note of the discussions held on this matter by the Commission at its thirty-third session,

Considering that issues relating to women have intensified in complexity and grown in number, particularly in the developing countries,

Recalling that the Commission is to hold in 1990 a session of extended duration to review and appraise progress in the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women,

1. Decides that the membership of the Commission should be increased to forty-five and that the seats should be allocated on the basis of the principle of equitable geographical distribution according to the following pattern:

(a) Thirteen members from African States;

(b) Eleven members from Asian States;

(c) Four members from Eastern European States;

(d) Nine members from Latin American and Caribbean States;

(e) Eight members from Western European and other States;

2. Decides that the enlargement of the Commission should take effect from the beginning of 1990 before the convening of the extended session of the Commission to review and appraise progress in the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women;

3. Further decides that the additional seats resulting from the increase in the membership of the Commission on the Status of Women should be filled at the organizational session for 1990 of the Economic and Social Council.