[New York, 7 September 2009] The decision on the creation of the new UN gender equality entity is in danger to be postponed over to the next session of the UN General Assembly, despite the recommendations of the the UN Secretary General, the President of the UN General Assembly and the NGOs around the world alike that the UN General Assembly should approve the creation of the new entity during the current session ending on 14th September.

Although no government has been openly opposing the establishment of the new entity in the consultations earlier this year, it not seems that some governments have decided to block the process. These countries are implying that the gender equality reform should be considered together with the other issues related to the wider reform of the UN system, and using the gender equality reform as a bargaining tool to reach more favorable decision on the other issues at the table, financing and governance.

The supporters of the gender equality reform are outraged and call for immediate action to save the reform, as well as the face of the UN. 

[Read an article on latest developments in the UN gender equality reform from IPS]