THE Philippines is behind achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), an international human rights organization said.
In a recently sponsored forum, Amnesty International, an international organization campaigning for implementation of internationally recognized human rights, says targets as projected in the millennium development goals remain undelivered.
In particular, gender equality, maternal health and slum dwelling remain behind target, said AI-Philippines section director Aurora Parong.
Lack of government funds are being blamed for the delay.
But Parong said this is not enough reason for government to fail reaching the MDGs.
According to the United Nations Development Program-Philippines, MDGs are a set of eight time-bound, concrete and specific targets aimed at significantly reducing, if not decisively eradicating poverty by 2015.
Parong said it is the State’s responsibility to deliver its commitments and not use the budget deficiency as a reason for failing to achieve these goals. “The 2015 deadline is now very near. Promises must be delivered.”
The MDGs include eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and women empowerment, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, ensure environmental sustainability and partner with other nations and organizations for development.(Rimaliza Opiña)