The declaration on cities and other human settlements in the new millennium recognizes.

• Position: Brief Article

* Half of the world's six billion people will be living in cities.

* Rural and urban areas are economically, socially and environmentally interdependent.

* Widespread proverty remains the core obstacle. One out of four of the world's urban population is living below the poverty line.

* Deteriorating environmental conditions threaten the health and quality of life of billions of people.

* Many women still do not participate fully on the basis of equality in all spheres of society.

* Women and children suffer to a greater extent the effects of poverty and urban crime and violence.

* The majority of people living in poverty still lack legal security of tenure for their dwellings.

* Adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world remain the guiding principles.

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