9
The issues considered in chapter J of theMontevideo Consensus on Population andDevelopment,
which refer to the frameworks needed for its adequate and effective implementation and follow-up, have
received special treatment in the operational guide as they are of strategic importance and cut across all
topics examined in themainbody. Given their strategic importance to the implementationof theConsensus,
these topics are considered in section II, before theoperationalizationof theprioritymeasures in section III.
The preparation of the guide also required efforts to achieve harmonization and consistency so
that the rationale for the different measures would be balanced and coherent, beyond the differences in
complexity presented by the prioritymeasures.
Each thematic chapter in section III begins with an introduction that offers an overview,
recognizing that the chapter is more than the sum of operationalized priority measures, thus making it
possible to establish linkages of synergy and complementarity among them. That introduction is followed
by a table that develops each of themeasures in depth.
On one hand, the emphasis is placed on the possible lines of action for the priority measures in
which theMontevideoConsensus onPopulation andDevelopment renews the commitments of themember
States of ECLAC: these are lines of action selected to fulfil or give effect to the priority measure. On the
other hand, there is reference tomeasures that are already sufficiently advanced in other spheres, whether in
the programmes and policies of other agencies, funds, organizations or programmes of the UnitedNations,
and the jurisprudence of the Treaty Committees, or in the reports or standards issuing from special
procedures of theHumanRightsCouncil.
Within this framework, the priority measures of a more general nature are presented in an
elementary tabular format that sets out the scope of themeasure, the existing instruments andmechanisms
(regional and international) throughwhich themeasure can be achieved.
For operationalizing the remaining measures, the tables first propose possible lines of action,
which suggest how the measure could be fully implemented. In addition, some plausible targets are
sketched out in light of regional and international experience, aswell as tentative indicators.
The possible lines of action, targets and tentative indicators for each priority measure, the
intention are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather as a reference that can be adapted and
complemented at the national level in keepingwith the specific circumstances in each country.
It should be noted that some targets have a fixed time horizon for implementation (for example,
the year 2020 or 2030), because they are drawn from other instruments, such as the sustainable
development goals (SDGs), with which the Consensus and consequently the operational guide are
intended to establish synergies.
Among the tentative indicators included in the tables, some relate to impact and others to process.
Process indicators are used for prioritymeasures concerning procedural or institutional matters, such as the
adoptionof a specific ruleor the signingof a specific international instrument for theprotectionof rights.
The tentative indicators should be disaggregated by sex, age, urban or rural residence, ethnicity
and socioeconomic status, where relevant and appropriate in relation to the characteristics and specific
features of the respective topics. However, for some priority measures, a minimum disaggregation is
specified in the comments section. Some indicators need further operationalization, whichwill depend on
the particular national context.
