Texto para a Edição 13 da publicação Watchdog Youth Coalition (Abril de 2014)
[POR]
A Youth Coalition é uma organização internacional de jovens (de 18 a 29 anos) comprometida com a promoção dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos de adolescentes e jovens nos níveis nacional, regional e internacional. Somos estudantes, pesquisadores, advogados, profissionais de saúde, educadores, agentes de desenvolvimento e, o mais importante, somos todos ativistas dedicados.
[ENG]
Youth Coalition is an international organization of young people (ages 18-29 years) committed to promoting adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive rights at the national, regional and international levels. We are students, researchers, lawyers, health care professionals, educators, development workers, and most importantly, we are all dedicated activists.
http://www.youthcoalition.org/
Education is a priority for international development goals but millions still lack basic literacy and education. While primary education enrollment has increased, quality remains low and secondary and vocational education rates are still inadequate. Non-formal education and skills training are needed to help vulnerable youth access employment opportunities. Improving education quality, expanding access to secondary, vocational and non-formal programs, and targeting marginalized groups will help ensure all youth can develop skills to participate in the economy.
The document summarizes key health issues affecting young people aged 15-24 globally. Over 1.8 million young people die each year mostly from preventable causes. Leading causes of death include road accidents, violence, HIV, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Many health issues experienced during youth like tobacco use, malnutrition, and mental health problems can have lifelong health consequences. Promoting healthy behaviors in adolescence through policies, programs, and services is critical to improving current and future public health.
This document discusses youth movements and their role in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the post-2015 development agenda. It notes that while youth networks have expanded globally over the past 40 years, young people still face many barriers to realizing their SRHR, especially young women. It argues that youth movements must play an integral role in decision-making on relevant policies and programs. Additionally, it states that more sustainable support is needed for young people's leadership development from women's organizations, rather than just one-time workshops.
Source : http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy/documents/policybrief_africanregionalagreements.pdf
THe AfricAn YouTH cHArTer HAs noT been siGned or rATified bY:
• Algeria
• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Eritrea
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Swaziland
This document is a training manual created by the World YWCA and UNFPA to empower young women to lead change in their communities. It was developed based on input from a resource group of young women leaders from around the world. The manual contains modules on key issues affecting young women such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, and economic justice. Each module provides information, workshop activities, and tools to help young women facilitate training and take action on the issues in their communities. The manual has been field tested in multiple countries to ensure it is practical and effective for diverse cultural settings. Its goal is to develop young women's leadership skills and catalyze positive change.
Youth LEAD achieved success in its work over the past year, expanding its network to 21 countries and hundreds of young people. It finalized a new 3-year strategic plan focusing on healthcare access, youth participation, removing legal barriers, data collection, and programs for adolescents and key populations. Youth LEAD has also strengthened partnerships with regional networks. The newsletter provides updates on Youth LEAD's programs and advocacy work, as well as news affecting young people from countries in its network.
The document discusses several programs and schemes aimed at empowering adolescents in India:
1. RGSEAG-SABLA merges two prior schemes to comprehensively address issues facing adolescent girls through nutrition/health programs, life skills training, and mainstreaming out-of-school girls.
2. The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme increases awareness and access to sanitary products for rural adolescent girls while ensuring safe disposal.
3. Kanyashree Prakalpa in West Bengal uses cash transfers to incentivize school attendance and delay marriage for girls until age 18.
4. Kerala's school counseling program provides psychosocial support for adolescent girls through counselors placed in select schools.
5. Scholarship
The linkages between the MDGs, Young People and HIVY-PEER Hacioglu
The document discusses the linkages between achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), young people, and preventing HIV. It recommends that all stakeholders work together to provide comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly health services to young people, promote meaningful youth participation, and ensure access to treatment and services. This integrated approach is critical to achieving MDG 6 of combating HIV/AIDS.
Education is a priority for international development goals but millions still lack basic literacy and education. While primary education enrollment has increased, quality remains low and secondary and vocational education rates are still inadequate. Non-formal education and skills training are needed to help vulnerable youth access employment opportunities. Improving education quality, expanding access to secondary, vocational and non-formal programs, and targeting marginalized groups will help ensure all youth can develop skills to participate in the economy.
The document summarizes key health issues affecting young people aged 15-24 globally. Over 1.8 million young people die each year mostly from preventable causes. Leading causes of death include road accidents, violence, HIV, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Many health issues experienced during youth like tobacco use, malnutrition, and mental health problems can have lifelong health consequences. Promoting healthy behaviors in adolescence through policies, programs, and services is critical to improving current and future public health.
This document discusses youth movements and their role in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the post-2015 development agenda. It notes that while youth networks have expanded globally over the past 40 years, young people still face many barriers to realizing their SRHR, especially young women. It argues that youth movements must play an integral role in decision-making on relevant policies and programs. Additionally, it states that more sustainable support is needed for young people's leadership development from women's organizations, rather than just one-time workshops.
Source : http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy/documents/policybrief_africanregionalagreements.pdf
THe AfricAn YouTH cHArTer HAs noT been siGned or rATified bY:
• Algeria
• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Eritrea
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Swaziland
This document is a training manual created by the World YWCA and UNFPA to empower young women to lead change in their communities. It was developed based on input from a resource group of young women leaders from around the world. The manual contains modules on key issues affecting young women such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, and economic justice. Each module provides information, workshop activities, and tools to help young women facilitate training and take action on the issues in their communities. The manual has been field tested in multiple countries to ensure it is practical and effective for diverse cultural settings. Its goal is to develop young women's leadership skills and catalyze positive change.
Youth LEAD achieved success in its work over the past year, expanding its network to 21 countries and hundreds of young people. It finalized a new 3-year strategic plan focusing on healthcare access, youth participation, removing legal barriers, data collection, and programs for adolescents and key populations. Youth LEAD has also strengthened partnerships with regional networks. The newsletter provides updates on Youth LEAD's programs and advocacy work, as well as news affecting young people from countries in its network.
The document discusses several programs and schemes aimed at empowering adolescents in India:
1. RGSEAG-SABLA merges two prior schemes to comprehensively address issues facing adolescent girls through nutrition/health programs, life skills training, and mainstreaming out-of-school girls.
2. The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme increases awareness and access to sanitary products for rural adolescent girls while ensuring safe disposal.
3. Kanyashree Prakalpa in West Bengal uses cash transfers to incentivize school attendance and delay marriage for girls until age 18.
4. Kerala's school counseling program provides psychosocial support for adolescent girls through counselors placed in select schools.
5. Scholarship
The linkages between the MDGs, Young People and HIVY-PEER Hacioglu
The document discusses the linkages between achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), young people, and preventing HIV. It recommends that all stakeholders work together to provide comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly health services to young people, promote meaningful youth participation, and ensure access to treatment and services. This integrated approach is critical to achieving MDG 6 of combating HIV/AIDS.
The document summarizes a policy dialogue held in Pakistan to discuss gender-based violence as a public health issue. It provides background information on the event and participants. A rapid assessment conducted by WHO on health sector capacity to address GBV in Pakistan is summarized. Key findings from the assessment highlighted lack of awareness, poor clinical practices, and failure to recognize GBV as a public health problem. The dialogue aimed to discuss issues, challenges and opportunities to better integrate GBV into the health system in Pakistan to improve prevention and support for victims. Feedback from participants showed interest in continued discussion on addressing this important issue.
This document discusses social protection and aging in Malawi. It provides background on population issues and policies in Malawi over time, including a past study on challenges facing the elderly. Key findings of the study were that poverty and lack of income severely impact the elderly, abuse is common, and most elderly have no pension support. The document also outlines current government efforts to address issues of the elderly, including establishing a ministry and NGO for persons with disabilities and the elderly. It provides context on global, regional and national debates around social protection and aging populations.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Dr. Nicola Jones on the key baseline findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) research in Ethiopia. The presentation covered several areas of adolescent capabilities assessed by GAGE, including education and learning, bodily integrity and freedom from violence, and health, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition. Some of the main findings presented were high but uncertain educational aspirations among adolescents, barriers to school access and quality especially for girls and those in rural/pastoralist areas, high rates of corporal punishment and gender-based violence, and ongoing issues with child marriage, food insecurity, and substance abuse among adolescents.
Findings and insights from WFP staff inquiries into how WFP programmes can be more gender sensitive in the context of supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The findings were shared in a regional knowledge sharing meeting with the other WFP countries working on the Syrian response.
This document provides a mid-project review of a child marriage prevention program being implemented in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. The 3-year program aims to strengthen existing governance systems to prevent child marriage through community-based interventions. Key components include setting up child protection committees, facilitating adolescent girls' groups, and engaging with religious and community leaders. The review assesses progress, coverage, and provides recommendations to improve program implementation at the village, block, and district levels in both states.
This document discusses issues facing adolescents and young people in developing countries across several areas:
1) Employment and health challenges like malnutrition, mental illness, violence and HIV prevalence are high among youth.
2) Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and marginalized groups in parts of Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
3) Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services is limited. Comprehensive sexuality education is not widely available, and contraceptive use and access to safe abortion is low for adolescents. Adolescent birth rates are highest in Africa and parts of Asia.
This document discusses constraints and opportunities of youth peer education as a strategy for HIV/AIDS control in Kenya. It identifies several constraints such as inadequate budgetary support, socio-cultural barriers, corruption, high turnover of peer educators, poor recruitment, gender inequality, loose structure of programs, political violence, underdeveloped health sector, and weak training curriculums. However, it also presents opportunities like devolved health services that allow for more local capacity building, and expanding information/communication technologies that allow peer educators to better connect and share information. The document concludes that youth peer education has potential but requires more government and stakeholder support to address challenges and better integrate it within the health system.
The Global Gender Gap Index 2013, published by the World Economic Forum, measures gender-based gaps in access to resources and opportunities between women and men in four key areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. The Index ranks 142 countries based on how close they are to gender equality, regardless of their overall development level. It finds that while progress has been made in closing gender gaps over the past decade, significant disparities still remain across countries and regions.
The document provides an overview of findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) baseline study in Jordan. Some key findings include:
- Participation in formal education is lower for older adolescents, especially Syrian refugees. Gender disparities favor girls' enrollment.
- Learning outcomes are below grade level, with older adolescents and boys performing worse. Refugees have fewer years of schooling.
- Access to vocational training is limited, especially for refugees. Such programs are seen as valuable but poorly targeted.
- Most adolescents can access basic health services, but transportation barriers, discrimination, and costs pose challenges. Specialized care is difficult to access.
This document describes a needs assessment project in Southville 7, Philippines that utilized youth empowerment and geographical information systems (GIS) technology. The project developed a Youth Leadership Program called "Accelerating Forward - Unlad Bayan" to train youth to conduct surveys of approximately 3,000 families about employment, education, water access, electricity, and health. By empowering youth and collecting this community data, the project aimed to address social injustices and health inequities faced by residents of the informal settlement, who lacked access to basic services despite being relocated there by the government.
This document summarizes a concept note for a side event at the Rio+20 conference focusing on enabling youth participation in bridging the outcomes of Rio+20 with the post-2015 development agenda. The side event will provide a platform for youth leaders to discuss strengthening youth engagement and empowerment in the post-2015 process. It will include presentations from government ministers, UN officials, youth organizations, and others on supporting meaningful youth participation globally and nationally in both establishing and implementing sustainable development goals beyond 2015. The ultimate goal is for youth to play an active role in decision-making on development policies that will affect their future.
Community efforts towards addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in Niger
The document summarizes community efforts in Niger to address the needs of persons with disabilities. It describes that individuals with disabilities are often shunned and unable to contribute to society. Several organizations work to provide education, healthcare, livelihood training, and advocate for policy changes to promote inclusion. However, cultural stigma remains a significant barrier. The local approach involves government policies and partnerships between international and local non-profits. While progress has been made, more trained personnel and culturally appropriate programs are still needed to improve support for persons with disabilities.
Education for youth: preconditions for SDGsLe Thien Tri
Education is key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth will play a central role in implementing the SDGs due to their large numbers, potential for driving social change, and existing infrastructure for youth participation. However, quality education is needed to empower youth and unlock their potential. The document argues that education contributes directly to achieving many SDGs by improving employment, reducing poverty and inequality, boosting health, and fostering environmental stewardship. It recommends that UNESCO prioritize education for youth, coordinate across UN agencies to support national education efforts, engage the private sector and civil society, and hold governments accountable for education commitments.
Summit is committed to empowering youth, particularly girls, and promoting sustainability. It focuses on advancing girls' equality through initiatives like supporting education, ending child marriage, and engaging boys and men. Summit believes promoting leadership, health, and opportunities for girls will help achieve goals like eliminating poverty and stabilizing population growth. It provides grants to organizations working in areas like girls' education, sexual and reproductive health, and youth leadership development. The document outlines Summit's priorities and some of the programs it supports targeting adolescent girls in countries like Guatemala, Ghana, India, and South Africa.
More than half of surveyed Syrian refugee households in Jordan had members under 18 years old. Around 61.6% of school-aged Syrian refugee children were attending formal education in Jordan, with attendance rates highest for younger children aged 6-11. Barriers to attendance included lack of resources to pay for schooling, needing to work, and lack of documentation. Non-formal and informal education programs were positively viewed but faced challenges like safety issues and lack of transportation. Only 46% of children with disabilities attended formal school, with physical accessibility being a key barrier. The assessment recommends improving awareness of education options, increasing accessibility, and addressing safety concerns to boost Syrian refugee children's access to education in Jordan.
More than half of surveyed Syrian refugee households in Jordan had at least one child aged 6-17. 61.6% of school-aged Syrian children were attending formal education, with attendance rates highest for younger children (aged 6-11). Barriers to attendance included lack of resources to pay for school, having to work, and lack of documentation. Less than half of children with disabilities were attending formal school, with physical inaccessibility being a key reason. The assessment recommends improving awareness of eligibility, documentation processes, teacher training, and school accessibility to increase attendance, particularly for vulnerable groups such as girls and children with disabilities.
Gender equality and women empowerment on Sustainable Community Development in...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Gender inequality is the most persistent and pervasive global problem of the 21st century militating against the attainment of sustainable development in patriarchal societies. Several forums have noted the centrality of gender equality and concerns of women’s empowerment to the achievement of sustainable development. Promotion of gender equality is thus an important part of any development strategy. Thus, the research focused on analysing how society perceives the concept of gender equality and women empowerment, factors that militate against the achievement of gender equality in the society and its role in sustainable development. In gathering information, the study employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of this paper indicate that gender equality improves people’s participation in community development programmes and leads to healthy families and increased food productivity. The paper concluded that women empowerment and gender equality are essential tools in the achievement of sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
This document summarizes a paper on youth policy and development in Africa. It finds that Africa has a large and growing youth population, with high levels of education but also high unemployment rates. Existing youth policies have not fully addressed these challenges due to limitations in data and implementation challenges across different countries. The paper recommends policies to harness Africa's youth potential, including improving the investment climate, expanding infrastructure, promoting innovation, and building strong institutions to respond to youth needs and foster economic development.
Overlooked But Definitely Not to Be Forgotten_Igras_Outterson_5.1.12CORE Group
Overlooked but Definitely Not to be Forgotten: Evidence-based Programs for Very Young Adolescents discusses a meeting on programs targeting very young adolescents (VYA) between ages 10-14. The document outlines common characteristics of successful VYA programs, promising program components, evaluation methods used to measure outcomes of VYA programs, and barriers to implementing VYA programs. It also describes two evaluations of curriculums designed for VYA that use participatory methods to measure changes in attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors.
Our deep admiration for the girls in difficult circumstances and in conflict with the law, living within the confines of the statutory home. For trying to go past their psycho-social challenges and adapt to a ‘new idea of self’. And, for boldly tapping into the dormant and invisible power within to find strength to rebuild their lives and selfhood.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights
B1/2, Ground Floor,
Malviya Nagar
New Delhi - 110017
Tel: +91-26677412,26673599
Fax: +91-26674688
Website: www.haqcrc.org
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaqCentreForChildRights
Report on the Intergenerational Dialogue on a Youth Friendly Post2015 Agenda (1)Zo Fem
The document summarizes a two-day youth dialogue event in Cameroon on influencing the post-2015 development agenda. Key topics discussed included: revisiting definitions of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) concepts; presentations on the global post-2015 process and local occurrences in Cameroon; group work to draft a youth position statement; and panel discussions on issues like supporting women, financing development, and girls' access to justice. The goal of the event was to engage youth in the post-2015 process and ensure their priorities around SRHR and other issues are represented as world leaders finalize the new Sustainable Development Goals.
Fourteen years ago I was asked to prepare the following document. After it was completed, the contractor asked me to re-do it because they had made a mistake in the age they wanted covered. [They seemed to believe the information was too sensitive politically] and buried the report. I'm submitting it here now to learn what the LinkedIn audience thinks. Is it time to update it?
The document summarizes a policy dialogue held in Pakistan to discuss gender-based violence as a public health issue. It provides background information on the event and participants. A rapid assessment conducted by WHO on health sector capacity to address GBV in Pakistan is summarized. Key findings from the assessment highlighted lack of awareness, poor clinical practices, and failure to recognize GBV as a public health problem. The dialogue aimed to discuss issues, challenges and opportunities to better integrate GBV into the health system in Pakistan to improve prevention and support for victims. Feedback from participants showed interest in continued discussion on addressing this important issue.
This document discusses social protection and aging in Malawi. It provides background on population issues and policies in Malawi over time, including a past study on challenges facing the elderly. Key findings of the study were that poverty and lack of income severely impact the elderly, abuse is common, and most elderly have no pension support. The document also outlines current government efforts to address issues of the elderly, including establishing a ministry and NGO for persons with disabilities and the elderly. It provides context on global, regional and national debates around social protection and aging populations.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Dr. Nicola Jones on the key baseline findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) research in Ethiopia. The presentation covered several areas of adolescent capabilities assessed by GAGE, including education and learning, bodily integrity and freedom from violence, and health, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition. Some of the main findings presented were high but uncertain educational aspirations among adolescents, barriers to school access and quality especially for girls and those in rural/pastoralist areas, high rates of corporal punishment and gender-based violence, and ongoing issues with child marriage, food insecurity, and substance abuse among adolescents.
Findings and insights from WFP staff inquiries into how WFP programmes can be more gender sensitive in the context of supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The findings were shared in a regional knowledge sharing meeting with the other WFP countries working on the Syrian response.
This document provides a mid-project review of a child marriage prevention program being implemented in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. The 3-year program aims to strengthen existing governance systems to prevent child marriage through community-based interventions. Key components include setting up child protection committees, facilitating adolescent girls' groups, and engaging with religious and community leaders. The review assesses progress, coverage, and provides recommendations to improve program implementation at the village, block, and district levels in both states.
This document discusses issues facing adolescents and young people in developing countries across several areas:
1) Employment and health challenges like malnutrition, mental illness, violence and HIV prevalence are high among youth.
2) Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and marginalized groups in parts of Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
3) Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services is limited. Comprehensive sexuality education is not widely available, and contraceptive use and access to safe abortion is low for adolescents. Adolescent birth rates are highest in Africa and parts of Asia.
This document discusses constraints and opportunities of youth peer education as a strategy for HIV/AIDS control in Kenya. It identifies several constraints such as inadequate budgetary support, socio-cultural barriers, corruption, high turnover of peer educators, poor recruitment, gender inequality, loose structure of programs, political violence, underdeveloped health sector, and weak training curriculums. However, it also presents opportunities like devolved health services that allow for more local capacity building, and expanding information/communication technologies that allow peer educators to better connect and share information. The document concludes that youth peer education has potential but requires more government and stakeholder support to address challenges and better integrate it within the health system.
The Global Gender Gap Index 2013, published by the World Economic Forum, measures gender-based gaps in access to resources and opportunities between women and men in four key areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. The Index ranks 142 countries based on how close they are to gender equality, regardless of their overall development level. It finds that while progress has been made in closing gender gaps over the past decade, significant disparities still remain across countries and regions.
The document provides an overview of findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) baseline study in Jordan. Some key findings include:
- Participation in formal education is lower for older adolescents, especially Syrian refugees. Gender disparities favor girls' enrollment.
- Learning outcomes are below grade level, with older adolescents and boys performing worse. Refugees have fewer years of schooling.
- Access to vocational training is limited, especially for refugees. Such programs are seen as valuable but poorly targeted.
- Most adolescents can access basic health services, but transportation barriers, discrimination, and costs pose challenges. Specialized care is difficult to access.
This document describes a needs assessment project in Southville 7, Philippines that utilized youth empowerment and geographical information systems (GIS) technology. The project developed a Youth Leadership Program called "Accelerating Forward - Unlad Bayan" to train youth to conduct surveys of approximately 3,000 families about employment, education, water access, electricity, and health. By empowering youth and collecting this community data, the project aimed to address social injustices and health inequities faced by residents of the informal settlement, who lacked access to basic services despite being relocated there by the government.
This document summarizes a concept note for a side event at the Rio+20 conference focusing on enabling youth participation in bridging the outcomes of Rio+20 with the post-2015 development agenda. The side event will provide a platform for youth leaders to discuss strengthening youth engagement and empowerment in the post-2015 process. It will include presentations from government ministers, UN officials, youth organizations, and others on supporting meaningful youth participation globally and nationally in both establishing and implementing sustainable development goals beyond 2015. The ultimate goal is for youth to play an active role in decision-making on development policies that will affect their future.
Community efforts towards addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in Niger
The document summarizes community efforts in Niger to address the needs of persons with disabilities. It describes that individuals with disabilities are often shunned and unable to contribute to society. Several organizations work to provide education, healthcare, livelihood training, and advocate for policy changes to promote inclusion. However, cultural stigma remains a significant barrier. The local approach involves government policies and partnerships between international and local non-profits. While progress has been made, more trained personnel and culturally appropriate programs are still needed to improve support for persons with disabilities.
Education for youth: preconditions for SDGsLe Thien Tri
Education is key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth will play a central role in implementing the SDGs due to their large numbers, potential for driving social change, and existing infrastructure for youth participation. However, quality education is needed to empower youth and unlock their potential. The document argues that education contributes directly to achieving many SDGs by improving employment, reducing poverty and inequality, boosting health, and fostering environmental stewardship. It recommends that UNESCO prioritize education for youth, coordinate across UN agencies to support national education efforts, engage the private sector and civil society, and hold governments accountable for education commitments.
Summit is committed to empowering youth, particularly girls, and promoting sustainability. It focuses on advancing girls' equality through initiatives like supporting education, ending child marriage, and engaging boys and men. Summit believes promoting leadership, health, and opportunities for girls will help achieve goals like eliminating poverty and stabilizing population growth. It provides grants to organizations working in areas like girls' education, sexual and reproductive health, and youth leadership development. The document outlines Summit's priorities and some of the programs it supports targeting adolescent girls in countries like Guatemala, Ghana, India, and South Africa.
More than half of surveyed Syrian refugee households in Jordan had members under 18 years old. Around 61.6% of school-aged Syrian refugee children were attending formal education in Jordan, with attendance rates highest for younger children aged 6-11. Barriers to attendance included lack of resources to pay for schooling, needing to work, and lack of documentation. Non-formal and informal education programs were positively viewed but faced challenges like safety issues and lack of transportation. Only 46% of children with disabilities attended formal school, with physical accessibility being a key barrier. The assessment recommends improving awareness of education options, increasing accessibility, and addressing safety concerns to boost Syrian refugee children's access to education in Jordan.
More than half of surveyed Syrian refugee households in Jordan had at least one child aged 6-17. 61.6% of school-aged Syrian children were attending formal education, with attendance rates highest for younger children (aged 6-11). Barriers to attendance included lack of resources to pay for school, having to work, and lack of documentation. Less than half of children with disabilities were attending formal school, with physical inaccessibility being a key reason. The assessment recommends improving awareness of eligibility, documentation processes, teacher training, and school accessibility to increase attendance, particularly for vulnerable groups such as girls and children with disabilities.
Gender equality and women empowerment on Sustainable Community Development in...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Gender inequality is the most persistent and pervasive global problem of the 21st century militating against the attainment of sustainable development in patriarchal societies. Several forums have noted the centrality of gender equality and concerns of women’s empowerment to the achievement of sustainable development. Promotion of gender equality is thus an important part of any development strategy. Thus, the research focused on analysing how society perceives the concept of gender equality and women empowerment, factors that militate against the achievement of gender equality in the society and its role in sustainable development. In gathering information, the study employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of this paper indicate that gender equality improves people’s participation in community development programmes and leads to healthy families and increased food productivity. The paper concluded that women empowerment and gender equality are essential tools in the achievement of sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
This document summarizes a paper on youth policy and development in Africa. It finds that Africa has a large and growing youth population, with high levels of education but also high unemployment rates. Existing youth policies have not fully addressed these challenges due to limitations in data and implementation challenges across different countries. The paper recommends policies to harness Africa's youth potential, including improving the investment climate, expanding infrastructure, promoting innovation, and building strong institutions to respond to youth needs and foster economic development.
Overlooked But Definitely Not to Be Forgotten_Igras_Outterson_5.1.12CORE Group
Overlooked but Definitely Not to be Forgotten: Evidence-based Programs for Very Young Adolescents discusses a meeting on programs targeting very young adolescents (VYA) between ages 10-14. The document outlines common characteristics of successful VYA programs, promising program components, evaluation methods used to measure outcomes of VYA programs, and barriers to implementing VYA programs. It also describes two evaluations of curriculums designed for VYA that use participatory methods to measure changes in attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors.
Our deep admiration for the girls in difficult circumstances and in conflict with the law, living within the confines of the statutory home. For trying to go past their psycho-social challenges and adapt to a ‘new idea of self’. And, for boldly tapping into the dormant and invisible power within to find strength to rebuild their lives and selfhood.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights
B1/2, Ground Floor,
Malviya Nagar
New Delhi - 110017
Tel: +91-26677412,26673599
Fax: +91-26674688
Website: www.haqcrc.org
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaqCentreForChildRights
Report on the Intergenerational Dialogue on a Youth Friendly Post2015 Agenda (1)Zo Fem
The document summarizes a two-day youth dialogue event in Cameroon on influencing the post-2015 development agenda. Key topics discussed included: revisiting definitions of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) concepts; presentations on the global post-2015 process and local occurrences in Cameroon; group work to draft a youth position statement; and panel discussions on issues like supporting women, financing development, and girls' access to justice. The goal of the event was to engage youth in the post-2015 process and ensure their priorities around SRHR and other issues are represented as world leaders finalize the new Sustainable Development Goals.
Fourteen years ago I was asked to prepare the following document. After it was completed, the contractor asked me to re-do it because they had made a mistake in the age they wanted covered. [They seemed to believe the information was too sensitive politically] and buried the report. I'm submitting it here now to learn what the LinkedIn audience thinks. Is it time to update it?
The document provides a synthesis of reports on the status of girl children in India conducted as part of Plan India's "Because I am a Girl" campaign. It summarizes the key discussions and outcomes from international and national forums related to girls' rights such as the Millennium Development Goals, Beijing Platform for Action, Commission on the Status of Women, and World Education Forum. It also provides an overview of the "Because I am a Girl" campaign and Plan India's initiatives to promote girls' education, health, and empowerment. Case studies showcase the positive impact of Plan India's work in communities.
This document provides an introduction to the Adolescence Education Programme in India. Some key points:
- India has over 225 million adolescents aged 10-19, the largest cohort transitioning to adulthood.
- The program aims to address adolescents' reproductive and sexual health concerns including HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
- India has ratified several international agreements supporting adolescent health and rights.
- Multiple government ministries and programs impact aspects of adolescent lives and development.
- Facts presented show many adolescents face early marriage, pregnancy, gender-based violence, and lack of sexual and reproductive health information and services. The education program seeks to improve outcomes for adolescents.
This section discusses the importance of understanding meaningful involvement and participation of young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in HIV responses. It defines meaningful involvement as having influence and a role, not just presence. Several global documents recognize the need for YPLHIV participation, based on principles like GIPA. Meaningful involvement benefits both YPLHIV and organizations by building knowledge, skills, and empowerment to create social change. Quality of involvement is more important than just numbers of YPLHIV engaged.
This document is a report from the UN Secretary-General to the Commission for Social Development on national youth programs and policies. It discusses three major issues facing youth globally - youth protests, unemployment, and violence against girls. It also provides an overview of the implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth by UN member states and agencies, focusing on the 15 priority areas outlined in the program like education, employment, health, and participation of youth in decision-making. The report is based on responses from 10 member states and 22 UN agencies on their national initiatives to address the priority areas of the World Programme of Action for Youth.
This document summarizes national programs and policies related to youth as reported by UN member states and agencies. It discusses three major developments shaping the youth agenda: youth protests, employment, and violence against girls. It then outlines efforts by states and UN agencies to implement the World Programme of Action for Youth, focusing on youth participation, girls/women's empowerment, and engaging youth in preventing violence.
This document is a toolkit for young people who want to influence global governance processes related to the post-2015 development agenda. It provides information on key terms, the history of negotiations so far, and how youth voices can be included. The toolkit explains that the Sustainable Development Goals may include a goal on governance but it does not sufficiently address the need for youth participation. It encourages young advocates to ask their governments to ensure the final goals define a clear role for youth in decision-making. The Accountability and Governance Task Team is a network of young people working to champion youth voices in governance aspects of developing and implementing the SDGs.
Young people who participated in consultations around the world envision a post-2015 world based on principles of equality, freedom, environmental sustainability, and participation. They identified key issues like ineffective governance, poverty, and nutrition that should be addressed. Participants offered solutions focusing on sensitization, empowerment, technology, collaboration, and institutional reform. The document provides guidance on disseminating these youth voices to decision-makers to influence the post-2015 development framework process, including key timelines and opportunities for engagement at the local, national, regional and global levels.
This document summarizes the key findings from youth consultations on shaping a post-2015 development framework. Young people envisioned a world with equality, environmental sustainability, and participation for all. They identified the most important issues as widening inequality, violence, diversity, and environmental sustainability. The consultations showed that young people want to be involved in decision-making and can help solve development challenges.
Need of youth parliament a new public & advisory managementNaveen BR
This document discusses the need for a youth parliament in India to better represent and engage youth in decision making. It notes that while India has a large youth population, they have little representation in parliament. The document argues that a youth parliament, even in an advisory capacity, could help policymakers understand the needs and aspirations of youth. It also provides background context on definitions of youth, the size of the youth population globally, and current levels of youth political participation worldwide which are generally low.
Need of youth parliament a new public & advisory managementNaveen BR
This document discusses the need for a youth parliament in India to better represent and engage youth in decision making. It notes that while India has a large youth population, they have little representation in parliament. The document argues that a youth parliament, even in an advisory capacity, could help policymakers understand the needs and aspirations of youth. It also provides background context on definitions of youth, the size of the youth population globally, and current levels of youth political participation worldwide which are generally low compared to older populations.
The document provides guidelines for the 10 Days of Activism (10DoA) campaign in 2012. The theme of the campaign is "Nothing for us, without us" to emphasize that youth should be at the center of global development agendas and involved in decision making that affects their lives and issues like sexual and reproductive health and rights. It outlines objectives to mobilize young people in 50 countries to take community actions and contact decision makers. It also provides background on 10DoA, definitions, advocacy tips, and partnership recommendations.
This document provides an overview of the HIV response and opportunities for involvement by young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). It defines the HIV response as encompassing all efforts to prevent HIV infections, ensure human rights of those living with and affected by HIV, and provide access to services and support. It outlines the various actors in the HIV response, including networks of people living with and affected by HIV, community organizations, international NGOs, governments, UN agencies, donors, and researchers. The document emphasizes that the HIV response occurs at community, local, national, regional and global levels, providing YPLHIV with a wide range of potential involvement opportunities.
This document summarizes a study on youth engagement in Liberia conducted by Search for Common Ground, American University, and Liberian partners. Over 1,000 Liberian youth across 15 counties were interviewed to understand their priorities and perspectives. Key themes that emerged were: (1) education, with youth facing physical and social barriers to accessing education; (2) health, with insufficient infrastructure compromising health; (3) livelihoods, as youth struggle to meet work, school, and other demands with limited skills training opportunities; (4) politics and governance, where youth expressed mixed views of leadership; and (5) infrastructure, where development is needed to support other sectors. The study aims to inform policy by elevating
‘Every year, 9.2 million young children (including 3.7 million newborns) and 536,000 mothers die during pregnancy and childbirth, while approximately 76 million unintended pregnancies occur worldwide. The need for strengthened family planning efforts is imperative if the MDGs are to be achieved
The document discusses the importance of family planning in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. It notes that family planning can help reduce unintended pregnancies and slow population growth, making it easier and more affordable to achieve the MDGs. The document then provides background on Nigeria's demographic and family planning situation, and discusses how the NURHI project aims to increase access to and use of modern contraceptives in urban areas through integrated supply and demand initiatives.
This document discusses adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in humanitarian settings. It begins by defining adolescence and explaining why prioritizing ASRH is important, noting the large population of adolescents affected by crises and their vulnerabilities. It then discusses what sexual and reproductive health entails and why ASRH is an important human right. The document outlines challenges to meeting ASRH needs in humanitarian settings and identifies groups most at risk. It reviews research on gaps in ASRH funding and programming. Finally, it discusses the importance of adolescent, community, and parental participation in ASRH programs and provides tools to facilitate participation.
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População e Desenvolvimento na Agenda do Cairo: balanço e desafios
1. 1
Looking Beyond 2014 in Post-2015
Mind the gap: Where is the data on young people’s
SRHR?
Prioritizing Pleasures
The post-2015 development framework: an opportunity
to promote emergency contraception
FEATURED
ARTICLES
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
CPD 47
Looking Beyond 2014
into Post-2015
Katie Lau
26 | UK
International Planned Parenthood Federation and the ICPD
review Youth Leadership Working Group
The International Conference on Population and
Development
The International Conference on Population and
Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA)
agreed in 1994 was a truly landmark agreement.
It was the first time Member States recognized the
concept of ‘reproductive rights’ as human rights.
Empowering people to be able to make choices and
moving away from arbitrary population number
targets.
In 2013, the International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF) worked with its regional networks
and partners to convene civil society organisations
for the twenty year anniversary of the ICPD PoA to
mobilize civil society around the ICPD review process.
Communities influencing the ICPD agenda
Civil society groups from around the globe were able
to participate in the process and have their voices
heard on the issues that matters to them and their
local communities. Issues ranging from comprehensive
sexuality education in Asia- Pacific to violence
against women and girls in Africa were reflected in
regional outcome documents. IPPF mobilized civil
society groups representing a broad spectrum of
interests including law, women’s rights, LGBTI, youth,
indigenous people, ageing and health.
There were high levels of youth participation who
ensured that the issues affecting young people were
kept firmly on the agenda. The Youth Leadership
Working Group, which grew out of the Bali Global
Youth Forum, has been working closely with the United
Nations Population Fund to guarantee meaningful
youth participation throughout the ICPD Review
including at the thematic conferences.
The future we want
The regional reviews celebrated the progress
made, but also highlighted patchy progress and the
challenges that remain.
Investment in Sexual and Reproductive Health
FGM in Egypt
População e Desenvolvimento na Agenda do Cairo:
balanço e desafios
Let's Make it Count
ICPD in the Context of Nepal
2. 2
Now we need to fulfil ‘the unfinished business’ of the
ICPD PoA. We also need to tackle new and emerging
issues to ensure universal access to sexual and
reproductive health and rights (SRHR) including
measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination
and violence based on gender identity or sexual
orientation.
We need to advocate strongly on the following issues:
o Comprehensive Sexuality Education
o Reducing unintended pregnancies including access
to contraception and safe abortion
o Adolescents’ access to services
o Elimination of Violence against women and girls and
gender discrimination
o HIV services including access to integrated services,
treatment and care
o Sexual rights as human rights
As SRHR and youth advocates we must not waver in our
efforts. We must continue to build on the momentum
of the strong outcomes from the ICPD regional reviews
and ensure it translates into a robust outcome at the
Commission on Population and Development (CPD), and
eventually the post- 2015 development framework. This
will make a big difference to people’s lives, especially
young people who make up nearly half of this world’s
population.
The ICPD is the theme of this year’s CPD. Negotiations
at CPD will directly impact the ICPD Index Report,
which is to be adopted by Member States at the UN
General Assembly Special Session in 2014. This can
be a tool to mobilize governments to put SRHR issues
firmly into the post- 2015 development framework and
presents a golden opportunity to guarantee regional
SRHR needs and priorities are reflected in international
negotiations.
We applaud Brazil, South Africa and Norway for proposing the
language in PP5 ter which acknowledges that the current generation
of youth is the largest one ever, and affirms that the promotion of
meaningful participation and the realization of young people’s rights.
There are over 1.8 billion young people in the
world today, 90 % of whom live in
developing countries.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
3. 3
Mind the gap: Where
is the data on young
people’s SRHR?
Nadia Rajaram
27 | Malaysia
Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW)
The theme of the 47th CPD, “Assessment
of the status of implementation of the
Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and
Development,” offers a perfect setting
to review the extent of commitments
kept by governments over the past 20
years. There have been many tools
used to measure these commitments,
such as the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), and this is the time we
can take a step back and look at what
we have accomplished. As we do that,
there is one glaring gap that you might,
and should, notice: where is the data on
young people?
In the last 14 years the MDGs have
been the only source of a monitoring
framework around ICPD which somewhat
touched on the key issues of maternal
health, gender inequality, and poverty,
among others. However, this database
does not adequately capture data on
young people’s sexual and reproductive
health and rights. It has consistently
collected data on adolescent birth rate
and several HIV and AIDS indicators
for young people. Unfortunately, other
critical aspects on young people’s
SRHR has been left behind, including
access to contraception, safe abortion
services, non-discriminatory youth-
friendly health services, comprehensive
sexuality education, and many more.
Furthermore, the data that has been
collected so far sees young people just
as number, and hardly as a resource on
their own.
The MDGs are not the only monitoring
framework which failed to capture
the needs of young people. An
interesting example is when looking at
contraceptive prevalence rate in the
Demographic and Health Surveys for the
countries in Asia. While there is quite
thorough records of contraceptive use
among women, as well as the types of
contraceptive used, the data is only collected among
married women. This would exclude all unmarried
young women. How do we know, then, how many young
women, who are likely sexually active, have access to
contraception? This is also a great example of the lack
of disaggregated data on young people, including but
not limited to marital status, age, gender, geographical
region, and socio-economic status.
Another important instance is reflected in how little we
know about the provision of Comprehensive Sexuality
Education (CSE) across countries. The right to CSE
has been long recognized as a human right, and it has
been reiterated in important international documents,
including the recent Bali Declaration of 2012 , which
included specific recommendations on CSE programmes
and implementation. However, we still do not have
globally cross-cutting data to inform us if governments
have structured policies around the provision of CSE
to adolescents and youths, or whether or not these
policies have been implemented at the population level,
or if CSE is reaching its target population adequately.
Without monitoring these dimensions of CSE provision,
how can we assess if governments are keeping their
promises? This gap in our knowledge is also reflect in
other struggles faced by youths, such as in assessing
poverty and food security issues among young
migrants, and how these issues intersect with their
experience throughout their youth and beyond.
In recent history, the voices of young people have
emerged, asking that their rights be fulfilled, and that
they be recognised as a powerful demographic group
in their own right. While this is accepted, and while
there has been increased hype among key players that
young people are focal in population and development,
the movement to assess the extent of the issues faced
by young people, especially in the Global South region
of the world, remains slow-paced. Twenty years since
the Cairo agenda, there still isn’t much comprehensive,
cross-comparable data that can help paint the
picture and hold governments accountable for their
commitments to young people.
Aptly themed, this CPD provides an opportunity for us
to not only recognize, but also to take action to ensure
that the commitments made to young people are
monitored, and that this important aspect is not left out
of the Post-2015 agenda and in the framing of the new
development goals.
1
United Nations Millennium Development Goals. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
2
The Bali Global Youth Declaration. http://icpdbeyond2014.org/uploads/browser/files/bali_global_youth_forum_declaration.pdf
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
4. 4
Making Pleasure a Priority:
Advancing Young Women
and Girls’ Holistic Sexual
and Reproductive Rights
Lara Cousins
29 | Canada/Philippines
Advocacy Officer, Women’s Global Network for
Reproductive Rights (WGNRR)
While often marginalized and contentious, sexual
and reproductive rights are slowly but increasingly
acknowledged as integral to realizing other human
rights, and achieving sustainable development. Yet one
basic component of sexual and reproductive health and
rights (SRHR) seems to continuously fall off the radar,
even among activists themselves: namely, the right to
pleasure, especially for young women and girls.
In 1994, the groundbreaking ICPD Programme of
Action upheld that the full enjoyment of reproductive
health implies that “people are able to have a
satisfying and safe sex life.” As such, it reinforced
a holistic understanding of individuals’ sexual and
reproductive wellbeing, accounting not only for
the right to be free from abuse, but the right to
experience one’s sexuality in a fulfilling, satisfying,
and in turn pleasurable way (implicit in which, of
course, is the right to comprehensive sexual and
reproductive health information, programmes, and
services). Prevailing social norms and taboos, however,
entail that the sexuality of young women and girls
is often marginalized on two counts: because they
are female, and because they are young. As such,
discussions around the rights of young women and
girls tend to narrowly focus on protecting them from
abuses, while overlooking their right to experience
fulfillment, satisfaction and pleasure in their sexual
lives. Make no mistake: young women and girls are
particularly vulnerable to multiple and intersecting
forms of violence and discrimination, especially when
it comes to their reproductive and sexual health.
Sexual desire and pleasure are difficult to study and
define. Why? Because they both vary so widely for
each individual and among cultures. Sexual desire
can be directed at a specific gender, body type, body
part, personality trait or a million other aspects of our
individual selves.
Sexual pleasure has few restrictions with one glaring
exception – consent. Consent should be the most
pleasurable part of sex – knowing that you and your
partner(s) are willingly engaging in sexual activities
together and expressing your sexuality in a mutually
pleasurable way – The Kinsey Institute
These deplorable acts violate women and girls’ human
rights, degrade their personhood, and are an affront
to humanity as a whole. Enhancing young women
and girls’ health, however, is not just about shielding
them from abuses; it is about ensuring their holistic
wellbeing.
When it comes to the Post-2015 development
framework, a growing number of proponents agree that
in order to address the root causes of inequality and
injustice, we need to think big. In terms of SRHR, we
currently have the opportunity to reinforce and advance
the paradigmatic shift sparked at Cairo twenty years
ago: namely from a limited and predominantly negative
understanding of sexuality, to one that is positive,
inclusive, and recognizes the potential of sexuality
to be an enriching life force. With this shift, we can
broaden our focus from solely protecting young women
and girls from SRHR abuses, to ensuring their human
right to positively, consensually, and in turn pleasurably
experience their sexuality, in a manner consistent with
their evolving capacities.
Reframing sexuality from an affirmative standpoint
is not going to be easy: in light of persistent
ideological barriers, as well as the rise of religious
and conservative fundamentalisms, it will be an uphill
battle. But if we want to create the conditions through
which the sexual and reproductive rights of young
women and girls can be fully realized, we need to
account for their right to pleasure and fulfillment in
their sexual and reproductive lives.
As advanced at the ICPD, reproductive health is not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but a state
of “complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.”
From this standpoint, the right to experience pleasure
inherently accounts for the protection of young women
and girls from rights abuses, as it necessitates that
young women and girls have the ability to exercise
meaningful and informed decision-making power over
all aspects of their sexual and reproductive lives. With
this in mind, it becomes increasingly clear that the right
to pleasure is not a superfluous add-on to the Post-
2015 Development Agenda, but an integral requirement
for the full realization of SRHR. So what are we waiting
for?
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
5. 5
The post-2015 development
framework: an opportunity
to promote emergency
contraception
Belinda Spagnoletti
29 | Australia
PhD Candidate, The Nossal Institute for Global Health,
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The
University of Melbourne, Australia.
Improving the SRHR of all people of reproductive age,
and in particular women and adolescents, must be a
key goal of the post-2015 development framework.
Access to affordable, quality family planning is
essential to achieving improved SRHR globally.
International and regional human rights agreements
affirm the universal right to contraceptive information
and services for women and adolescents. Access to
contraceptive information and services is integral to:
SRHR; the right to determine the number and spacing
of children; rights to equality and non-discrimination;
the rights to privacy; the rights to life and health; the
rights to information and education; the right to enjoy
the benefits of scientific progress; and the right to
be free from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading
treatment (1).
Progress towards MDG 5 (‘improving maternal health’)
has been insufficient in most regions globally, and
targets cannot be met if current trends continue
(2). Unmet need for family planning is experienced
by more than 222 million women globally. Failure to
meet women’s need for contraception undermines
their reproductive health and can be life-threatening,
especially for women in the developing world. Unsafe
abortion is one of the consequences of unmet need.
Each year 22 million unsafe abortions occur globally,
and 98% of these occur in developing countries.
Emergency contraception, or EC, is a safe and effective
contraceptive method that holds great potential to
improve the quality family planning services, to enable
women and adolescents to gain greater control over
their SRH, and to reduce the incidence of unsafe
abortion. In January 2013 the WHO Executive Board
adopted resolution EB132.R4, calling for increased
EC access and use, among 12 other low-cost heath
technologies than can save the lives of women and
children. WHO member countries were urged to
improve the quality, supply and use of EC by increasing
demand for it, addressing financial barriers to
access, and ensuring competency among health care
providers.
Emergency contraception is the use of hormonal
medication (called emergency contraceptive pills
or ECPs) or the insertion of a copper intrauterine
device up to 5 days after an act of unprotected sex
(including rape) or contraceptive failure, to prevent
unplanned pregnancy. The most widely available ECP,
levonorgestrel EC or LNG-EC, is registered in 147
countries and is the only ECP listed on the WHO’s
Essential Medicines List. LNG-EC works by delaying
ovulation – thus it is not an abortion pill or a form
of medical abortion (3–5). It is safe for all women of
reproductive age to use LNG-EC, and it can be used
multiple times, even within the same menstrual cycle.
EC is unique because it is the only contraceptive that
can be used after sex. Its inclusion in family planning
programs thus improves quality of care by expanding
the options available to include a method that can be
used as a ‘back-up’ after sex. Access to EC can also
enhances the reproductive autonomy and protects
reproductive rights of women. In situations where a
woman cannot choose whether contraception is used
before or during sex, due to relationship or social
factors or in the case of rape, EC provides the only
chance to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Advocates
of EC argue that the safe use of EC is always a better
outcome than an unintended pregnancy, which often
results in induced abortion, many of which are unsafe
in developing countries (6). Using EC to prevent an
unplanned pregnancy is always a safer option than
undergoing an abortion. Yet the path from EB132.
R4, to policy change and program implementation,
to increased EC demand and use, will be a significant
undertaking for many countries. Currently there are 47
nations globally that do not have any ECP registered
(7).
In Indonesia, where I am conducting fieldwork later
this year, an LNG-EC product called Postinor-2 has been
legally available with a prescription to married women
for more than a decade. However EC has not been
integrated into the national family planning program,
nor has its use been widely promoted. The 2007
Indonesian Demographic and Heath Survey indicates
that only 11% of women and 6.9% of married men
have ever heard of EC, while just 0.3% of ever married
women have used EC. The available evidence suggests
many doctors in Indonesia have low to moderate
knowledge about EC, and concerns related to morality
may prevent some from prescribing EC , even to
women who are rape survivors (8). Yet there is great
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
6. 6
potential for EC to be more widely used in Indonesia,
helping to improve the SRHR of Indonesian women.
The country has one of the highest maternal mortality
ratios in Asia, with an estimated 359 maternal deaths
occurring for every 100,000 live births among women
aged 15 to 49 years (9). It is estimated that one to
three million pregnancies among Indonesian women
result in abortion each year, accounting for 70% of all
abortions in Southeast Asia, and many of these are
unsafe (10,11).
There is great reason to be optimistic about the
post-2015 development framework, as it provides an
opportunity to reinforce the objectives of the ICPD
PoA, and to reinvigorate the conversations that will
be critical to achieving improved SRHR for women of
reproductive age. EC is just one aspect of the family
planning picture, but holds great potential to promote
women’s reproductive health and rights.
References
1. UNFPA, Center for Reproductive Rights. The Rights to
Contraceptive Information and Services for Women and
Adolescents. UNFPA and the Center for Reproductive Rights;
2011.
2.UN DESA. Millennium Development Goals: 2013 Progress
Chart. Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social
Affairs, United Nations; 2013.
3.Marions L, Cekan SZ, Bygdeman M, Gemzell-Danielsson
K. Effect of emergency contraception with levonorgestrel
or mifepristone on ovarian function. Contraception.
2004;69:373–7.
4.Novikova N, Weisberg E, Stanczyk FZ, Croxatto HB, Fraser
IS. Effectiveness of levonorgestrel emergency contraception
given before or after ovulation — a pilot study. Contraception.
2007;75:112–8.
5. Noé G, Croxatto HB, Salvatierra AM, Reyes V, Villarroel
C, Muñoz C, et al. Contraceptive efficacy of emergency
contraception with levonorgestrel given before or after
ovulation. Contraception. 2010;81:414–20.
6.Westley E, Schwarz E. Emergency contraception: global
challenges, new opportunities. Contraception. 2012;85:429–
31.
7. ICEC. EC Status and Availability. Contraception IC for E,
editor. 2013.
8.Syahlul DE, Amir LH. Do Indonesian medical practitioners
approve the availability of emergency contraception over-the-
counter? A survey of general practitioners and obstetricians in
Jakarta. BMC Womens Health. 2005;5.
9.BPS, BKKBN, Kemenkes, and ICF International. Indonesia
Demographic and Health Survey 2012. Jakarta: BPS, BKKBN,
Kemenkes, and ICF International; 2013.
10.Hull T, Mosley H. Revitalization of Family Planning
in Indonesia. Government of Indonesia, United Nations
Population Fund; 2009.
11.Dalvie S, Barua A, Widyantoro N, Silviane I. A Study of
Knowledge, Attitudes and Understanding of Legal Professional
about Safe Abortion as a Women’s Right: In Indonesia. Asia
Safe Abortion Partnership; 2009.
We applaud the twenty two countries who call for universal access to safe
abortion in OP5. However, we urge governments to remove the clause on ‘
where such services are permitted by national law’.
Adolescent girls account for an estimate 2,5 million of the 19 million
unsafe abortion that occur annually in the developing world. Legal
restrictions form barriers for adolescents accessing these services and lead
to human rights violations.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
7. 7
Investment in
Sexual and
Reproductive Health
Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo
29 | Cameroon
Women for a Change Cameroon
CAMEROON, Keep the Promise
20 years ago in Cairo at the
International Conference on Population
and Development (ICPD), Cameroon
agreed to commit to ensure that the
rights of women are respected and
protected. But can one comfortably say -
Cameroon kept the promise in achieving
the goals related to ICPD Programme
of Action (PoA), particularly women’s
reproduction?
Though Cameroon might have
demonstrated some major steps
toward addressing and advancing
the status of women and girls, i.e.
through the establishment of a Ministry
for Women and the Family (2004),
National Commission on Human Rights
and the Freedoms (2004), draft law
on the prevention and punishment of
violence against women and gender-
based discrimination; women and girls
sexual and reproductive health care and
services remains overlooked.
For instance, in a 2013 research scorecard by Afri-Dev.
Info, the number of forced marriages and under age
birth for girls in Cameroon before they reach 18years
is around 36 and 40% respectively; up to 77% or more
of women/girls are not using at least one method of
contraceptives. Likewise, in a related report by UNFPA
Cameroon, it stated that an estimated number of
1,276,446 of women desire to space their childbirth for
at least two years on ward. And about 10 718 274 of
women and girls of childbearing age won’t want to give
births. All which is contrary to the commitments and
dedication demonstrated in the ICPD PoA.
Therefore, as world leaders celebrates the twentieth
anniversary of the ICPD, and assessing the status of
implementation of the ICPD PoA, young people want to
call government and politicians to advance, promote
and protect women’s rights, especially women’s Sexual
and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). SRHR
should align with and be included in the national
development plan alongside poverty alleviation, health
and HIV and AIDS strategies, among others. Further,
Cameroon should endorse and adapt the ICPD 20 year
Global Review Report, implementing recommendations
into national policies and programmes.
We support Argentina, Australia, Canada, USA and Brazil for including
language on discrimination on the basis of sexuality, sexual orientation,
gender identity in draft OP2.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
8. 8
Female Genital Mutilation
In Egypt
Mostafa el Sheikh
21 | Egypt
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female
genital cutting and female circumcision, is defined
by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “all
procedures that involve partial or total removal of the
external female genitalia or other injury to the female
genital organs for non-medical reasons.”
One of the most important problems in Egypt is female
genital mutilation (FGM). The most common forms
of female genital mutilation (FGM) or female genital
cutting (FGC) still widely practiced throughout Egypt
are Type I (commonly referred to as clitoridectomy)
and Type II (commonly referred to as excision).
They are common among both Muslims and Coptic
Christians. Type III (commonly referred to as
infibulation, but in Egypt is referred to as "Sudanese
circumcision") is found only among a few ethnic groups
in the southern part of the country.
The demographic and health survey in Egypt in 2000
showed that 97% of married women included in the
survey had experienced FGC. Another study by the
Egyptian ministry of health and population in 2003
reported that over 94% of married women had been
exposed to genital cutting and 69% of those women
agreed to the procedure being carried out on their
daughters. Further, a pilot study by Health Insurance
Organization showed that 41% of female students
in primary, preparatory and secondary schools had
undergone genital cutting. And this procedure of FGM
has lots of serious complications such as severe forms
of FGM/C can lead to problems with menstruation,
intercourse, and childbirth, and in some cases can
cause death. And the psychosexual effects of FGM are
also harsh and lifelong.
There are many causes which make families in Egypt
do this procedure such as:
1) Social and traditional: families think that procedure
lower the sexual desire to girls and make them more
virgin and by this procedure, families save their girls
from sins and being easily excited, Almost three-
quarters of Egyptian women felt that husbands would
prefer their wives to undergo the procedure.
2) Religious: there is no basis for this practice in either
Islam or Christianity. Although high officials in both
the Muslim and Christian religious establishments have
voiced opposition to the practice, it is still supported
by some local religious authorities. Moreover, many
Egyptians wrongly believe that it is an important part
of maintaining female chastity, which stems out of
religious tradition.
These practices are widespread but are even more
prevalent in rural than urban areas. Because of the
lack of awareness there; the lack of open media and
knowledge; and the strong following of traditions and
beliefs as well as religious officials - they do anything
they say.
As a young person witnessing these issues in my
country,
1) On a policy level, I would like to ask the government
to issue laws that prevent FGM and make big
punishments on doctors who make FGM and families
also because they don’t respect child rights and
consider that procedure one of child abuse crimes, by
advocacy of decision makers and workshops to religious
officials and make it clear by the official media and
religious center that there isn’t any reason for anyone
to do such procedure.
2) On social level, it is important to work with all
NGOs working in this issue and unite our efforts to
make great effect in our society through campaigns in
rural and poor areas and online campaigns for youth
on social media and thorough schools in rural and
countryside and by the use ofTV media as they have
huge effect recently on youth and their attitudes.
3) On religious level, I will ask all religious men in
Egypt and Azhar to show that there is no relation
between religion and FGM and there is need for
common forums attended by religion officials and public
audience to advocate people to stop this dangerous
procedure.
Further, one of my recommendations is to stop
medicalization of that procedure by training to doctors
and medical students as awareness and make this topic
in their courses in faculties as a part of community
medicine.
I remain very hopeful that the CPD this year will be a
milestone in building commitments from governments
in reducing this harmful tradition that violates the
rights of adolescents and young people.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
9. 9
População e Desenvolvimento
na Agenda do Cairo: balanço e
desafios
Alice Junqueira Terra Caffaro
29 | Brazil
Coalizão de Jovens Brasileiros para o Pós-2015 (Brazilian
Youth Coalition for the Post-2015)
População e Desenvolvimento na Agenda do Cairo -
balanço e desafios para o Brasil
Nos dias 21 e 22 de fevereiro de 2014, foi realizado,
em Brasília, o seminário População e Desenvolvimento
na Agenda do Cairo: balanço e desafios,
promovido pela Comissão Nacional de População
e Desenvolvimento - CNPD e pelo UNFPA Brasil. O
intuito do evento foi produzir subsídios para a posição
brasileira na 47ª Sessão da CPD da ONU, priorizando
os temas Igualdade de Gênero, Direitos Sexuais e
Direitos Reprodutivos e, entre representantes dos
poderes executivo, legislativo e judiciário, Nações
Unidas e sociedade civil, estávamos nós, os jovens.
Com o que todos concordaram? Com o fato de que
a incorporação das questões raciais, especialmente
a menção aos afrodescendentes, e das questões de
gênero no consenso de Montevidéu, ambas bastante
ausentes no documento de Cairo, foi um avanço. E
com o fato de que a delegação brasileira, além de
posicionar-se para novos avanços, precisa evitar que
não haja retrocesso nos avanços conquistados.
Sobre o que é preciso falar na CPD?
Entre os pontos colocados pela sociedade civil como
essenciais para o avanço, foram ressaltados:
- A sub-representação das mulheres nos espaços de
poder e decisão;
- O papel do homem nas políticas de mulheres;
- A essencialidade da juventude e a necessidade
de se pensar políticas e programas específicos
para os jovens, bem como ter especial atenção para
a juventude que vive com DST/Aids, LGBTs,
juventude negra, meninas e mulheres;
- A garantia e a prática do Estado laico;
- A implementação da educação integral,
com inclusão de temas como sexualidade e saúde
reprodutiva;
- A autonomia da mulher sobre o corpo e a
necessidade de se tratar de questões que têm
impacto direto na mortalidade de gestantes, como a
descriminalização do aborto e o acesso a aborto
legal e seguro;
- O planejamento familiar, incluindo questões
como o acesso a anticoncepcionais, apoio a decisões
voluntárias, entre outros;
- O combate a ambientes discriminatórios e
homofóbicos e a criação de campanhas com
informações claras para prevenção de
DSTs/Aids voltadas a LGBTs;
- O combate ao discurso da governabilidade como
desculpa para diversas violações de direitos
humanos.
A CPD precisa da juventude!
A Coalizão de Jovens Brasileiros pelo Pós-2015 levou
para o evento a importância da articulação da CPD com
o processo do Pós-2015 para a proposição de metas e
indicadores mais progressistas e que contemplem os
temas discutidos mais profundamente na agenda de
população e desenvolvimento.
Levou também a perspectiva de que o jovem deve ser
protagonista de políticas e ações sociais, não apenas
beneficiário. Precisamos deixar que a juventude discuta
as temáticas a partir de suas próprias expressões. A
juventude traz grande potencial para a promoção da
diversidade, principalmente por meio da ocupação do
espaço público e da cultura. Ambos, incidem sobre a
dimensão simbólica e podem ter papel fundamental no
combate à discriminação e ao preconceito.
Nesse sentido vale lembrar a reflexão colocada pela
Ministra de Políticas de Promoção da Igualdade Racial
da Presidência da República, Luiza Bairros, que
enfatizou a necessidade de pensarmos sobre o lugar
dos segmentos populacionais no desenvolvimento,
uma vez que diversos segmentos são tratados como
problema frente a propostas e compromissos de
governo, tendo seu lugar sempre muito ameaçado.
Isso é expressado em conflitos de regularização de
territórios de comunidades tradicionais versus obras
de infraestrutura, de proteção ambiental e população
local versus grandes empreendimentos turísticos, entre
outras várias e conhecidas situações. Por isso, vale
lembrar que omissão também é forma de ação! Não
fazer nada em relação a contextos e problemáticas
específicos é uma forma politica dirigida a determinados
segmentos populacionais. Isso no Brasil é bem claro
quando olhamos para o processo que resultou no
contextual atual da população negra, que tem seus
jovens em grande situação de vulnerabilidade.
Conclusão?
A Cairo+20 precisa avançar muito mais! Houve
avanços, porém ainda há direitos que não estão
nas mesas de negociação e, todos os segmentos da
população, principalmente juventude, não podem
deixar de participar desse processo. Os jovens estão
realmente participando? Suas opiniões estão sendo
levadas em conta? Os espaços são amigáveis e isentos
de preconceito geracional? É, ainda temos muito a
fazer.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
10. 10
Let’s make it count
Natasha Leite de Moura
28 | Brazil
In the midst of two major discussions on how
development will be shaped in the coming years
(International Conference on Population and
Development Beyond 2014 and the post-2015
development agenda) it is paramount that the needs of
young people, especially young women are heard and
included. For that, it is important to strengthen the
agreements of ICPD in ICPD Beyond 2014, ensuring
that those rights are prioritised in the discussions
of the 2015 agenda. However, more than talk about
the importance of hearing young people, this article
discusses the dangers of not ensuring our rights.
In my own country, Brazil is supposed to be the
booming power of South America. Its diplomatic core
is well-renowned and it had an important role in re-
defining discussions about development and the right
to development from the countries from the considered
“Global South”. Moreover it is actively trying to get
a permanent position in the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC), claiming its regional expertise in
mediation and peacebuilding. At the home front, on the
other hand, gender-based violence is still part of the
grim reality of being a woman. Rape, sexual assault
and domestic violence are undeniable realities that are
far from being treated with the seriousness that they
deserve. When the victims are not explicitly blame for
their aggressor’s crime, the system is so patriarchal
and twisted that in a lot of the cases they just give up
pressing charges.
Moreover, sexual and reproductive health services
have appeared to have stop in time. Abortions are
illegal. Many women are forced to carry through
the pregnancy of anencephalic “babies” (essentially
dead) with the risk of being arrested, because
protecting the safety and well-being of those mothers
was less important then not disturbing the group of
the essentially white privileged males who have the
religious seats in Congress. Yet, women are sexual
assaulted and harassed every day and nothing is
done about. Recently, it was discovered there was a
whatsapp group that would set up dates to sexually
assault women at the public transport in São Paulo.
That’s how absurdly commonplace violence against
women has become. Moreover, the large events we
are having (World Cup, 2014 and Olympics, 2016)
have only managed to succeed in increasing the cost of
living, displacing people to the outskirts of major cities
or forcibly removing people from their communities for
aesthetical purposes.
Sexual and Gender-Based violence around the world
are so rampant because even thought we have agreed
on those principles, we don’t have a strong enough
programming and incentives framework to make those
needs a reality for all. The importance of incorporating
those principles, with goals and deadlines to the post-
2015 agenda is that beyond 2015 they will become
a priority for the International aid system and for
countries themselves. The MDGs defined project and
funding priorities for the last 14 years, we advance
so much on those 8 targets. But we need more. We
need secondary education for girls, gender equality,
democratic and safe cities, access to affordable health
care with the guarantee of having our sexual and
reproductive rights respected. We have reached space,
overcame boundaries of science and advance a lot in
creating a more dignified life for many, but it’s time we
go beyond what we have to where we want to be.
We applaud Brazil in inserting OP5 non. that urges governments to
develop and implement educational programmes and teaching materials,
including comprehensive evidence-based education for human sexuality,
based on fully and accurate information for adolescent and youth…
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
11. 11
ICPD in the Context of Nepal
There was a time when after the death of a husband,
his wife was burnt alive in the same fire as her
husband in Nepal. Society used to believe that only
when this happens, the husband’s soul would rest
in peace in heaven calling Sati Pratha. Today, there
are no traditions as such. It is due to consciousness
raised after the International Conference on Population
and Development (ICPD). Huge achievements can be
noted from decreasing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
to lowering population growth. No longer do women
have 10-16 children. My grandmother gave birth to 10
children. Today, many families limit children to 2. I and
my sister are the only children of my mother.
After the 1994 conference, various policies matching
the agenda of the ICPD were formed in Nepal. Abortion
has been legalized. Any women can go to the health
center and abort her child without any consent of
anyone within a limited number of days in Nepal.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education has been
introduced as a part of the Course studies in the lower
secondary level in Nepal. Every growing child is now
aware of sexual and reproductive health and family
planning techniques to some extent.
However, there are other challenges too. In late 2013,
in a place nearby Bara (200 km south from Capital), an
old lady was beaten to death while being called an evil.
Although stated in Principle 1 of the ICPD Program of
Action (PoA), Nepal is unable to reduce discrimination.
Dalits, are still seen with a separate eye, and are
restricted in various aspects. Nepal has been unable to
work on Principle 2 as well. Living standards have not
been maintained for more than half of the population
despite their huge effort. Practices of Chaupadi can
be observed, which violates Principle 4 on violence
against women. The case of Bara can also be regarded
here. As per Principle 8, women gained the freedom
to decide their number of children, and that is not
yet practiced. Men are still the ones who decide on
pregnancy of women. Moreover, child labor can be
found in various sectors of the country from hotels
and restaurants to public transportation, showing the
failure of Principle 11 as well. Amnesty International
has also raised the issue of uterine prolapse, stating
that a large number of women in Nepal go through this
problem. (http://campaigns.amnesty.org/campaigns/
unnecessary-burden)
Beyond 2015 is a next opportunity for developing
countries to move ahead with the ICPD PoA. There
has to be effective monitoring on the implementation
of promised lines. More than funding, international
guidance is a must for developing countries; because
there is a large number of NGOs working on this issue
without enough funds. Key responsible persons for the
ICPD must make regular visits to gain timely updates
with Governmental officials of developing country so
that they at least conscious of progress. Hospitals
must be youth friendly, because women hesitate to talk
about their problems to male doctors. Awareness must
be taken in an aggressive manner at the local level as
well.
There are several issues that are emerging in the case
of Nepal that relates to the ICPD. The commitments
signed by governmental officials, despite being binding
seem to clash with the traditional norms. The need
for sex education as a course is the next thing that is
getting regard. Not unless an adolescent child is made
aware of every aspect of sexuality and reproduction,
will he/she be aware of the important issues that allow
him/her to life a healthy and enjoyable life. Nepal
has ratified a number of Human Rights Instruments
including ICESCR, ICCPR, CEDAW, ICERD, CRC having
a motive to keep women free from all forms of
discrimination and violence; however there is lacking
in implementation part. Strong commitments by
governments for the effective implementation of the
ICPD PoA with recognition of the challenges like those
listed above is a needed step going into 2015.
The ICPD Global Review was mandated by the General Assembly
resolution A/65/234; therefore we encourage governments to support the
language suggestion in OP 7 that recognizes the thematic conferences, as
a guidance for ICPD beyond 2014, inserted by Europe, Australia and USA.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
Dwaipayan Regmi
21 | Nepal
Coordinator of Amnesty International, Simrik Youth Network,
Kathmandu, Member of YUWA, a nonprofit organization
working on Sexual and Reproductive Rights
12. 12
Local Terms Used:
Chaupadi: A system where a girl is kept in a dark room
away from her house, it can be in an animal shed or an
even worse place during her first menstruation period
for up to 11 days, thereafter, the duration is between
four and seven days each month. It is believed that
she should not see sunlight during that time. She is
kept away from her family, and kept alone.
Dalits: So called, lower caste of Nepal.
Sati Pratha: A system where a wife was burnt after
the death of her husband, believing if this was done,
her husband’s soul would reach heaven and wife and
husband would be together even after the death.
Abbreviations Used:
CEDAW: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women
CRC: Convention on the Rights of Child
ICCPR: International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights
ICERD: Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Racial Discrimination
ICESCR: International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights
ICPD: International Conference on Population and
Development
IMR: Infant Mortality Rate
NGO: Non-Governmental Organizations
PoA: Program of Action
She works the entire day, from preparing meals to
washing dishes. She looks after her 2 children, and
has to care for her old mother-in-law as well. She
represents women from the hilly region of Nepal
We applaud the Philippines by inserting OP 11ter, as it calls upon
governments to fulfill sexual and reproductive rights by including these as
targets in and integrating ICPD commitments throughout the post-2015
development framework.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org
13. 13
It's Unacceptable for Youth
SRHR to be Deemed too
Controversial
On Monday April 7th, the first day of the 47th
Session of the Commission on Population and
Development (CPD47), YCSRR member Nur
Hidayati Handayani presented the following oral
statement on behalf of members of the Sexual
and Reproductive Rights Youth Caucus at CPD47.
I am speaking to you today on behalf of members of
the Sexual and Reproductive Rights Youth Caucus at
CPD47. We represent young people from across the
globe and demand our voices be heard.
In the last twenty years, there has been significant
progress in the implementation of the ICPD Programme
of Action. But, major gaps in implementation remain.
Despite the ICPD Programme of Action and repeated
calls from governments, civil society and young people
for a sexual and reproductive rights based approach,
services remain inaccessible. For young people, and
especially young people who belong to the most
marginalized and stigmatized populations, many
barriers continue to impede the full realization of our
sexual and reproductive health and rights.
We as young people are regularly denied our right
to comprehensive sexuality education and access
to comprehensive, sexual and reproductive health
services, including safe and legal abortion, post-
abortion care, contraception, including emergency
contraception, and HIV prevention and treatment,
among others. We are often prevented from seeking
help or guidance on sexual and reproductive health
issues because of restrictive and punitive laws, stigma,
discrimination and the lack of youth-friendly services.
Young people having diverse sexual orientations,
gender identities and expressions, young people
living with and affected by HIV, and young people
who engage in sex work, continue to be criminalized.
Punitive legislation, together with discrimination,
violence, stigma, and harmful norms about what is
considered “appropriate” sexual behavior, prevent
young people from accessing quality youth-friendly
sexual and reproductive health services and realizing
our human rights.
The 20-year review of the ICPD PoA offers member
states and civil society the opportunity to not only
assess progress and identify gaps, but to address the
urgent unmet need of young people in regards to our
sexual and reproductive health and rights.
20 years beyond Cairo, it’s unacceptable for young
people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights
to be deemed “too controversial”. It is deeply
disappointing to hear calls from governments for
a procedural resolution instead of one that fully
elaborates on key issues relevant to our lives.
Starting this week, governments must demonstrate
their political commitment to sexual and reproductive
health and rights by prioritizing the removal of
financial and legal obstacles to essential services and
discriminatory laws and practices that violate our
rights; transformation of weak health systems; and
the elimination of social and economic inequalities,
violence and discrimination.
We as young people from around the world are
hopeful that progress will continue to be made,
and that member states will take action toward the
implementation of the ICPD Program of Action by
validating emerging issues at the highest levels.
We are hopeful that we are moving towards a more
just world where all people, including young people
with all of our diversity, are able to realize our human
rights, including our sexual and reproductive health
and rights.
WATCHDOG | ISSUE 13 | APRIL 2014 www.youthcoalition.org