United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 
The Regional UNECE Conference; Enabling Choices: Population Priorities for the 21st Century , 1-2 July has concluded after a two day review of the achievements of the ICPD Programme of Action in the region. Discussion was oriented around the UNECE Regional Report - based on the results from the global surveys from the countries in the UNECE region. Discussion was organised into three themes:
- Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development
- Families, Sexual and Reproductive Health over the life course
- Inequalities, Social Inclusion and Rights
The two days were characterised by extensive support for the ICPD, and for SRHR. The Government of Denmark supported SRHR in the post 2015 development framework. Georgia celebrated increasing access to voluntary family planning by noting a significant increase in national contraceptive prevalence rates. Debates were reflected in the Chairs notes – the non-negotiated outcome document.
The outcome document was wide ranging, reflecting the core concerns of the ICPD, but also that the region has changed significantly over the last twenty years. It includes a recognition that policies relating to fertility should be based on the rights of individuals to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of children and have the information and means to do so. Access to education and access for decent work for adolescents was recognised as key to securing social and economic development outcomes. There was strong emphasis on a human rights based approach to sexual and reproductive health, particularly for women and girls. Access to comprehensive sexuality education and youth friendly service are critical if young people are to be given the mean to make choices and protect themselves from STIs and unintended pregnancies. Treatment and prevention of STIs including HIV should be a part of health systems responses to the issue in the region. The criminalization of adult sexual behaviours contributes a threat to public health.
Over 40 civil society participants were selected to attend the regional conference, via an open registration process. They were also invited to apply for speaking slots. For a full list of speakers, click here.
Ms. Vicky Claeys, Regional Director of IPPF European Network, made an intervention on the discussion topic on “Inequalities, social inclusion and rights” stating strongly that it is impossible to talk about equality and inclusion without a human rights based approach and recognizing sexual rights as human rights.
Further conference documentation can be found: here.
Youth voices in the ECE processes
In advance of the inter-governmental conference, young people from across the region developed the UNECE Youth Call to Action during the UNECE Regional Youth Forum held on 30- 31 May 2013, Istanbul, Turkey. Building upon the Bali Global Youth Forum Declaration, the UNECE Youth Call to Action identifies new and emerging issues facing today's generation of young people throughout the UNECE region and beyond, in relation to advancing the ICPD Programme of Action. At its heart, the Call to Action calls for the full integration of a rights-based approach to the ICPD Beyond 2014 and Post-2015 Development Agendas. In addition, 19 young people also worked together before the intergovernmental meeting in Geneva to develop the three youth interventions in each of the thematic sessions.
ICPD Beyond 2014 – From Promise to Action, CSOs Defining the Way Forward
A civil society meeting “ICPD Beyond 2014 – From Promise to Action, CSOs Defining the Way Forward” is currently taking place. Co-hosted by IPPF European Network , the regional networks ASTRA and European Women’s Lobby, and attended by over 70 participants from across the region. The meeting will strategise on how to use the priority placed on these issues to position SRHR and the ICPD priorities at the centre of the post 2015 development framework process.
The Civil Society meeting will be attended by over 70 participants from all over the ECE region including:
- Amnesty International
- Gender Alternatives Foundation
- Stop Aids Alliance
- European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF)
- Population and sustainability network
- Sex Worker’s Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN)
- Help Age International
- Youact, CHOICE, YSAFE
- European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG)
- EURONGOs
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
For more information contact: Charlotte Nielsen, cnielsen@ippfen.org
Keep checking here for more information regarding the ICPD processes.