[csw-cpd2013] ICPD Youth Pre- conference. Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: The Africa we want
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 4:50PM We have received the following from the International Planned Parenthood Federation:
In the opening session of the International Conference on Population and Development Youth Pre-conference on 24- 25 September, the International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) called for the recognition of young people’s sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) as human rights. Over 150 youth participants drawn from across Africa discussed education, sexual and reproductive health and rights and Security. IPPFAR sponsored 20 members of its Youth Action Movement.
“Often young people are not considered as sexual beings and therefore their needs and rights are not taken into proper consideration,” said IPPFAR Adolescent and Youth Officer Everlyne Nyongesa.
The youth demanded for better harmonization of government policies relating to their needs. For example, ministries of health have policies on youth SRHR that are different from those on ministries of education.
Participants considered education from a human rights perspective. “Emphasis was made on the need to invest more on life skills and comprehensive sexuality education that gives young people accurate information relevant to their age and experiences,” said Everlyne.
During the two-day session, the youth also discussed governance that ensures participation of young people. “As a leading SRHR service provider IPPFAR has been encouraging youth participation in our programmes,” said Everlyne. “Youth need to be empowered and given platforms where they can voice their concerns.”
Matsida Kamta Marcelle, an IPPF Youth Action Movement from Cameroun said that the participation of the youth was important to ensure their needs are prioritized in the next development agenda.
“In the last two days we have discussed education, youth employment, governance and security and health with emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights. I learnt that t the SRH rights of persons with disabilities are neglected. They face a bigger challenge accessing SRHR education and Acknowledging that IPPF has done a lot for the youth, Matsida added that as young people they have been included extensively in the global dialogue on the next development agenda.
She urged fellow young people to share their pre-conference recommendations with their governments and other policy makers.
Starting 30 September to October 4 experts and government officials will be meeting during the Africa Conference on Population and Development. During the five-day meeting, they will consider the recommendations of the youth.
“I ask them to take our recommendations seriously, because our recommendations are not just for us, but they will have an impact on future generations,” said Matsida.
The Africa Youth Pre- conference is organized by a steering committee comprised of: African Youth and Adolescents Network (AfriYAN), Aids Accountability International (AAI), Connect Africa Development, Global Youth Coalition on Aids (GYCA), International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Paramount Young Women’s Initiative (PAYOWI), PEPETA, Pan African Youth Union, African Union Youth Division, Youth Action Movement (YAM), Sonke Gender Justice Network, African Young Positives (AY+) and African Youth and Disability Network (AYWDN)
The youth demanded for better harmonization of government policies relating to their needs. For example, ministries of health have policies on youth SRHR that are different from those on ministries of education.
Participants considered education from a human rights perspective. “Emphasis was made on the need to invest more on life skills and comprehensive sexuality education that gives young people accurate information relevant to their age and experiences,” said Everlyne.
During the two-day session, the youth also discussed governance that ensures participation of young people. “As a leading SRHR service provider IPPFAR has been encouraging youth participation in our programmes,” said Everlyne. “Youth need to be empowered and given platforms where they can voice their concerns.”
Matsida Kamta Marcelle, an IPPF Youth Action Movement from Cameroun said that the participation of the youth was important to ensure their needs are prioritized in the next development agenda.
“In the last two days we have discussed education, youth employment, governance and security and health with emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights. I learnt that t the SRH rights of persons with disabilities are neglected. They face a bigger challenge accessing SRHR education and Acknowledging that IPPF has done a lot for the youth, Matsida added that as young people they have been included extensively in the global dialogue on the next development agenda.
She urged fellow young people to share their pre-conference recommendations with their governments and other policy makers.
Starting 30 September to October 4 experts and government officials will be meeting during the Africa Conference on Population and Development. During the five-day meeting, they will consider the recommendations of the youth.
“I ask them to take our recommendations seriously, because our recommendations are not just for us, but they will have an impact on future generations,” said Matsida.
The Africa Youth Pre- conference is organized by a steering committee comprised of: African Youth and Adolescents Network (AfriYAN), Aids Accountability International (AAI), Connect Africa Development, Global Youth Coalition on Aids (GYCA), International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Paramount Young Women’s Initiative (PAYOWI), PEPETA, Pan African Youth Union, African Union Youth Division, Youth Action Movement (YAM), Sonke Gender Justice Network, African Young Positives (AY+) and African Youth and Disability Network (AYWDN)