CPD 44: IPPF Statement by the Youth
Working in 40 Countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and North America the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF) in this, the international year of the youth, reinforces its commitment by highlighting the historically unmet needs of youth.
According to the World Bank 2007, 1.3 billion of the 1.5 billion young people aged 12-24 lived in low and middle-income countries. 42 per cent lived in poverty and many lacked access to basic health services, particularly sexual and reproductive health services, as well as to education. Over 500,000 young people are newly infected with a sexually transmitted infection each year (excluding HIV).
Universal access to reproductive health target MDG5b is central to both the ICPD and the MDGs. Few development interventions have as far reaching and profound impacts as enabling women to determine whether and when to become pregnant. Ensuring gains in reproductive health and rights is one of the most cost effective ways to empower women, accelerate development and equity, and alleviate poverty. Furthermore, it is vital that access to reproductive and sexual health services are extended to young people. In this way, these services should be youth friendly, respect the right to privacy and confidentiality, with a gender and human rights approach and available to all.
Comprehensive sexuality education is a right that no young person should be denied. The access to information and services aids a person’s development and furthers its decision-making capabilities. Furthermore, this contributes to a greater social and economic development. For this reason, it is imperative that comprehensive sexuality education curriculums are implemented in schools and in informal education programs around the globe, with adequate resources and taught by specialized personnel.
In this context, youth participation is fundamental. Young people everywhere are working for the improvement of their surroundings. It is vital to see young people as strong actors for change, and not as a burden. Investing in us is critical for development today and. in the future. Young people are central to both the ICPD and the MDGs!
We can not finish our intervention with out highlighting that sexual rights and reproductive rights are human rights and should be respected, protected and fulfilled for everyone, including of course for young people. Sexual Rights and Reproductive Rights should be integrated into each country’s policies and development plans in order to improve people’s health, dignity and to help social justice and development.
Goverments should prioritize Sexual and reproductive health and Rights in particular the needs of women and youth. Investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights and youth participation have proved to be important tools in achieving the MDG’s and the ICPD Program of Action. With the impending deadlines of the MDG’s now, more than ever, a serious investment in sexual and reproductive rights and health must be made. Civil society has already achieved remarkable success in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights and delivering services, information and education. It is essential that civil society be given funding, the space and opportunity to work in meaningful partnership at every level with governments and UN agencies.