DHAKA: The peak Asian-Pacific parliamentarian and civil society groupings on sexual and reproductive health rights are joining forces to create a stronger voice for progressive change in our region.
The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) are launching their joint advocacy campaign on September 12, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a long term partnership.
For over 30 years, AFPPD has been mobilising parliamentarians in the region to advocate for population and development issues. Parliamentarians not only put appropriate legislation in place, but they hold governments accountable in the implementation of the legislation and ensure a proper budget allocation to enable people to fully enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
“Parliamentarians do not exist in a vacuum. The passage of the reproductive health law in the Philippines demonstrates the effective partnership of parliamentarians and civil society,” said Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of AFPPD.
“Social change is not derived from parliamentarians alone. It also emanates from their strong partnership with civil society and other stakeholders.”
IPPF ESEAOR has been working with civil society organisations in 22 countries to improve the health and quality of life of all women, children and men including meeting their reproductive and sexual health needs.
“Creating a synergy between parliamentarians and civil society organisations will strengthen efforts to achieve our development goals and ensure that every individual’s choices are fully respected,” said Nora Murat, Regional Director, IPPF ESEAOR.
“Stigma and discrimination should have no place in the reproductive and sexual health needs of people in our region.”
As we approach the timeline of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (ICPD PoA) in 2014 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, the collaboration between AFPPD and IPPF ESEAOR is a deliberate strategy to accelerate its achievement.
BDST: 1345 HRS, SEP 12, 2013
AKA/BSK
