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Summary: London, 1 May 2002 - The
International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF) today called on the
United Nations Special Session on
Children to stand by its previous
commitments to young people's
sexual and reproductive health
needs and rights.
London, May 1st 2002 The International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF) today called on the United Nations Special
Session on Children to stand by its previous commitments to
young people's sexual and reproductive health needs and rights.
Previous UN conferences and agreements have upheld young
people's rights to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health
information and education; to accessible youth-friendly sexual
and reproductive health services; and to participate in decision
making. These binding agreements need to be upheld says IPPF.
The Special Session on Children is an unprecedented meeting of
the UN General Assembly dedicated to the children and
adolescents of the world. It will bring together government
leaders and Heads of State, NGOs, children's advocates and
young people themselves. The gathering will present a great
opportunity to change the way the world views and treats
children.
IPPF is urging the UN Special Session on Children not to shy away
from the controversial but vitally important issues affecting
children and young people, including HIV/AIDS, sexual violence,
the rights of the girl child, FGM, commercial sex exploitation, early
marriage and access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Speaking before the session, IPPF's Dr Pramilla Senanyake said:
"Every minute, 5 young people under 25 are infected with HIV,
and 10 young people aged 15-19 have an unsafe abortion. In the
face of such potential devastation, IPPF is raising the standard
of "youth-friendly" health services worldwide, by designing
services that assure young clients that they will be treated with
confidentiality and respect.
"We believe that with the tools to make informed choices, young
men and women can not only protect themselves from the risks
of HIV, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion, they can also
enjoy a better life with the freedom to achieve their aspirations.
"This special session needs to reflect the reality of young
people's lives."