IPCI: Parliamentarians commit to women's health and rights by 2015

28 October 2009

Legislators and ministers from 115 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, noting its indispensable role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In observing the 15th year since the ICPD, more than 400 global lawmakers converged at the 4th International Parliamentarians Conference on the Implementation of ICPD to discuss ways to promote the ICPD Programme of Action.

"Some progress has been made," the delegates agreed, but progress in many countries has been slow. "The urgency to act has been heightened by conflicts, foreign occupation and emerging issues, including climate change, demographic challenges, environmental degradation, and the food and financial crises."

Participants unanimously adopted the Addis Ababa Statement of Commitment, in which they pledged to "break the silence" around gender discrimination and to promote sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. They pledged to devote at least 10 per cent of national budgets and development assistance budgets to population assistance, and to review laws and practices that still restrict access to sexual and reproductive health.

Read more at www.PLANetWIRE.org.