United Nations Adopts Landmark Resolution on Adolescents and Youth
Gopi Krishna Bhattarai
Population and Development (CPD), member states issued a bold resolution in support
of young people's sexual and reproductive health and human rights.
This victory comes on the heels of a UNICEF report released this week highlighting
the challenges the largest-ever generation of young people face-including HIV/AIDS,
violence and unintended pregnancy-and reaffirms international agreements including
the 1994 United Nations International Conference on Population and Development
Programme of Action (ICPD).
"This CPD is one of the most important events to take place - to talk about young
people, for young people and with young people," said Kgomotso Papo, speaking on
behalf of the South African Delegation during the closing plenary. "We must remove
all barriers that compromise the health, well-being and development of youth; and
ensure the right of every individual to autonomous decision making in regards to
their bodies, their health and their sexual relationships. On these points, there
can be no compromise."
Key points of the final resolution include:
The right of young people to decide on all matters related to their sexuality
Access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion where
legal, that respect confidentiality and do not discriminate
The right of youth to comprehensive sexuality education
Protection and promotion of young people's right to control their sexuality free
from violence, discrimination and coercion
Much has changed since the landmark ICPD conference. Shifting global health funding,
a maturing HIV epidemic, and the rise of the largest-ever generation of youth have
all impacted the current sexual and reproductive health and rights landscape.
Similarly, several key global processes-a twenty year review of global sustainable
development goals (Rio +20), a twenty-year review of progress towards achieving the
Cairo Programme of Action (ICPD+20), and a review of the Millennium Development
Goals-are happening within the next few years, all with implications on the future
of the global sexual and reproductive health and rights agenda.
"At this time of global uncertainty, there is no more important investment to be
made," said IPPF Director-General Tewodros Melesse. "Only healthy young people
whose human rights are protected can be fully productive workers and effective
participants in their country's political processes. Only when young people are
healthy and empowered can they contribute to building strong communities and
vibrant nations. At IPPF, we are committed to working at the individual,
community, regional and international levels to secure the health and rights of the
largest-ever generation of youth."
In closing the session, Commission Chairperson Ambassador Hasan Kleib (Indonesia)
called on member states to realize these agreements at the national level, stating
that "we now have to walk the walk."
Email: go...@ayon.org
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