INFORMATION SERVICE

December 2005

AFPPD organizes parliamentarians' panel and exhibition at APCRSH

Over 1,200 NGO representatives, activists, and parliamentarians from Asia and the Pacific attended the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health, from November 17 to 21, 2005, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AFPPD organized a parliamentarians' panel on policies on population and reproductive health and an exhibition that highlighted parliamentarians' advocacy to enhance their political commitment. The panelists were Dr. M.A. Matin, MP, Bangladesh, Ms. Chieko Nhono, MP, Japan, Dr. H. Hakim Sorimuda Pohan, MP, Indonesia, and Dr. Tan Kee Kwong, MP, Malaysia. Rep. J.R. Nereus O. Acosta, The Philippines, also spoke at the Conference.

AFPPD Focus Group Meeting on HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence in Vietnam

From December 17 to 18, 2005, AFPPD in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (VAPPD) organized a Focus Group Meeting on HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Twenty parliamentarians from 10 countries in the Asia-Pacific region attended the meeting. Resource persons from UNFPA, UNIFEM and from the Ministry of Health of Vietnam spoke at the meeting. The Focus Group, which was an effort to bring together a small group of parliamentarians to discuss the implications of HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence, was a great success. They were able to have intense discussions on the issues, asking questions and sharing views and experiences. A study visit to an HIV/AIDS centre and a session for a movie on domestic violence were arranged as part of the programme. Hon. Nguyen Phuc Thanh, MP, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Vietnam opened the meeting and Mme. Nguyen Thi Hoai Thu, MP, Chairperson of VAPPD and Vice Chairperson of AFPPD, and Mr. Ian Howie, UNFPA Country Representative of Vietnam, also spoke.

Parliamentarians' groups meet UNFPA in New York

Regional parliamentarians' groups working on population and development-related issues, namely the Asian, African, Latin American, and Europe forums, along with PGA, had a one-day meeting with geographical divisions of UNFPA at the UNFPA headquarters in New York, on November 29, 2005, to have a discussion and chart the strategy to enhance political commitment for the implementation of ICPD.

Sri Lankan parliamentarians' on study visit to Thailand

Thirty-one Sri Lankan parliamentarians visited Thailand in December to have first-hand knowledge about the situation of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS in Thailand. They also attended briefing from their Thai counterparts, led by Dr. Virapong Skolkitivat, Chairman, Thai Senate Committee on Public Health.

European parliamentarians' study visit to Peru

European Parliamentarians made a study visit to Peru in November to understand the situation of population and RH issues in the country. The visit was sponsored by Inter-European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (IEPFPD).

Australia set for showdown over RU-486

The Daily Telegraph (Australia) reported December 7 that Australia's parliamentary showdown over the abortion pill, RU-486, will take place early next year. Prime Minister John Howard's commitment to that time frame headed off moves by senior Liberal women to have the ban dealt with before Christmas. Groups pushing for the ban to be lifted fear delay will allow anti-abortion groups to mobilize and create a scarce campaign on the drug. The abortion pill is used by hundreds of thousands of women around the world but is banned in Australia./ CCMC

Philippine Congress debates contraceptive access

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported December 14 on the legislature's plan to debate in January a population management bill that promotes artificial methods of contraception and places them within reach of Filipino families. “Far from engendering a ‘culture of death,' HB3773 will help propagate a culture of life in which every child born to this world is cherished, wanted, nurtured and loved,” said sponsoring Rep. Edcel Lagman. The measure seeks to provide the public “free and full access to adequate and relevant information on reproductive health and a full range of family methods and devices.”/ CCMC

The Economist 's new proposal on American abortion debate

The Economist 's December 10-16, 2005, edition features an article, entitled “A heretical proposal”, on Page 44. The heading says “the Democrats (and abortion rights) might be better off if Roe v Wade were overturned”. It argues “most rich countries other than the United States have solved the abortion problem by consulting the electorate – either through the legislature or through referendum”. Full article can be obtained from infoservice@afppd.org.

Dr. Helene Gayle to head CARE USA

Dr. Helene Gayle, of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and President of International AIDS Society, has accepted to become President and CEO of CARE USA, based in Atlanta.

Mr. Hari Josey becomes new Executive Director of Partners in Development

Partners in Development, a South-South initiative, appointed Mr. Hari Josey, from Mauritius, as its new Executive Director based in Bangladesh.