Asian Forum Of Parliamentarians On Population and Development

In this issue-

Parliamentarians Pledge to Take Urgent Actions for Reproductive Health and Rights.
International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD PoA.
High-level Meeting on Maternal Health.
Side Events at IPCI/ICPD.
AFPPD Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians at the 5th APCRSHR.
Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population.
Mongolia- New Mongolian Foreign Minister a Champion of Women’s Health and Rights.
AFPPD Training of Parliament Staff.
Donors at the 5th APCRSHR.
World Bank Study Visit.

4th International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action

Parliamentarians Pledge to Take Urgent
Actions for Reproductive Health and Rights

Addis Ababa—More than 400 parliamentarians and ministers, along with a large number of NGOs, and UN officials, from 115 countries assembled at the UN Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to review the gains and gaps of the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action after 15 years. The Fourth International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD) was organized by UNFPA in cooperation with AFPPD, European Parliamentary Forum (EPF), and the Inter-American Parliamentary Group and was hosted by the Forum of African and Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAAPPD) and the Government of Ethiopia.

In 1994, the world came together to create a consensus on what had previously been a deeply divisive issue: the relationship between population growth and other areas of development. At the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, industrialized and developing countries alike forged an inspiring and farsighted plan — sometimes called the Cairo Consensus — that integrated a wide range of population, development and human rights issues into a blueprint for 20 years of action.

The international community agreed to allocate an annual sum of $18.5 billion by 2005, $20.5 billion by 2010 and $21.7 billion by 2015 for population and reproductive health programmes in developing countries. Two thirds of the target would come from developing countries themselves and the remaining one third would come from external donor funding. While both donors and developing countries achieved their 2005 targets as set out in the ICPD, there remain serious gaps in population funding which make it difficult for countries to provide the information, services and commodities needed to meet the ICPD goals by 2015.

2009 marks the 15th anniversary of the ICPD and reminds us of the five years remaining to fulfill the commitments made at Cairo. The Fourth IPCI/ICPD conference aimed to celebrate what has been accomplished, to acknowledge gaps and challenges, to consolidate lessons learned over the last 15 years and to come up with practical recommendations for accelerating progress.

The conference saw the participation of approximately 400 participants, including over 200 parliamentarians from all regions of the world, representatives from national, regional and global parliamentary groups, ministers from donor and developing countries, experts and representatives from UN agencies and civil society organizations, and representatives of the host Government and ministries.

Chaired by Ms. Khira Lagha Ben Fadhel, MP from Tunisia and President of Forum of African and Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAAPPD), the opening session featured Ambassador Techome Toga Chanaka, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia who opened the conference. In his speech, Ambassador Toga expressed his sincere appreciation to UNFPA and FAAPPD for organizing this important event highlighting the significance of the 15th anniversary of IPCD.

To make greater progress, we need to increase investments in sexual and reproductive health, including family planning."

-Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid

Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, recognized the significance of the presence of more than 400 parliamentarians, ministers, government officilas and partners from civil society from more than 115 countries as clear sign of commitment to advance the ICPD agenda.She urged for "greater commitment to reducing maternal motarlity and morbidity and unsafe abortion, and to strengthening safe motherhood services, through family planning, the presence of skilled attendants during childbirth and the availibilty of emergency obstetric care."

Ms. Obaid raised five key points on the way forward towards ful implementation of the ICPD agenda. First, governments need to invest more in sexual and reproductive health, including family planning. The investment is critical and must be taken by parliamentarians as the first financial priority.

Second, ending descrimination and violence against women removes major barriers to achieving development goals, Anti-violence laws must be effectively implemented and enforced in order to produce real outcomes for women's rights. Therefore, parliamentarians should use their power to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.

Third, countries should respond to demographic challenges by providing necessary support simltaneously to both old and young generations in order to advance national development sustainably.

Four, partnership between women and youth and parliamentarians are crucial in engendering gender-sensitive and youth-friendly policies, programmes, laws and services. Such partnerships are important to ensure progress benefits all.

Finally, protectingthe most vulnerable groups from social, economic and food crises, as well as climate change, is an urgent priority and their protection is necessary for the security of teh progress countries have made with respect to the MDGs.

Ms. Obaid assured participants that UNFPA will continue to listen to parliamentarians, will continue to work with and stand by them. She expressed her hope that parliamentarians can transform voices of the people into governmants' actions and she called on parliamentarians to make a concrete pledge that will be carried back home. "Let us use this conference to chart the way forward and make greater progress, not just for women, children and young people, but for the society as a whole."

He assured participants that the Ethiopian Government and the National Parliament remain firmly committed to the ICPD agenda and have consistently done so beginning with National Population Policy and Ethiopian Women’ Policy, both enacted in 1993 as precursors to the 1994 Cairo conference. He said Ethiopia’s commitment is strengthened by maintaining a strong presence on a number of relevant international forums, such as the Countdown to 2015 campaign, the International Health Partnership and the High Level Task Force for Innovative Financing – all of which are given substance through the promotion of an enabling institutional, policy and legal environment such as the creation of the Ministry of Women Affairs and two parliamentary standing committees.

“Countries should take ownership of and give full commitment to the ICPD PoA” – Ms. Safiye Çagar

Ms. Safiye Çagar, Director, Information and External Relations Division (IERD), UNFPA, in her overview of the conference objectives, reminded participants about the important role that they could and must play in generating innovative, real and positive actions in their countries in order to meet the 2015 deadline. She encouraged countries to take ownership and give full commitment to the ICPD programme of action. She also assured full support from UNFPA to parliamentarians in creating an “enabling ICPD environment.”

“Partnership between NGOs and parliamentarians is more important than ever.” – Dr. Gill Greer

Dr. Gill Greer, Director-General of IPPF, stressed the importance of parliamentary actions and shared with parliamentarians the results of the NGO forum on ICPD+15 that took place in September in Germany. The NGO representatives asked Dr. Greer to bring the message and the call to actions to parliamentarians in Addis Ababa. In their message NGO representatives urged full recognition of sexual and reproductive rights, greater investment in SRH information and services, ensure SRHR for young people, meaningful partnership with civil society, and efficient allocation of resources.

Dr. Greer highlighted special importance of MDG5 to the achievement of all other MDGs. She called on parliamentarians to work together with civil society to take a comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning and women’s health, to ensure they are prioritized in policies and funding.

“Parliamentarians could be the lead players to achieving MDG5.” – Mr. Bert Koenders

Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, introduced to parliamentarians the outcome of the one day High-level Meeting on Maternal Health/MDG 5 held on the previous day and called on parliamentarians to work closely with their governments and ministers in order to achieve better results. In his view, parliamentarians could be the lead players to achieving MDG5 through the influence they exert on policymaking and legislation.

Parliamentary diplomacy, he said, could be more direct and can forge links between North and South in addressing women’s health priorities. Parliamentarians can assure that laws are adopted and enforced. Parliamentarians could also influence countries’ political agenda to ensure MDG 5 is given priority attention. Policymakers have to also ensure that comprehensive SRH education, services and supplies are provided with a strong focus on young people’s needs.

“ICPD Agenda Contributes to Achievement of the MDGs” – Prof. Hans Rosling

The first session focused on “Achieving the ICPD Goals by 2015: The Way Forward.” Participants had an opportunity to listen to information on “ICPD and its linkage to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)” by Mr. Hans Rosling, Professor of International Health at Karolinska Institute and Director of the Gapminder Foundation. The presentation was conducted in a very innovative and interactive manner which had fully captured MPs’ attention.

Ms. Elizabeth Lule, Manager, AIDS Campaign Team for Africa, World Bank, gave an overview of “Development Financing and Integration of Universal Access to Reproductive Health into National Development Strategies.”

Mr. Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations assessed the “Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Development Agenda.”

True Voices of Parliamentarians

This conference was unique in one way that parliamentarians from each country had a say. They were asked to provide their input about what has been achieved and what needs to be accomplished. Under the theme: “Parliamentary Interventions: National Challenges in Implementing the Cairo Agenda and Way forward to 2015 – Role of Parliament,” all delegations were given chance to speak about progress and gaps in implementing the Cairo Programme of Action.

Representatives of more than 100 countries had a chance to share information with other parliamentarians from different countries. Lessons and recommendations gleaned from country statements were integrated later into the statement of commitment as the major outcome document of the conference.

Bangladesh – Brigadier General Sk Abu Bakr (Retired), MP of Bangladesh, highlighted his government’s commitment to reduce the country’s population density in order to promote economic growth and social advancement. This has the full support of Prime Minister Hasina and her administration. Bangladesh’s efforts since the 1970s to manage population growth have seen modest success and the country has adopted stronger programmes since ICPD. In order to eradicate poverty, achieve full illiteracy, and promote industrialization, he appealed to more developed countries for greater support.

Cambodia – Mrs. Ho Naun, MP and Chairwoman of the Commission on Public Health, Social Works, Veteran, Youth, Rehabilitations, Labour, Vocational Trainings and Women’s Affairs of the National Assembly, Cambodia, cited the Law on Combating HIV/AIDS and on Domestic Violence as major achievements in population and development policymaking. These legislations focus on prevention and provision of care and support to victims and patients without discrimination. Cambodian parliamentarians remain committed to oversee the effective implementation and monitoring of these legislations.

India – Mr. Sandeep Dixit and Professor P.J. Kurien, MP of India and Vice-Chair of AFPPD, spoke about programmes to promote women’s participation in political life and parliament. They informed the conference that small family planning programme is making progress The Rajiv Gandhi rural health scheme is improving access to health services in villages. A people-centric approach has been mainstreamed into all these programmes.

Indonesia – Dr. Sumarjati Arjoso, MP of Indonesia, said Indonesia has reduced the number of people who survive on less than USD$1 per day but a large number of Indonesians are still poor. Gains were made in school enrolment, reduction of total fertility rate, and gross domestic income, but maternal mortality remains high and HIV infection rates have increased.

Laws have been adopted on domestic violence, prevention of human trafficking, health and on population, development and family welfare. Parliamentarians have also supported increases in funding for poverty reduction, nutrition for expecting mothers, infant mortality, social security, compulsory education and family planning services.

Japan– Mr. Kenya Akiba, MP and Member of the Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP), pointed to the 2008 G8 International Parliamentarians’ Conference on Population and Sustainable Development, hosted by JPFP in cooperation with the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), as a major success in advocating for population causes ahead of the 2008 G8 Summit. The outcome statement was instrumental in the adoption of the Toyako Framework for Action on Global Health.

APDA organized its annual Asian Parliamentarians’ Meeting on Population and Development and the adopted statement was referred to by then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda at the TICAD Yokohama Declaration. Japan’s strategic priorities are to ensure ODA is effectively implemented and meets real needs in developing countries and to ensure ODA’s transparency and accountability.

Laos– Mr. Douangdy Outhachak, MP of Lao PDR and President of the Lao Association of Parliamentarians for Population and Development (LAPPD), said the legislature has allocated funding for population and development programmes and monitored the implementation of these programmes and the National Reproductive Health Policy. Laos has made progress in reducing maternal mortality and increasing the number of births attended by skilled birth attendants. Laos continues to integrate socio-economic development into the MDG framework and the National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy.

Mongolia – Mr. U. Enkhtuvshin, MP and Chairman of the Standing Committee on State Structure, highlighted the MDGs of Mongolia (MMDGS) adopted by the Parliament in 2005 as a successful example of MDGs integrated into national context. Furthermore, at the initiative of the President of Mongolia, the Parliament endorsed the MDGs-based Comprehensive National Development Strategy. At the same time, government spending had increased over 30% with a significant proportion focused on social programmes targeted at human development. In the next five years, Mongolia hopes to prioritize efforts and investments in areas including migration, effective mechanisms for provision of basic social services for disadvantaged groups, and women’s participation in decision-making.

The Philippines– Congresswoman Nerissa Corazon Soon-Ruiz commended the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development’s (PLCPD) advocacy success in securing allocation of US$3.8 million for reproductive health and family planning in 2007 and US$41.7 million in 2008 for family planning and reproductive health commodities and services. The enactment of the Magna Carta for Women is another historic achievement outlining the rights of Filipino women and seeking to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in all settings. The Philippines aims to further reduce maternal mortality and contraceptive prevalence rate among women of reproductive age in the next five years.

Vietnam– According to Mr. Luong Phan Cu, MP and Vice-Chair of Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs and the Vietnamese Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (VAPPD), the National Assembly has in the last three years achieved progress in implementing a number of laws, including on gender equality, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and population and reproductive health. Vietnam’s priorities in the next five year include legislations on aging, on persons with disability, and strategies and policies to improve maternal and children’s health, social protection for the vulnerable and quality of education.

Parallel Sessions Stimulated In- depth Discussions

On the second day, parliamentarians met in small groups in parallel roundtable sessions to address in-depth a wide range of topics, including “Engaging Decision Makers in Achieving MDG5 and Saving Women’s Lives,” “Role of Parliamentarians in Improving Implementation of Gender Equality Laws,” “Reproductive Health and Advancing Human Rights through Culturally Sensitive Approaches,” and “Moving towards Social Budgeting to Achieve the Accra Agenda.” Many suggestions emanating from these discussions pointed to a lack of resources to empower women, the need to address cultural and social root causes, system strengthening, and improvement of primary and public health services.

The conference successfully concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Addis Ababa Statement of Commitment, in which all participants vowed to exercise their oversight responsibilities to break the silence around gender discrimination and to promote sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

More Budget for Population Assistance

Parliamentarians and ministers expressed their determination to increase budget allocations to at least 10 per cent of national budgets and development assistance budgets for population assistance, and to review laws and practices that still restrict access to sexual and reproductive health. “The urgency to act,” the conference delegates noted, “has been heightened by conflicts, foreign occupation and emerging issues, including climate change, demographic challenges, environmental degradation, and the food and financial crises.”

Urgent Action Needed

In her closing remarks, Ms. Safiye Çagar praised the powerful outcome document which highlights “the need for urgent, focused, and strategic action.” This need, she said “is nowhere more evident than in the actions to improve maternal health and redress the persisting unequal status of women and girls.” She further stressed that investment in women and girls and their reproductive health is one of the most cost-effective means of reducing poverty and achieving the MDGs.

Ms. Çagar called on parliamentarians and policymakers to build or broaden their base of support, cultivate parliamentary colleagues, government officials, local NGOs and individuals who share an interest in the ICPD.

Saying this was by far the most ambitious IPCI/ICPD conference, she thanked the host, organizers and partners, including AFPPD, for their tireless efforts in making this conference a great success.

High-Level Consensus on Family Planning as Key to Maternal Health

Addis Ababa--On 26 October, a High Level Meeting on Maternal Health - MDG 5 was held in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting aimed to give maternal and reproductive health a more prominent place on the development agenda and to increase political and financial commitment to improve programme implementation at country level. The one-day event was organised by Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands and UNFPA, and was hosted by the Government of Ethiopia. AFPPD mobilized the participation of parliamentarians from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao PDR, New Zealand and Vietnam to this meeting.

Over 150 participants, including 17 Ministers, 2 Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliaments, representatives of NGOs and donor agencies along with representatives of UNFPA, representatives of regional intergovernmental organizations, youth groups, private sector and civil society from around the world, and regional parliamentary networks such as AFPPD, EPF, IAPG and FAAPPD gathered to discuss the policy challenges to achieve MDG5--which is still lagging behind--and ways to mobilize political and financial commitments, to present country reports on health situation and to inform participants about gains and gaps.

Maternal Death a Major Crisis

Describing maternal death as “the greatest crisis of our time,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia, highlighted in his opening speech the need to focus on three priorities: keeping the momentum strong on MDG5; linking maternal health and the strengthening of national health systems; and partnerships between developing and developed countries.

Maternal Health is a Human Right

Minister Koenders from the Netherlands said maternal health is a human right and it is “the mother of all MDGs - an investment in it promotes the attainment of all other MDGs.” UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obain urged nations “to accelerate action to improve maternal health and end the needless death and suffering of women.”

Comprehensive Package Needed

In her keynote address, Ms. Obaid stressed that to “improve maternal health, we need to scale up and deliver a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health information, supplies and services.” She estimated that it would cost the world $23 billion per year to stop women from having unintended pregnancies and dying in childbirth, and to save millions of newborns.

In a session chaired by Mr. Bram van Ojik, Head of the Department of Social Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and with an introduction by Ms. Jill Sheffield, President of Women Deliver, ministers from a number of countries shared their country experiences and lessons learned on implementing the ICPD PoA.

The discussions were complemented by presentations by youth representatives, Mr. Ozzi Warwick, Youth Advisor, Trinidad Youth Council, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ms. Imane Khachani, Member of Youth Coalition, Morroco. Ms. Daisy Mafeubelo, Assistant Director-General, Family and Community Health, WHO, also provided UN perspectives on strengthening partnerships in promoting public health.

Dr. Fred Said, International Adviser for Women’s Health, moderated the first afternoon panel session on “Challenges in Addressing Policy change to Achieve Implementation of MDG 5 at the Country Level.” Speakers included Professor David Homely Mwakyusa, Minister of Health of Tanzania; Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Federal Minister of Health of Nigeria; Ms. Maria Otero, US Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs; Dr. Jackie Blue, Chair of New Zealand Parliamentarians Group on Population and Development; and Dr. Jamela S. Al Raiby, Deputy Minister for Population of Yemen.

The next session moved on to the topic of mobilizing political and commitments for MDG 5, featuring another diverse panel moderated by Ms. Lisa MacCallum, Managing Director of Nike Foundation. Panelists included Ms. Soraya Rodriguez Ramos, Minister for International Cooperation of Spain; Mr. Jean Ping, Chair of the African Union Commission, Ms. Elizabeth Lule, Manager, Africa Technical Families, World Bank; Ms Helena Hofbauer, Executive Director, International Budget Project; and Mr. Ben Plumley, Vice President, Global Access and Partnerships, Johnson and Johnson.

Strong Commitments from Parliamentarians

Participants unanimously adopted the Addis Ababa Statement of Commitment, in which they pledged to exercise their oversight responsibilities to break the silence around gender discrimination and to promote sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

They expressed their determination to increase budget allocations to at least 10 per cent of national budgets and development assistance budgets for population assistance, and to review laws and practices that still restrict access to sexual and reproductive health. They also committed to concrete and systematic actions to implement the ICPD Programme of Action, including empowering young people, strengthening health systems and addressing climate change and emerging population issues.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Call to Action for Maternal Health that recommended specific steps to reach the goal by 2015, particularly the following key measures:

Prioritize family planning as the most cost-effective development investments.
Make adolescents a priority by investing in their health, education and livelihoods.
Strengthen health systems with sexual and reproductive health as a priority.

Central Asian Parliamentarians and UNFPA Agree to Further Cooperation

AFPPD with UNFPA and the Japan Trust Fund supported the participation of parliamentarians from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of ICPD PoA (IPCI/ ICPD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 27-28 October.

On the first day of the conference, parliamentarians from Central Asia and Eastern Europe had a chance to meet with Mrs. Thea Fierens, Regional Director of UNFPA for countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The purpose of the meeting was to connect Central Asian and Eastern European MPs with Mrs. Fierens, who became regional director in early 2009, and familiarize parliamentarians with the plans and programs of UNFPA in the region.

AFPPD Executive Director Shiv Khare and EPF Executive Director Neil Datta also spoke at this occassion and appreciated UNFPA support.

Parliamentarians appreciated the support provided by the UNFPA Regional Office to population and development programs at the national level. They expressed hope that with the opening of new UNFPA offices in the region, UNFPA support and mutual cooperation with parliamentarians will be even more productive and constructive.

The meeting was closed with agreement to further develop and strengthen the relationship between parliamentarians and UNFPA country and regional offices, AFPPD Central Asia Programme, and the EPF.

Proposal for Global Committee Explored

On the sideline of the International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD) in Addis Ababa, Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, MP and former Prime Minister of Japan and Chairman of the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and AFPPD, hosted a lunch for office bearers of AFPPD and other regional parliamentary groups to explore the possibility if all the regional parliamentary groups can form an alliance at the international level. Parliamentarians agreed to consult with their own organization to explore the possibility further.

The International Parliamentairans’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD) and the High-level Meeting on Maternal Health/MDG5 in Addis Ababa have been monumental events made possible by a dedicated team under the leadership of Ms. Safiye Çagar and which included Ms. Nobuko Takahashi, Ms. Ragaa Said, Ms. Linette Lewis, Ms. Ada Cardenas and Ms. Sewnet Mlushoa, who was the local coordinator.

The team was supported by the staff of AFPPD, EPF, FAAPPD and the Inter-American Parliamentary Group (IAPG). AFPPD Executive Director Shiv Khare was the master of ceremony.

Male Parliamentarians Advocate for Male Involvement in Preventing Gender-based Violence

From October 18-20, 2009, the 5th Asia- Pacific Conference on Reproductive Health and Rights (APCRSHR) was held in Beijing, China. In cooperation with UNFPA and with support from the Government of Japan, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) organized a satellite session on October 18 on “Engaging Men and Boys in Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls: New Initiatives and New Alliances by Male Parliamentarians from Asia Pacific.”

This session was the first among a series of anticipated actions undertaken by the Asia-Pacific Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls, which was formed in Bangkok in September 2009 on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Meeting on ‘Engaging Men in Preventing Violence against Women and Girls.’

Representing the ESCPHC, a national committee of AFPPD, Dr. Shen Yan, Member of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee (ESCPHC) of the National People’s Congress of China, welcomed all attendees and speakers and reminded them that this session comes in a critical time as the world prepares to mark the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the seminal outcome document of the World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing.

“Men and boys are essential partners in promoting positive social change,” said Dr. Shen. He called for men and male parliamentarians to take actions with the aim to transform the “entrenched male- dominated social, cultural, political and economic structures of our society.”

Partnership with Civil Society

Mr. P.D. Rai, MP from India, discussed partnership with civil society and NGOs to address violence against women, which was one of the commitments made by male parliamentarians at the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Meeting on Engaging Men in Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls.

"Promoting gender equality and ending violence against women and girls require a concerted effort to actively engage men and boys as partners and agents for change."

~ Ms. Purnima Mane

In her keynote address, Ms. Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director (Programme) of UNFPA, said that the role of men and boys is well recognized in international frameworks and she commended the efforts by male parliamentarians in the Asia-Pacific region to form the Standing Committee to address gender-based violence and address deep-rooted inequities. “Men may be the primary perpetrators of gender-based violence,” she said, “but they are also a major part of the solution.

Ms. Mane called for a reassessment of social perspectives on masculinity to engender positive behavior of men and boys. This requires the transformation of oppressive gender stereotyped expectations of male behaviour, which are harmful not only to women and girls but also to men and boys. Since these expectations and behaviours are socially determined, they can also be transformed by expanding the choices available to men and boys and holding them accountable for their decisions and actions.

Ms. Mane introduced UNFPA’s human rights-based and culturally-vested approach to male involvement and concrete efforts at the regional and country level to outreach to men and boys. In particular, the regional joint programme Partners for Prevention was set up to closely support the emerging efforts for policy development in the region, strengthen the role of male advocates and opinion leaders under a framework of social change at policy and community levels and through the mass media, to raise public awareness and to foster a culture of non-violence.

Mr. Rai said that parliamentarians have a central role in introducing and reviewing legislations aimed at preventing violence against women, but legislations alone cannot solve the problem. Their implementation requires a broader coalition between parliamentarians and civil society in order to make their impact felt at the grassroot-level.

He gave emphasis to social and political empowerment, which he believed to be important to the transformation of oppressive gender stereotypes and norms. He expressed his confidence that such efforts when done in cooperation with civil society will be more effective. NGOs will broaden and deepen the scope, reach and impact of parliamentary action to involve men in preventing gender-based violence.

Policy-level Actions

Mr. Robert Oakeshott, MP and White Ribbon Ambassador from Australia, said that the Australian Government has placed gender-based violence high on its agenda and Australian parliamentarians are working hard to translate commitment into actions to further advance gender goals.

At the policy level, parliamentarians can be drivers of policy reforms and, more importantly, monitor and audit implementation of reformed policy and programmes. Parliamentarians can also intervene in a number of areas, including the justice system, access to justice and support services for survivors, and perpetrator programmes aimed at behavioural change.

With respect to prevention, Mr. Oakeshott called for institutional reform at the workplace, in schools and in government in order to ensure women’s and girls’ equal access to economic, educational and political resources and opportunities. There is also a need to further explore effective fatherhood strategies to ensure equality in the household and address the inter-generational nature of domestic violence.

In closing, Mr. Oakeshott identified areas of challenges, including lack of resources, need for community-level ownership of advocacy efforts, lack of regard for local context, violence in conflict situations and violence directed against marginalized and vulnerable groups. He commended efforts by UNFPA, AFPPD and other partners in encouraging actions in these areas.

Reproductive Health and Rights

Mr. G. Zandanshatar, MP from Mongolia, discussed violence prevention from the perspective of women’s reproductive health and rights. The Government of Mongolia has been undertaking comprehensive interventions to ensure gender equality and to empower women through national programmes, legislations and gender-specific institutions tasked with the implementation of gender policies.

The government is now implementing the third National RH Programme (2007- 2011) aimed at supporting sustainable population growth by means of improving reproductive health and providing health and social services in an equitable, accessible, high quality and reliable manner, based on reproductive rights and free choice. Parliamentarians and the government have supported these efforts by introducing legislations and mechanisms to improve maternal health, reduce maternal mortality, prevent HIV infection, and improve access by youth to reproductive health services.

The Way Forward

In his concluding speech, Representative Edcel C. Lagman from the Philippines stressed that while men have often been considered the root of the problem of violence against women, they can be a part of the solution. He believed that violent behavior is learned and therefore can be unlearned.

This has to be achieved through concerted efforts at all level to eliminate oppressive gender stereotypes, norms and practices through education that empowers men and boys to address problems in a peaceful way.

Men tend to listen to their peers, so it is important the male leaders such as parliamentarians speak out against violence against women and take a pro- active stand to put a stop to gender- based brutality. When men are good role models, their message will be stronger and more effective. Not only are men invaluable partners in awareness raising, their influential role in policy-making and implementation also necessitates their involvement in concrete actions to prevent violence and break the silence that surrounds it.

Role of Men Recognized in Beijing Call to Action

The 5th APCRSHR concluded with the adoption of the Beijing Call to Action, which reaffirms that “reproductive and sexual rights and the associated need for universal access to relevant education, social and health services are critical for the development of each individual.”

The document also recognizes the role of men and boys in achieving gender equality:

“Men and boys who challenge the patriarchal norms and laws that reproduce gender inequalities from generation to generation deserve recognition and support. They help to establish the necessary foundations of gender equality and empowerment of women, and in doing so they create new and more socially productive roles for men.”

The conference participants “strongly urge rapid response by civil society, parliamentarians, governments, donors and young people to our call to action on the unfinished agenda of the ICPD to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015.”




JPFP Gender Issues Committee Addressed by JOICFP
Ms. Chieko Nohno, Chair of the Gender Issues Committee of the Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP), opened the presentation on a “Rights-Based Approach to Population Issues” given by Ms. Sumie Ishii, Executive Director of the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), on 7 October 2009. JOICFP was established in 1968 and is the largest NGO in Japan in the field of population and reproductive health/rights, family planning, and maternal and child health. Prior to the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, more than 140 NGOs came together to form the “2008 Japan G8 Summit NGO Forum,” which conducted collective advocacy activities until the end of 2008; out of the 3 units of the Forum, Ms. Ishii was the Poverty and Development Unit Leader. In her presentation, Ms. Ishii explained to the Japanese MPs that rather than a population-control approach, a people-centred rights-based approach was set forth in the 1994 adopted ICPD PoA, as a means for meeting people’s needs for reproductive health. The concept of reproductive health/rights has not yet firmly registered in the minds of the Japanese people; one reason being that the exact terminology is not self-explanatory in the Japanese language, resulting in antipathy to this term. Ms. Ishii stated that “Reproductive Rights” should not be a privilege, however, it is an issue that Japanese society takes for granted.” JOICFP has been working to increase public understanding on the importance of RHR by highlighting the dire situations developing countries face, such as the detrimental impacts on women and girls when they have no choice in childbirth; no access to facilities; and are bound by traditional norms. In sum, Ms. Ishii outlined that many women still do not have access to reproductive health and rights due to the preference for bearing a son; the low status of women within familial and societal structures; harmful traditional practices, including child marriage and FGM; religious mores that deter women from seeing a male doctor, even whilst experiencing complications during pregnancy; and religious beliefs against abortion. Ms. Ishii’s recommendations for combating these situations are to address adolescents’ need for SRHR, who account for half of the world’s population; to address the unmet need of RH of more than 200 million women. To do this an investment of US$60-70 billion per year is required and developed countries, including Japan, should be obligated to bear one-third of the amount, or US$20-23 billion per year. (APDA)

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New Mongolian Foreign Minister a Champion of Women’s Health and Rights
AFPPD is pleased to learn that Mr. Gombojav Zandanshatar, MP from Mongolia and Member of the AFPPD Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls, has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the new cabinet under President Tsakhia Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold. He had previously served as Vice Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture from 2003-2004. He was also deputy head of the majority caucus of the Parliament of Mongolia and President of the Mongolian Democratic Socialist Youth Union. Mr. Zandanshatar has been an active participant in AFPPD activities on prevention of violence against women and is committed to address gender-based violence through concerted political action. AFPPD takes this opportunity to congratulate him and look forward to his continued leadership and commitment in addressing issues that are central to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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Parliamentary Staff Trained on Programme Management and Logframes

From 1-4 October, a Parliamentary Staff Training on Programme Management and Logframes was organized in Bangkok, Thailand. Parliamentary staff trainings are held every year as part of AFPPD’s support programme to its member national parliamentary committees. The overarching objective of AFPPD in conducting these trainings is to provide capacities to national committees so that their advocacy programmes are stronger in addressing current issues in their countries. The training programme was designed and facilitated by Dr. Gopakumar Nair of Save the Children and Dr. Nureyan Zunong, a consultant.

The aim of the training this year in Programme Management and Log Frames was to train the staff of parliamentary committees and parliaments on how to manage projects, produce proposals and log frames as part of project management and proposal writing. The training was funded by UNFPA and Japan Trust Fund (JTF).

The training was attended by around 19 staff members from national parliamentary committees and parliaments from 15 countries (Bangladesh, China, Fiji Islands, Indonesia, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, LAO PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Tajikistan, and Thailand).

The opening session of the training programme was addressed by two guests of honor, Hon. Sen. Dr. Pinit Kullavanijaya, Secretary-General of AFPPD and Hon. Sen. Dr. Anan Ariyachaipanich, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Public Health, Senate of Thailand. Dr. Pinit Kullavanijaya expressed that it is useful to have staff’s capacity improved so that they can serve parliamentarians and communities. Dr. Anan Ariyachaipanich encouraged participants to apply newly acquired skills in their work when they go back to their respective countries.

Dr. G. Giridhar, former Regional Director of UNFPA APRO, gave a lecture on the basic concepts of project management, evaluation and monitoring. He is a former UNFPA Representative in Thailand. Dr. K. Seetharam, a consultant, delivered a presentation on performance monitoring and evaluation of the project within the framework of Logical Framework Analysis (LFA).

Mr. Najib Assifi, Deputy Director of the UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, hosted a field visit to UNFPA office in Bangkok. Mr. Shiv Khare gave a presentation on tactics and strategies of resource mobilization as part of the session on Resource Mobilization.

Group-work and project presentations were a significant part of the training sessions. There were 4 groups consisting of 4-5 persons. These groups on Day 1 have selected the project idea they were supposed to work on throughout the training. By the end of the training on Day 4, participants presented their projects with background information and Logical Framework matrix.

Throughout the training, these groups were allocated time to reflect on their project ideas based on the theoretical knowledge the facilitators and resource persons have delivered.

Group 1 developed a logical framework matrix for their project called International Sex Workers Foundation (ISWF). This Foundation aims to improve sexual and reproductive health of sex workers in Thailand. Group 2 worked on the Logical Framework matrix for the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) project that aims to enact reproductive health bill by 2011.

Group 3 developed a concept for their rehabilitation project addressing the problem of street children in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Group 4 in their attempts to make Maldives a safe place for tourists and to decrease crime rates developed a Logical Framework matrix for Maldives Association on Protecting Foreign Labours (MAPFL).

Mr. Montri Pekanan, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) was the guest of honor at the closing ceremony. Mr. Montri Pekanan congratulated participants on the completion of the training and handed certificates to each participant.

Donors Reassess Resource Mobilization

Resource mobilization for maternal health was the main focus of discussion at a satellite meeting, co-hosted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asia Pacific Alliance (APA) for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, at the 5th Asia-Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights in Beijing on 18 October 2009.

Panelists included Mr. Jose G. Rimon from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Musimbi Kanyoro from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Dr Akiko Hagiwara from JICA. The session was moderated by Ms Suzanne Ehlers from Population Action International.

The panelists provoked a rich discussion and questions from the audience. The donor roundtable made clear that the unmet need for family planning reproductive health remains urgent in Asia and the Pacific.

Family planning, safe abortion services and reproductive health commodities are important interventions that will improve maternal health and push countries in Asia and the Pacific closer to achieving universal reproductive health. Support from donors, and partnerships with governments and civil society on new and alternative paradigms in the lead-up to the 2015 deadline will be crucial.




Parliamentary Field Visit to Mongolia
Thirteen Parliamentarians – from Asia, Africa and Europe – led by Dr. Laode Ida, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Senate, visited Mongolia from 26 to 30 October. The delegation focused on mining and extractive industries revenue management, the impact of the global financial crisis on Mongolia’s economy and development, and good governance and social accountability. “According to a Mongolian saying, seeing one time is better than listening a 1000 times.” said World Bank Country Manager to Mongolia, Arshad Sayed, when he briefed the parliamentarians at the World Bank office. The delegation had the opportunity to visit World Bank supported projects in and around Ulaanbaatar and met with the Chairman of the Great State Ikh Hural of Mongolia (Parliament of Mongolia), Mr. D. Demberel, and with Mongolian parliamentarians. The delegation also discussed public hearing mechanisms with Mongolian CSOs and visited the Parliamentary Research Center and National Legal Institute. On October 29, the delegates participated in the Economic Policy Conference, which focused on how to manage the global financial and economic crisis. “This field visit was a unique opportunity for our delegation to see how the World Bank and other development stakeholders are cooperating with Mongolia on its development efforts,” said Mr Laode Ida, MP of Indonesia and Board Member of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB). “Parliamentarians from the North and the South took this opportunity to learn more from each other and to share their own experiences with colleagues from the Mongolian Parliament.” Besides PNoWB, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) also partnered on identifying participants for the visit. (World Bank).
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