The 51st UN CPD took place in New York on April 9-13, 2018 under them theme of “Sustainable cities, human mobility and international migration”. Dr. Ion Jinga, Romanian Ambassador to the UN, was the Chairperson on behalf of the Eastern-European Group
ASTRA Network Advisory Board member from Romania, Daniela Draghici, represented the ASTRA Network at the 51st CPD thanks to the generous support of the International Women’s Health Coalition, as part of the International Sexual and Reproductive Rights Coalition. Daniela had a unique opportunity to have a fruitful working collaboration, also thanks to the relationship she had established with the Romanian UN Mission key personnel in charge of CPD, as well as with the government delegate prior to the session. She supported the national delegation, and the ones from Republic of Moldova, Russia, and Serbia throughout the session and provided feedback on the process to the other activists gathered in New York.
This years’ CPD session did not end with a much expected outcome document as on the last day the Chairperson withdrew the draft resolution, reflecting compromise that was the product of careful negotiations and positive efforts of all national delegations. Unfortunately the United States refused to join the consensus, imposing their regressive view of sexual and reproductive health and rights on the global stage. In addition, the Ugandan delegate, on behalf of the African group, objected to the removal of the sovereignty clause, as well as the watering down of the Global Compact on Migration language.
To make up for this drawback, the representative of Tunisia read a powerful statement on behalf of 35 countries, highlighting the paramount importance of access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Comprehensive Sexuality Education underlining that We, as civil society, were deeply disappointed that after a week of intense debate the member states failed to adopt a resolution at the Commission on Population and Development. Despite this outcome, CPD remains a critical space for countries and advocates to affirm and advance their commitments to advance human rights, including sexual and reproductive rights.
The special theme of next year’s 52nd session of the Commission on Population and Development will be “Review and appraisal of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and its contribution to the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Additional reading:
International Women’s Health Coalition, The 2018 Commission on Population and Development and Prospects for the Future
Countdown Europe 2030, A roller-coaster of hope and despair for the international SRHR agenda!
