The sixth International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD) took place in Stockholm on April 23-25. Parliamentarians from 125 countries gathered in Stockholm to discuss the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and reaffirmed the rights of all people, especially girls, young people and women. They have recognized and further reaffirmed the need for the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, and acknowledged the findings and recommendations of the ICPD global review. Legislators and leaders of societies committed themselves to advocate for laws and policies that respect and protect the sexual and reproductive rights of all individuals.

The Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin said at ICPI conference: “What I find is that some governments don’t have the courage to actually go and do what they need to do. They don’t want to talk about sexuality education and they don’t want to talk about contraception. There is a need to elevate the conversation so that the reality of what we’re talking about effects action among governments, political leaders and community leaders.” He also said that UNFPA doesn’t “get into abortion” because the organisation respects the rights of sovereign states to make their own laws. “But we insist that in countries where it is legal, it should be performed safely, and in those countries where it is not legal, they should have empathy and compassion so that post-abortion care is available,” he said.

The Conference provided the parliamentarians with an opportunity to contribute to the United Nations Secretary-General’s index report on further implementation of the ICPD beyond 2014, to be discussed at the UN General Assembly Special Session on the ICPD in September, 2014. The conference ended with the Stockholm Statement of Commitment – available here.

Source: Inter Press Service, www.ipci2014.org, UNFPA