Statement delivered in response to the “no resolution” conclusion of the 48th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development on behalf of the International Sexual and Reproductive Rights Caucus, of which ASTRA Network is a member.

At the end of two weeks of thought-provoking and intense discussions, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) concluded on April 17, 2015 without a resolution. On the final day, the chair produced a well-balanced text reflective of the various positions staked by governments, but to everyone’s surprise, this text was suddenly withdrawn by the chair only two hours after being distributed to delegates, without the chance for governments to engage in the normal fine-tuning that is routine at CPD negotiations.

The CPD has a long history of producing strong outcomes, and for nearly 20 years has reached solid consensus on advancing and supporting full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. This has been possible because of the willingness and good faith of governments to negotiate directly with one another. It is clear that what happened at the conclusion of the CPD’s 48th session was a procedural anomaly that should be prevented from happening in future sessions.

In April 2011, the General Assembly agreed to extend the ICPD Programme of Action and ensure its follow-up beyond 2014 in order to fully meet its goals and objectives. To fulfill this mandate, it is critical that governments continue to work together at CPD to reach agreement on how best to address gaps and challenges in implementing the Programme of Action. We hope that when the CPD reconvenes in April 2016 to review its methods of work, governments will use this opportunity to strengthen the CPD as a space to build consensus through negotiations, as they have for 20 years.

The undersigned organizations are deeply committed to continuing to work at multiple levels—local, national, regional, and global—to secure the sexual and reproductive health and rights agenda for the health, human rights, and well-being of all, together with governments, agencies, and civil society organizations.

Endorsed by:

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights

Advocates for Youth

African Woman and Child Feature Service, Kenya

Amnesty International

Associazione Italiana Donne per lo Sviluppo (AIDOS)

ASTRA Network

ATHENA Network