United Nations, New York – Although sometimes considered controversial, sexual and reproductive rights are not ‘new’ rights, but are intrinsic to a range of internationally binding treaties.
That was one of the messages in the keynote address by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, speaking at the side event Celebrating Cairo and Going Beyond. This event was organized by the High-Level Task Force for the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and co-hosted by the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Liberia, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Slovenia and South Africa.
Heads of delegations and other senior government officials from the cohost countries, in addition to Nepal, made remarks in support of a forward-looking outcome. In addition, the Secretary-General delivered a videotaped message.
The panel of high-level advocates (see below) encouraged government leaders in the Commission on Population and Development negotiations to commit to fulfilling sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, for an ICPD Beyond 2014 agenda that meets 21st century realities.
Visit the Task Force’s website for highlights, including press release, webcast, photos, featured video and speeches.
Co-Chair of the High-Level Task Force for the ICPD, Former President of Mozambique
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Member of the High-Level Task Force for the ICPD, Executive Director of The YP Foundation, and Member of RESURJ, India
Member of the High-Level Task Force for the ICPD, Member of Parliament, and Director of the National Center for Sex Education, Cuba
Member of the High-Level Task Force for the ICPD, and Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Poland
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin , Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
