UNFPA in the News
The excerpts below are from media stories. UNFPA is not responsible for the accuracy or content of independent media reports displayed for reference purposes only. The Fund does not necessarily endorse or approve of the views expressed.
8May/13Off

TURKEY: Pilot Programme Developed to Treat SGBV Victims

IRIN News and others reported on 8 May that Turkey has taken in around 193,000 refugees in 17 camps, and six new camps are currently under construction. Stretched to capacity, the country has been lauded for its open-door policy and generous aid. But at least one gap remains. “From what we have been able to learn, there is virtually no trained psychosocial support [specific to survivors of sexual violence] currently available in the camps,” said Leyla Welkin, a clinical psychologist and gender-based violence consultant working with UNFPA. Together with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy, UNFPA has designed a pilot programme to prepare and train 24 health care workers to conduct preliminary psychological assessment and treatment in the camps. Specific services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are rarely at the top of the priority list in emergency settings, said Meltem Agduk, gender programme officer with UNFPA. Like others have done elsewhere, Turkish officials first focused on providing adequate food and shelter to refugees. Read in English: IRIN, Altinget and WN

13Apr/13Off

TURKEY: UNFPA Visits Syrian Refugee Camps

Multiple media outlets on 13 April reported on UNFPA’s Babatunde Osotimehin’s visit to Syrian refugee camps in Turkey along with AK Party Deputy Öznur Çalık. Dr Osotimehin called on all countries to support efforts to assist Syrian refugees, particularly women and children and said, “I am really impressed with what I saw here; the housing, health care, logistics support such as schools and social facilities meet the needs of displaced Syrians. People I have spoken with have said that they are satisfied with the services. For this reason, on behalf of the United Nations, I want to thank the government of Turkey.” Read in Turkish: Sondakika, IHA, Haberler, Beyaz Gazete, Haber Ciniz, Gazetea 24

13Apr/13Off

TURKEY: UNFPA ED Visits Camps

Multiple media outlets on 13 April reported that, “UNFPA’s Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin visited Syrian refugee camps in Turkey along with AK Party Deputy Öznur Çalık. Dr. Osotimehin called on all countries to support efforts to assist Syrian refugees, particularly women and children. “ Dr. Osotimehin said “I am really impressed with what I saw here; the housing, health care, logistics support such as schools and social facilities meet the needs of displaced Syrians. People I have spoken with have said that they are satisfied with the services. For this reason, on behalf of the United Nations, I want to thank the government of Turkey.” Read in Turkish: Sondakika, IHA, Haberler, Beyaz Gazete, Haber Ciniz, Gazetea24

9Apr/13Off

TURKEY: UNFPA ED to Visit Refugee Camps to Highlight Urgent Needs

Multiple media outlets reported on 9 April that Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, will visit refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan on 13-14 April. In Turkey, UNFPA has provided 40,000 dignity kits to refugees in the 14 camps set up by the Turkish authorities and another 20,000 will be delivered soon. The kits include sanitary napkins, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other essential items that help refugees to maintain daily hygiene routines under the harsh conditions of camp life. UNFPA has also trained national health care providers to respond to the reproductive health needs of refugees and works closely with other UN agencies to address issues of protection.  Read in Turkish: ReliefWeb, Hurriyet Daily News and Gazientep Express

23Mar/13Off

TURKEY/GEORGIA: Turkish Fertility Projections Reported

Georgiatoday.ge on 23 March reported that Prof. Ayse Akin, Prof. Korkut Ersoy and the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey (UNFPA) jointly prepared the "Right of Population Science and Management 2050" report. The report included projections of fertility in Turkey between the years of 2000-2050, "According to this, the fertility rate was 2.53 in 2000, 2.12 in 2010, and will be 2.01 in 2020, 1.95 in 2030, 1.9 in 2040 and 1.85.”


17Mar/13Off

TURKEY: Opera to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Multiple media outlets on 17 March reported on the 'Women of the Opera' dedicated to the UNFPA and the Directorate General of State Opera. Opera, ballet, orchestra and theater events took place to celebrate International Women's Day. Meltem Ağduk, the Program Coordinator of the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey, said, "Over the past ten years, we tried to create awareness and prevent violence against women. ‘Women's opera' became a supporter of our project. The opera is a presentation of the stories of historical women. Most of them suffered from various reasons.” Read in Turkish: Stargundem, Haberler, HBR, Sondakika, Haberexen

11Mar/13Off

TURKEY: Fewer Women Employed

Hurriyetdailynews.com on 11 March reported that according to UNFPA’s Zahidul Huque, “Despite steps taken to improve the gender quality in Turkey's labour force, the rate of female participation in the workforce has decreased 10 percent.” He also said they have observed that “access to reproductive health services for young adults is more difficult than it used to be. Society is becoming more conservative, government is also more conservative. Providers of help are also becoming less proactive in providing reproductive health education and services to young adults.” Read in English: Hurriyetdailynews.com


3Mar/13Off

TURKEY: International Sex Workers’ Day Celebrated

Odatv.com on 3 March reported on International Sex Workers’ Rights Day. The government in Turkey worked in partnership with experts from the United Nations Population Fund, UNDP, WHO and UNAIDS in 2012 to associate with sex workers. Some criminal acts make sex workers vulnerable to exploitation and violence. They also suffer due social stigma and discrimination. Read in Turkish: Odatv.com

1Mar/13Off

TURKEY: Women’s Associations Meet With Leaders

Sondakika.com on 1 March reported that managers of women's associations in Malatya, came together at a meeting to discuss a year-long study on their work and their cooperation with organizations like UNFPA. Gospel Demirkazik, the coordinator of Women Friendly Cities Project, highly commended the joint work of UNFPA and other women's associations and emphasized its importance. Read in Turkish: Sondakika.com

27Feb/13Off

TURKEY: UNFPA Participates in Talks

Haberler.com on 27 February reported that for the first time, a health care team of 16 volunteer doctors went to Mauritania as part of the “Smiling Children Project.” 40,300 examination and treatments were conducted as well as 28 dental surgeries. Officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) held talks and covered issues including maternal and child health, nutritional disorders and treatment. Read in Turkish: Haberler

27Feb/13Off

TURKEY: Fighting Cultural Inequalities

Bianet.com on 27 February reported on gender training in Ankara. The training focused on combating violence against women and emphasized the need to promote gender equality. Meltem Ağduk, from the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey talked about training content and how it works, “women will not continue to protect their rights in safety unless there is stability that we will continue to promote equality. Public officials have worked on it in the last ten years. In the meantime, we are fighting a mentality which we call the patriarchal system for centuries. All ideologies, religions and systems of thought are infiltrated.” Read in Turkish: Bianet.com

18Feb/13Off

TURKEY: Improving the Situation for Syrian Refugees

Suriyegercekleri.com on 18 February reported that UN agencies and representatives of the Governor came together to discuss how to meet the daily needs of Syrian refugees. The Disaster Management Team of the representatives from WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, the WFP and UNHCR is organizing a series of meetings to improve the operating performance. Read in Turkish: Suriyegercekleri.com


14Feb/13Off

TURKEY: First UN Regional Office Settles in Country

Istanbul Gazette on 14 February reported that the Regional Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) of Eastern Europe and Central Asian is the first UN regional office settling in Turkey. The Regional Director Werner Haug talked about the mission of UNFPA and the progress that Turkey has made in social programmes. Read in English: Istanbul Gazette

7Feb/13Off

TURKEY: Deputy of AK Party Welcomed UN Delegation

Haberler.com on 7 February reported that the Deputy of the AK Party Öznur Çalık met with Werner Haug, the Regional Director of UNFPA in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and his accompanying delegation as well as Dr. Zahidul Huque, Turkey Representative of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). The party authority said in a statement, “Through the meeting, the party better understands the projects on maternal and child health and reproductive health and rights. We get great support from the UNFPA Regional Office. Read in Turkish: Haberler.com

7Feb/13Off

TURKEY: Member of Parliament Hosted UN Mission Assembly

Haberler.com on 7 February reported that Member of Parliament and Member of MKYK Öznur Çalık welcomed Mr. Werner Haug, Regional Director of UNFPA in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, his accompanying delegation and Dr. Zahidul Huque, UNFPA Turkey Representative. The UNFPA regional office in Istanbul, conducts structured and efficient work on population and development policies. Read in Turkish: H

31Jan/13Off

TURKEY: Education Session on Maternal Health Held

Sodakikia.com on 31 January reported on an education session for agricultural workers on maternal and child health issues. UNFPA attended the meeting along with medical faculty from Harran University, the Provincial Directorate of Public Health and members of the press. Read in Turkish: Sodakikia.com

28Jan/13Off

TURKEY: Adiyaman Becomes Women Friendly City

Gazeteadiyaman.com on 28 January reported that the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey launched the project "Women Friendly Cities” to ensure women's safety and equal enjoyment by women and men in the city of Adiyaman. Dr. Zahidul Huque, the Representative of United Nations Population Fund in Turkey, commented on women friendly cities saying, “It is a project with high importance. This project will assist women in taking a more active role in decision-making processes in every aspect of life.” Read in Turkish: Gazeteadiyaman.com

23Jan/13Off

TURKEY: Identifying the Needs for Agricultural Workers

Gazeteadiyaman.com on 23 January reported that public institutions and organizations and universities with the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations were working together to meet the needs of agricultural workers. Dr. Huque Zahidul the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey said in his speech that seasonal agricultural workers make a major contribution to the development of the country and their access to universal human rights and health care should be guaranteed. Read in Turkish: Gazeteadiyaman.com


22Jan/13Off

TURKEY: Need to Improve the Health of Seasonal Agricultural Workers

Gazeteadiyaman.com on 22 January reported that a study and research on “seasonal agricultural workers” was announced. In terms of health problems, the most vulnerable groups in the provinces of Sanliurfa and Adiyaman are the seasonal agricultural workers. UNFPA Representative in Turkey Dr. Zahidul Huque said, "In Turkey, 50 percent of agricultural workers are seasonal agricultural workers. However, they are not entitled with sufficient universal health care and social opportunities. The solution to the problems that were revealed in the research is of very high importance.” Read in Turkish: Gazeteadiyaman.com

22Jan/13Off

TURKEY: Women Friendly Cities Project Launched

Stargundem.com on 22 January reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkey launched the project “Women Friendly Cities” to ensure women's safety and the equal enjoyment by women and men. The opportunities offered by the economic, social and political progress shall benefit everyone equally and women will be able to take a more active role in the decision-making processes. The Representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Turkey, Dr. Zahidul Huque, visited Adiyaman University, along with academic staffs and volunteers, and got information about the Women Friendly Cities Project. Read in Turkish: Stargundem.com


11Jan/13Off

TURKEY: World Population Growing Rapidly

Risalehaber.com on 11 January reported that the population growth rate in the poorest countries is increasing, while the population growth rate is declining in developed countries. According to data from the United Nations Population Fund, the world's population surpassed 7 billion in 2011. It estimated that by 2050 the world population will reach 10 billion. Read in Turkish: Risalehaber.com

7Dec/12Off

TURKEY: Delegation Visits Tent City

Haberler on 7 December reported that a delegation of 10 from WHO, UNFPA,UNICEF, UNHCR and  the Ministry of Health delegation visited Syrian refugee camps. Read in Turkish: Haberler and Haber Yurdum


5Dec/12Off

TURKEY: Informative Session Held to Enlighten on HIV/AIDS

Hurriyet on 5 December reported that an informative session on HIV prevention methods was given in Kızılay. The event aimed to draw attention to HIV/AIDS, by using red ribbons, banners and candles. Community volunteers of university students, the Turkish Medical Students' International Association and the Y-Peer Network of the United Nations Population Fund held this event celebrating World AIDS Day. Read in Turkish: Hurriyet


28Nov/12Off

TURKEY: Population Alert

Ozgurkocaeli on 28 November reported that the project, Population and Management Towards 2050, was presented to the public and it revealed that not only has Turkey’s population growth rate dropped closer to that of developed countries, the ageing population is increasing continuously. TÜSİAD cooperated with the United Nations Population Fund, in demographic and social policy changes in order to address the Population and Management Towards 2050 project. Read in Turkish: Ozgurkocaeli

22Nov/12Off

GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON THE STATE OF WORLD POPULATION REPORT RELEASE

BELARUS: Multiple media outlets on 23 November published articles on family planning centres and the state of reproductive health in Belarus in the wake of the release of the SWOP report. Read in Russian: Tut.by, News 21, Tut.by, News 21, Dzr.by, Naviny, Ex-press, News.np and SV-biznes

BOTSWANA: The Monitor reported on 19 November that UNFPA Representative, Ms. Aisha Camara-Drammeh said reducing unintended pregnancies would result in the reduction costs for unintended pregnancy related medical care, which presently stands at about US$2.5 billion per annum the world over.

Launching the State of the World Population (SWOP) Report on behalf of the Assistant Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Minister Dr. Gloria Somolekae, Director of the National Strategy Office (NSO) in the Office of the President, Mr. Louis Malikongwa said teenage pregnancy remains high at 15.5 percent within the district, which is above the national average ratio estimated at 9.7 percent. Read in English: The Monitor

The Botswana Daily News reported on 19 November, that UNFPA Representative Ms. Aisha Camara-Drammeh commended the government of Botswana for showing commitment by investing financial and technical resources to promote family planning as well as mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS. Speaking in Mosojane during the launch of the 2012 State of the World Population Report recently, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Ms. Aisha Camara-Drammeh commended Botswana for repositioning family planning as a critical aspect of social development.

CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune, CRTV, Magic FM and BBC reported on 15, 20 and 22 November that UNFPA presented the State of the World Population report 2012 in Garoua, where the rate of family planning is among the lowest in the country. Dr. Nicole Eteki, answering the question of journalists, said that "Family planning is not synonymous of limitation."

TURKEY: Haber1 on 20 November reported that according to UNFPA’s SWOP report, each year an average of 80 million women lack access to family planning facilities and they become pregnant unintentionally. According to UNFPA’s Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, having contraceptive access is a fundamental right. Read in Turkish: Haber1

12Nov/12Off

GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2012 REPORT

AUSTRALIA: ABC Radio Australia on 15 November featured an interview with William Ryan, UNFPA's regional communications adviser for Asia and the Pacific, to discuss the 2012 UNFPA report entitled, "By Choice, Not By Chance." Read and listen in English: ABC Radio Australia

BELARUS: Multiple media outlets from 13-15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. UNFPA experts have concluded that women who use contraceptives, tend to have better health, better education and better-paid career. As stated by UNFPA, the availability of contraceptives should not be a privilege, but a right for any person. Read in Russian: Belfamily, Femina.by, rosbalt.ru

BRAZIL: O Globo and G1 published on 14 November that Brazil ranked 79 among 188 countries and territories in terms of maternal mortality rate, remaining among the countries with the highest rate of women dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, according to UNFPA’s State of the World Population 2012 report. With 56 women dying for every 100,000 live births - in last year's report, this rate was 58 - Brazil is behind nations like China, with a rate of 37; Iran, 21; and Turkey, 20. A special envoy was sent to Quito, Ecuador, to cover the launching of the report, which addressed family planning this year. In terms of adolescent pregnancy, the Brazilian situation (79 births per thousand women aged 15 to 19 years) is slightly better than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean: 71 births every thousand. The UNFPA report warned that 222 million women in developing countries have no access to contraception methods such as the pill. UNFPA also estimates that 80 million women have been victims of unwanted pregnancy through the end of 2012. Read in Portuguese: O Globo/G1, Agencia BrasilTerra Portal, R7 Portal, BBC Brasil

CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 19 November that,according to a UN report, additional investments in family planning yield economic benefits and would save developing countries more than US$ 11 billion annually. Better access to family planning in developing countries would reduce costs for maternal and newborn health care. “This applies also to Cambodia,” UNFPA Representative Marc Derveeuw said. “The clear economic gains from investment in reproductive health including family planning benefits the country economy as a whole through the reductions in healthcare-related costs incurred by maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and mortality." Read in English: The Phnom Penh Post

CANADA: The Globe and Mail on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. The report, “calling on developed countries to invest massively in family planning is raising questions about Canada's international aid priorities as its landmark Muskoka Initiative on maternal and child health enters its third year…despite a $1.1-billion commitment to maternal and child health over five years, Canada's aid agency does not place a significant emphasis on family planning.”

COSTA RICA: Several media outlets reported from 14 to 19 November, on the launch of the State of the World Population 2012. The report draws attention to an issue that has been neglected because almost no one would question that the right to family planning is a human right and that everyone has the right to exercise it. However, about 222 million women who are of reproductive age in the world, have an unmet need for family planning, this means about one of four women are not having access to contraception,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s Reproductive Health Officer. Listen in Spanish: Nuestra Voz, Radio Monumental, Radio ADN, Noticias Radio Nacional, Noticias Radio Nacional, Watch in Spanish: Canal 11, Canal 42 T.V, Telenoticias, Canal 7, RTN Noticias, Canal 13, Read in Spanish: La Nación, La Prensa Libre, Al Día, La Nación, Aldea Global, , La Nación, Sección Internacionales.

DENMARK: Politiken reported on 14 November that USD 5.7 billion could be saved by increasing access to family planning according to UNFPA’s SWOP report. Read in Danish: Politiken

Politiken featured an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director on 19 November, in which the Executive Director states that providing women in developing countries access to family planning is not only a basic human right, but also an effective investment in economic growth and development.

Kristeligt Dagblad published an article on 16 November stressing that access to contraceptives is a human right. The newspaper further quotes a philosopher arguing that this statement might be considered as controversial. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad

Kristlig Dagblad published a comprehensive interview with UNFPA Executive Director on 21 November, highlighting that it is a human right for women to decide how many children they want. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad

Berlingske published an article on 17 November under the headline: There is a need for USD 4.6 billion to provide access to condoms. The article further mentions that there are 222 million women in developing countries who lack access to family planning. Read in Danish: Berlingske

U-landsnyt featured an article quoting UNFPA Executive Director saying that “there is indisputable evidence that when family planning is integrated into broader economic and social development initiatives, it can have a positive multiplier effect on human development and the well-being of entire nations”. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

FINLAND: Helsingin Sanomat published on 15 November an article regarding the State of the World Population launch in Helsinki.

GERMANY: aerzteblatt on 14 November ad derwesten on 13 November reported that more than 220 million women in developing countries have no means of family planning, due to poverty, social pressures and persistent discrimination. Of the 80 million women with unwanted pregnancies, 80,000 of them die as a result of pregnancy, as it showed in the SWOP report by the UN Population Fund. “Family planning is a human right and one of the most effective and cost-effective measures to reduce poverty," said Werner Haug, the regional director of UNFPA EECA. Read in German: aerzteblatt and derwesten

GHANA: Ghana Web and the Government of Ghana reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA's State of World Population Report 2012. Read in English: Ghana Web and Government of Ghana

GUATEMALA: Prensa  Libre, Reportaje de, Publinews, La Hora and CERIGUA on 15 November reported that family planning is a women’s right that leads others such as access to health, education and development. According to the UNFPA's State of the World Population, women with fewer resources and greater poverty are those with more children, which limits their progress. The publication also indicates that 42% of Guatemalan woman do not use contraception. Access to contraception is a universal human right which could significantly improve the lives of women and children in poor countries. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre, La Hora, CERIGUA, Reportaje de

GUYANA: Stabroek on 15 November reported on the release of the 2012 State of the World Population report which found that, "81% of young Guyanese men are likelier to engage in such behaviour [risky], compared with 40% of young Guyanese females from the same age group." Such practices have been linked to high cases of unwanted pregnancies, infections and sexually-transmitted diseases. Read in English: Stabroek

JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets in between 15 and 16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report, which took place on 14 November. Read in English: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Gleaner

KYRGYZSTAN: KTRK, CA-news, Akipress,  24 KG, Namba,  For KG reported on 14 November, that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in the Kyrgyz Republic launched this year’s State of World Population Report with the theme focused on access to family planning, human rights and development. The press conference took place at the Family Planning Center “Marriage and Family” under the National Mother and Child Health Center. Speakers were Mr. Kaliev M., Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Avanessov A., UN Resident Coordinator, UNFPA Representative in the Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Omurzakov M., UNFPA Assistant Representative and Mr. Uzakbaev. K., Director of the National Mother and Child Health Center.

“Access to modern contraception is a fundamental human right” the UN Resident Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Alexander Avanessov said. “Hand-in-hand with this right is a need to provide individuals and couples a range of family planning options that would give them the freedom to make their own personal choice.” Dr. Meder Omurzakov, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Kyrgyzstan, concluded that, “This year’s State of World Population report and today’s event is about listening to couples and individuals, about meeting their aspirations, and giving them the power to create a better life for themselves and their families.” Read in Russian:  24KG, 24KG, KTRK , Namba, CA-News, For KG, CA-News, Newsfiber, centrasia.ru

LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA’s SWOP 2012 message, notably that access to family planning is a human right. The articles focus on the themes of the report and provided statistics on the global use of contraceptives. They also quoted the UNFPA Executive Director on the need to invest in family planning to promote economic development. Read in Arabic: Bayynat. Read in English: Naharnet

Several media outlets reported on November 15 on the launch of SWOP 2012. UNFPA ASRO and the League of Arab States, in Beirut, organized the high-level event jointly. The launch marked the opening of the 14th Meeting of Heads of Population Councils for Population Affairs in Arab States. The launch was held under the patronage and in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs and attended by high-level government representatives, international organizations, CSO, academia and media. Read in Arabic: PSP, Sidonia News 1, Sidonia News 2, Lebanon 24, Lebanon Debate, Now Lebanon, National News Agency.

MEXICO: Multiple media outlets reported on 15 November on the Mexican launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report. UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios noted that while Mexico has reduced its demographic growth from 3.6 per year, in the 1970's, to 1.1 per year at present, gaps in health access still exist and lead to hospitalization derived from abortion, maternal deaths and unwanted pregnancies. It is estimated that 800,000 abortions are registered each year and in the last 10 years, two million hospitalizations were registered for the same cause. In addition, he highlighted the lack of attention currently given to indigenous and rural populations and youth. Latin America is has the second highest rate of pregnancies among adolescents. At the launch, UNFPA Representative Palacios stressed that while, advances have been made in demographic growth and fertility reduction, family planning is a human right that needs to be assumed as a priority for the public agenda of the country. Read in Spanish: La Jornada, El Economista, Reforma, Reforma, El Diario, ReformaCIMAC, Milenio, Noticias, MVS, Azteca, Nocitias MVS, Once TV, El Sol de Mexico, CIMAC

CIMAC on 16 November reported that UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios mentioned that the next government administration, chaired by Enrique Peña Nieto from the Revolutionary Institutional Party, should consider updating Mexico’s population policy to be able to take advantage of the “the demographic bonus” and prioritize investment in reproductive and sexual health for adolescents, in addition to education and employment opportunities.

MOLDOVA: Info-Prim Neo wrote on 14 November about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, was quoted in the news, saying that “men’s involvement in family planning as partners in the relation and in life, the ensuring of greater access to information on reproductive health commodities and equal access to services of a high quality are simple actions that can bring extraordinary results. We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development.” Read in Romanian and English: Info-Prim Neo.

The launch of the State of World Population 2012 report was discussed on 16 November, at Radio Moldova, program “Pro şi Contra”, where the guests discussed reproductive health and family planning issues. Mr. Boris Gilca, UNFPA Programme Coordinator raised the importance of trainings and family planning services for individuals and couples, budgeting resources from the Ministry of Health for contraceptives and access to life skills based education. Watch in Romanian Privesc.eu.

Ziarul de gardă on 15 November published a material “Boris Galca: fiecare sarcină, să fie dorită” (Boris Gilca: each pregnancy should be wanted), where they wrote about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, is quoted saying: “We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development”.

MYANMAR: The New Light of Myanmar on 18 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report launch. UNFPA Representative Mr. Abdel-Ahad is quoted saying, "Nearly one quarter of Myanmar women of reproductive age have expressed desire to practice birth spacing but do not have access to contraceptives."

PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that the right of adolescents and young people to have access to family planning services is addressed in the UNFPA's State of the World Population 2012. In Paraguay in recent years there has been an increase in contraceptive use in the sexually active adolescent population. According to the National Demographic and Reproductive Health 2008 (ENDSSR 2008), less than 60% of women who had their first sexual experience during marriage or first union have used a contraceptive.  The percentage varies according to the area of ​​residence. Read in spanish:  La Nación , Última Hora , ABC Color, Neike , Radio 970

Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that it is estimated that in developing countries there are 222 million women who lack access to reliable and quality services for family planning, according to The State of World Population 2012, released today by the UNFPA. Read in spanish:  Diario La Nación Digital , ABC Color , Diario Fedecámaras , Radio Viva , SC Noticias , IP Paraguay

Radio Ñanduti reported on 15 November that, according to The State of World Population 2012, released on 14 November by UNFPA, lack of access to contraceptives and family planning services are some of the reasons why there are still millions of people who do not exercise their rights to family planning. This applies especially to women living in poverty, who are most vulnerable to discrimination and inequality. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti

ABC Colour reported on 16 November that through various stories, The State of World Population 2012 UNFPA, released worldwide on 14 November, shows that when a woman is able to exercise her reproductive rights, she is more likely to exercise her other rights, such as education. As a result, there is more income, better health for women and their children. Read in Spanish: ABC Color digital

SOUTH AFRICA: Business Day on 14 November and Media 24 on 20 November reported on the South African launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report.

SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer reported on 15 November that, globally, out of the 80 million unintended pregnancies projected to have occurred in 2012, an estimated 40 million will likely end in abortion. The newspaper was reporting on the UNFPA's State of the World Population Report 2012, which was launched in Swaziland on the 14 November, by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi.

SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio, aired an interview with UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Ms. Kate Gilmore on 16 November. In the interview, Ms. Gilmore suggests that it makes good business sense to have family planning as a key priority in troubling economic times.

Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, reported on 20 November from the launch stating that many women still lack access to family planning. Read in Swedish: Sveriges Radio and Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik

TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae reported on 16 November on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Dili. UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted saying, “UNFPA supports voluntary family planning or birth spacing so individuals and couples can decide when and how often to have children. When women are able to exercise their right to family planning, they are healthier, more economically productive, and are better equipped to rise out of poverty."

Timor Post on 17 November reported that, "The population, especially young, Timorese people should plan their family before they are married and be responsible based on UNFPA data which shows that the population in the world increased quickly in 2012. According to the UNFPA data, one in four sexually active women aged 15 to 49— 222 million women in total—have an unmet need for family planning. Most unintended pregnancies happen in developing countries. Addressing this unmet need for family planning worldwide would avert 54 million unintended pregnancies and 26 million abortions." UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted in the piece.

TURKEY: haber turk, haberler, euronews, haberx,  and kmu.gov from 13- 15 November reported on the UNFPA's launch of the State of the World Population Report. Read in Turkish: Haber turk, Haberler, Euronews, Haberx, and HDN

UKRAINE: Multiple media outlets from 14-16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Ukraine. UNFPA ECCARO director Werner Haug, who was at the regional launch, noted that contraceptive prevalence in Ukraine and Moldova is low compared to the EU countries leading to a high rate of adolescent pregnancies, particularly in rural areas.  Ignoring family planning can cause poverty, morbidity and a high rate of mortality for women. About 100 girls younger than 14 give birth in Ukraine each year and 100 more abort. According to the Ministry of Health, unplanned pregnancies account for 65% of the country’s abortions.

UNFPA Representative Nuzhat Ehsan is quoted saying the, “UNFPA State of world population report proves that family planning has a multiplying positive impact on countries’ development. And the government in Ukraine declared it will guarantee a right for family planning to Ukrainian people.”  Investments in family planning can help developing countries save resources for development. According to UNFPA report, women who use contraception are generally healthier, have higher income and are more productive economically.

Read in Ukrainian: UNIAN agency, Voice of America (Ukrainian service), Korrespondent, Gazeta, UNIAN agency, BBC (Ukrainian service), Podrobnosti, Liga Watch in Ukrainian: 1+1 TV, National television of Ukraine

UNITED STATES: Multiple media outlets, including The Associated Press, Huffington Post, Inter Press Service, CBS News and others, on 14 and 15 November reported on the launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report.  The Christian Science Monitor on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. “It is the first time the U.N. Population Fund's annual report explicitly describes family planning as a human right. It effectively declares that legal, cultural, and financial barriers to accessing contraception and other family planning measures are an infringement of women's rights." Read in English: Huffington Post, The Associated Press, Inter Press Service, Voice of America, UPI, US News & World Report.

7Nov/12Off

TURKEY: Women Friendly Cities Project Carried Out in 12 Cities

haberfx.net on 7 November reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the contributions of the Embassy of Sweden, carried out in 12 cities,  the United Nations Women Friendly Cities Project. Read in Turkish: haberfx.net

11Oct/12Off

GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

BELARUS: The Interfax News Agency on 13 October reported on the family and early marriage situation in Kazakhstan quoting UNFPA Sub-regional director Nikolai Botev saying that “In the world, out of young women that are currently in the age group 20-24 there are about 10% that got married before 15 years of age. For some regions of the world, especially in Africa and India  this percent reaches 30.” Read in Russian: Interfax News Agency

BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets on 11 October reported on UNFPA's press release on the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in Spanish: Página Siete, ERBOL

CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 11 October and CRTV on 8 October an interview with UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler about the celebration of the first International Day of the Girl Child in Cameroon. He says that UNFPA will organize very soon a campaign to tackle one the consequences of early marriage, that is, obstetric fistula for which the youngest patient is only 11 years old.

COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets, reported on 10, 11 and 12 October on the first International Day of the Girl Child, drawing attention to the fact that child marriage could affect 142 million girls in 2020. In Costa Rica, new data on early marriages or unions, from the 2011 Census, was released. There is a significant proportion of girls between 12 and 18 who are entering early marriages and relationships, generally with adult men,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s SRH Officer. Listen and watch in Spanish: Nuetra Voz, Monumental, Escuchar Radio ADN, Radio Nacional, Radio Reloj, Noticias Reloj, Noticias ADN, Escuchar Radio Nacional, Noticias Columbia , Ver Telenoticias, Canal 7 , Ver RTN Noticias, Canal 13 , Ver NC Once , Ver Telenoticias , Ver Canal 9 , Ver Telenoticias , Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Radio Columbia,  Ver Programa Giros , Ver Canal 9 Read: La Nación, 11 Octubre 2012, La Nación, 12 Octubre 2012, Opinión en Diario Extra, and Diario Extra.

CUBA: Multiple media outlets between 11 and 15 reported on the first International Day of the Girl Child. The reports referred to the participation of UNICEF and UNFPA in the commemoration, and cited the presence of Jesus Robles, International Programme Coordinator of UNFPA  in Cuba. Read in Spanish: Juventud Rebeide, CubaTV, Revista Mujeres, Tribuna de La Habana, SEMlac, IPS

EL SALVADOR: La Prensa Grafica on 12 October interviewed UNFPA Representative Elena Zuniga who described the situation of girl and adolescents in the country and described the state's role in protecting them. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica

ETHIOPIA: The Daily Monitor, Sub Saharan Informer, Addis Admas and The Reporter from 13-14 October reported that if current trends continue, the number of girl child marriages will increase dramatically over the next 10 years, according to “Marrying too young: End Early Marriage,” a news report released on by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child.

The report also finds that despite laws to prevent its practice, child marriage has remained mostly constant in developing countries over the past decade. “No social, cultural or religious rationale for child marriage can possibly justify the damages these marriages do to young girls and their potential,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “A girl should have the right to choose whom she marries and when. Since many parents and communities also want the very best for their daughters, we must work together to end child marriage. It is the only course by which we can avert what otherwise is the human tragedy of child marriage.” In 2010 a total of 158 countries reported that 18 years was the minimum legal age for marriage for women without parental consent or approval by a pertinent authority. Still, in 2010, one in three girls or 67 million girls were married before their 18th birthday in developing countries (excluding China). Progress has been made and the report finds that child marriage has declined in some developing countries, including Armenia, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Nepal, among other countries.

GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 13 October reported that the vulnerability and exclusion faced by millions of children and adolescents in the world, led the United Nations to make the decision to commemorate 11 October as the Day of the Girl.  Leonor Calderon, UNFPA Representative in Guatemala indicates that there are many reasons. The International Day of the Girl Child is a call for reflection on the situation of vulnerability and risk that many girls have just for being girls. There are countless examples in Guatemala where the girl is subjected to many injustices: human trafficking, sex trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Until July this year, 11 girls 10 years of age have been mothers. The number of mothers under 14 years is 448,000. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre

GUYANA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 October on UNFPA's celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held at the Duke Lodge in Georgetown Guyana and was facilitated by UNFPA and the Ministry of Labour and Human Services and Social Security. Read in English: GINA and Guyana Chronicle

JAMAICA: The Jamaica Information Service reported on 13 October that, "on 11 October, the first International Day of the Girl Child, the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean (SRO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth in Jamaica, hosted a public forum on sexual violence under the theme: 'Ending Impunity for Sexual Violence: Breaking the Silence.’ In her welcome remarks, Ms. Geeta Sethi, Director, UNFPA SRO explained that although the global focus was on child marriage, based on recent events in Jamaica (an upsurge in cases of sexual violence against women and girls) the decision was taken to focus on sexual violence. She said the forum was the first  in a series of conversations and discussions, "because this is an issue that we all need to talk about more, so that we can all understand what’s happening better and understand how we can find solutions to this.”  Read in English: Jamaica Information Service

The Jamaica Observer reported on 13 October that girls were the focus of a high level panel discussion at the United Nations headquarters in New York where UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Girls Not Brides, focused on ways to end child marriage. The article also mentioned a public forum put on by the UNFPA sub-regional office for the caribbean to mark the day. Read in English: Jamaica Observer

JORDAN: All local daily newspapers and different news agencies reported on 11 October that UNFPA Jordan , as part of the International Day of Girl Child activities, has organized an awareness interactive session for Syrians in Za’tri camp in Mafraq, on the risks of early marriages, especially its effect on both young girl’s health and future.

The session was conducted for girls aged 15-19 and their mothers, where a sketch on early marriage was presented by two Syrian young girls followed by a discussion on health implications and problems that this issue might cause. Media reporters were invited to attend, and a brief was done to them on UNFPA’s services in the camp. Read in English: Jordan Times Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra, Almadenah News, Hasadjo, Addustour

KAZAKHSTAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 October on the issue of child marriage in Kazakhstan and the press conference held to mark International Day of the Girl Child in Almaty. The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund, UN children fund (UNICEF) and Sub-Regional office of UN Women in EECA. Nikolai Botev, Director of UNFPA Sub-regional office for Central Asia and Country Director in Kazakhstan, quoted a passage from the Secretary General’s message, “Investing in girls is a moral imperative – a matter of basic justice and equality.  It is an obligation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” Read in Russian: kazinform, kloop.kz, Express K, and Kazakhstan Today

KYRGYZSTAN: Kabar, Knews, 24KG, VB, Mir24TV, Central Asia.ru reported on 11 October that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund called today for a national campaign to end the harmful traditional practice of child marriage in Kyrgyzstan. The call made on the International Day of the Girl Child, is part of the day’s observance and also includes the opening of “TOO YOUNG TO MARRY - The sold childhood, a photo exhibition hosted by UNFPA. Featuring photography and video, the multimedia show highlights the personal narratives of six Kyrgyz girls married against their will at early ages. The photo exhibition aims to renew local attention to the critical issue and promote accountability from decision makers in Kyrgyzstan.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Avanessov described the impact of child marriage as, “a practice that would diminish girls’ chances of completing their education because new brides are usually forced to drop out of school to bear children and to provide household labour.” "On behalf of girls in Kyrgyzstan, we ask for your full engagement in helping us to end child marriage...We all want the best for our children and your support is crucial. It is time for policy makers, parliamentarians, communities, families and young people to address this issue head on. It is time to break the silence. Together!” said Mr. Avanessov. Read in Russian: Kabar Knews, Knews,Knews, 24KG, 24KG, VB, Open Line, for.kg, Mir24TV and Central Asia.ru

LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: KPL on 11 October, reported on the first ever celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF and UN Women in Lao PDR, organized a drawing competition for young adolescents to raise awareness about the importance of education for Lao girls. Read in French: KPL

LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 16 and 17 October on the release of the UNFPA report “Marrying too Young: End Child Marriage,” on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child. The articles feature the press advisory released by UNFPA, featured quotes by UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin and provided global statistics on early marriage. Read in Arabic: As Safir, An Nahar, UPI, Al Jaras, Al Wifaq, Lebanon Files. Read in English: Al Jaras 2

PARAGUAY: ABC Colour online reported on 12 October that, on the International Day of the Girl Child, according to UNFPA, the habit of marrying minors who have not attained the age of majority is deeply rooted in Jordanian society and has increased with the arrival in the country of refugees. Read in Spanish: ABC online

ABC Colour, in its print edition, reported on 12 October that UNFPA noted that each year 16 million adolescents between 15 and 19 give birth,  which make up 11% of births in the world. 95% of these births occur in developing countries. Read in Spanish: ABC

Radio Ñanduti reported on 11 October that according to the emergency programme coordinator of the UNFPA, Shible Sahbani, several Syrian parents have forced their daughters to marry Jordanian men. These statements were made in the context of the International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated worldwide. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti

Última Hora reported in its online edition on 11 October that during the presentation of a report by the UNFPA, to mark the first International Day of the Girl, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin emphasized that “child marriage is a terrible violation of human rights and robs girls their education, their health and their future prospects." Read in Spanish: Última Hora

RUSSIAN FEDERATION: Metronews.ru on 14 October published a column on the attitudes and issues of child marriage in Russia and surrounding countries. The column cited UNFPA data saying, “The UNFPA reports that in 2012, 14 million 200 thousand girls under the age of 18 were married.” Read in Russian: Metronews.ru

SIERRA LEONE: The New Citizen, New Vision and several other outlets reported on 15 October that the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender, and Children’s Affairs and other development partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, Restless Development and Plan International, on 11 October, launched the first ever International Day of the Girl Child at the Family Kingdom Hall in Freetown. UNFPA Country Representative, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, on behalf of the UN family, articulated the significance of the day and encouraged all hands on deck to support government for the safety and empowerment of girls and pledged the UN’s commitment to ensure that girls go to school and at least get basic education. She also stressed the UN will continue to play a major role in enhancing girls’ empowerment and development.

TAJIKISTAN: Tajik Mama and Asia Plus reported on 9 October that the UNFPA will mark the International Day of the Girl Child in Tajikistan. The main event - open debate/discussions with the involvement of young leaders, journalists, activists, governmental officials, religious leaders and parliamentarians - will be held in Dushanbe on 10 October. Campaigns in social and traditional media will be conducted with youth involvement. Read in Russian: Asia Plus and Tajik Mama

Tajik Mama reported on 7 October that Mavzuna Chorieva, bronze medalist of London 2012 Olympic Games from Tajikistan, participated in a UNFPA event devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child and delivered a speech with a call to action to support girls’ rights to education and self-actualization. Read in Russian: Tajik Mama

Asia Plus and Khovar reported on 11 October that in an effort to promote the rights of girls and to address the unique challenges that they face around the world, the International Day of the Girl Child, designated by the United Nations in 2011 is commemorated in Tajikistan by UNFPA in partnership with governmental, non-governmental and international partners. Read in Rusisan: Khovar and Asia Plus

Ozodi, the Tajikistan branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported on 10 October that issues of early marriage were addressed during the UNFPA conference devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child in Dushanbe. Read in Russian: Ozodi

TURKEY: Multiple media agencies on 11 October reported on the moves by UNFPA and its partners to raise awareness about child marriage in the region. Werner Haug, UNFPA’s director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regional office, agreed that unlisted marriages are common throughout the region. "[Child marriage] is certainly unreported across the region as the marriages themselves occur in community ceremonies but are not officially registered with the state," he said.

“Compared to 1990, we see a surprising increase, not decrease as one might expect, in child marriage in the region,” Haug said of a recently released study of 10 countries including Turkey. He cited the rise or return of traditional views of the role of women and economic, political and ethnic turmoil as well as conflict in the region as key drivers of the rise in child marriage. Read in English: Southeastern Europe Times, Today’s Zaman, and Today’s Zaman

UNITED STATES: Multiple media outletson 10-12 October reported on UNFPA and the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in English: The Associated Press, Washington PostThe New York Times, Mitchell Reports, Voice of America, Inter Press Service,

8Jun/12Off

TURKEY: Instead Of Banning Abortion

Bianet reported on 8 June that UNFPA officials stress that the underlying causes of abortion cannot be resolved through legal prohibition or moral denunciation. Instead they call for greater access to birth control methods, courses on sexual health in schools and the strengthening of the status of women. Read in English: Bianet

1Jun/12Off

TURKEY: Abortion Ban Puts Women’s Lives at Risk

BBC Turkish reported on 1 June that UNFPA Turkey country office representative Dr. Zahidul Huque says governments should promote women's freedom over their sexual lives and provide them with the necessary means to make healthy and responsible choices. Efficient post-abortion care should be provided regardless of the legal state of abortion in the country. Read in Turkish: BBC Turkish