GEORGIA: European Youth Parliament Begins
Several media outlets reported on 18 May that the first regional session of the European Youth Parliament – Georgia kicked off in Telavi, Kakheti. 80 youth representatives from all the regions of Georgia gathered for three days around a theme - Setting Directions for a Better Future. The first Telavi regional session was supported by UNFPA within the frameworks of UN Joint Programme “To Enhance Gender Equality in Georgia” and Telavi Municipality.
In the opening speech UNFPA/Georgia Assistant Representative, Mrs. Tamar Khomasuridze emphasized the importance of the event and underlined UNFPA/Georgia’s readiness to further support the projects designed and implemented by young people.
The delegates of the European Youth Parliament–Georgia discussed various issues and topics, such as women’s rights and gender equality, human rights, environment, public health and food safety, etc.
UNFPA is opening opportunities for young people through incorporating youth issues into national development strategies, expanding access to gender-sensitive sexual and reproductive health education, promoting a core package of health services and commodities for young people, and encouraging youth leadership and participation. Watch in Georgian: 1TV, Info9 Read in Georgian: ICK, Kakhtin News
KYRGYZSTAN: Country Has One of Highest Maternal Mortality Rates in Asia
Khabar.kz on 15 May reported that with 50 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, Kyrgyzstan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Central Asia, according to international organizations at a National Workshop held on 14 May in Bishkek to accelerate achievement of Millennium Development Goals. It is predicted that Kyrgyzstan cannot achieve one of the MDG’s by 2015 - to reduce maternal mortality by two-thirds. International organizations in cooperation with the Kyrgyz government developed an emergency plan for reproductive health services, antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care and emergency obstetric care, with the aim to reduce maternal mortality. Meder Omurzakov, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Kyrgyzstan, explains “It is difficult to achieve rapid change because it is a very complex task, and requires a significant sector-wide approach.” Read and watch in Russian: Khabar.kz, Ca-News, Kg.akipress
BELARUS: Photo Exhibit Promotes Family Values
Belta.by on 15 May reported on a photo exhibit jointly organized by UNFPA and mobile operator MTS. The exhibition, “Communicating Generations” has opened in Minsk with the aim to strengthen and promote family values. Images show the important and touching moments of family history, said UNFPA Programme Coordinator, Tatiana Haplichnik, at the opening of the exhibition. “We hope that this exhibition will inspire Belarusians to exhibit more respectful attitudes towards each other.” Read in Russian: Belta.by and sb.by
UKRAINE: UNFPA Calls Attention to Reproductive Health and Family Planning
Rada TV Channel on 15 May reported that to mark the International Day of Families and Family Planning week in Ukraine, UNFPA called for continuous efforts in order to further enhance reproductive health and family planning in the country. Dr. Pavlo Zamostian, UNFPA Assistant Representative, said that UNFPA in Ukraine works with the government and international development partners in order to enhance maternal and family planning services as well as provide support to enhance the sexual and reproductive health education of adolescents. Watch in Ukrainian: Rada TV Channel
ARMENIA: Census Data Processing in Armenia Continues
Multiple media outlets on 14 May reported that Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan met yesterday in New York with UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. Gevorgyan thanked UNFPA for their assistance in the national population census held in 2011, saying that processing the data from the census is not yet completed. Both parties commented on the importance of creating databases in UN member states and also discussed future cooperation. Read in Russian: Panorama and Armtown
KOSOVO: Islam and the Prevention of Violence Against Women
InterfaithKosovo on 13 May reported on a conference on the role of Islam in the prevention of gender-based violence. Visare Mujko-Nimani, UNFPA National Programme Officer, said that every member of society must fight cases of gender-based violence, domestic violence, abuse, early and forced marriages. She stressed that preventing and combating violence should be the responsibility of everyone, especially religious leaders. “The involvement and contribution of religious leaders in combating and preventing gender-based violence is important and more than necessary,” she cautioned. Read in English: InterfaithKosovo Read in Albanian: InterfaithKosovo Read in Serbian: InterfaithKosovo
MOLDOVA: First Congress of Midwives Held
Kp.md on 9 May reported on the first Congress of Midwives from 8-9 May. Moldovan Midwives received assurances from the authorities that they will be provided with better working conditions and the possibility of continuing professional development in the centre. Mr. Ian McFarlane, UNFPA Representative for Moldova, called on the government and state institutions to stimulate the birth rate in Moldova and aim to reduce maternal mortality through the implementation of quality health care services. Mr. McFarlane also noted the particular importance of the Association of Midwives of Moldova membership in the International Confederation of Midwives to ensure the exchange of experience and continuous improvement. Read in Russian: Kp.md
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
BELARUS: Opportunities for Women Cut Short
Sn-plus.com on 5 May reported that according to the National Statistics Committee, 87% of senior managers in governance structures are men and a similar pattern is observed in the private sector. Despite the fact that women make up 54% of the economically active population of Belarus and outperform men in terms of education qualifications, career opportunities for women mainly stop at middle management level. In addtion, "It is much easier for women to move up the career ladder within a company, rather than to another company” explained Ms. Tatiana Haplichnik, UNFPA Coordinator.
TURKMENISTAN: Meeting between UNFPA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Held
Mfa.gov.tm on 4 May reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mr. Werner Haug. During the talks, the sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNFPA, in particular, Turkmenistan's participation in UNFPA activities related to the definition of the global development agenda beyond 2015. Read in Russian: Mfa.gov.tm
GEORGIA: Census 2014 Approaching
Georgia Today on 3 May reported that the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) and UNFPA, held a donors’ conference on 30 April regarding the Population Census 2014. As a UN member state, Georgia is involved in the 2010 round of censuses; and due to the fact that this round ends in 2014, at the beginning of 2012, the UN included Georgia in the list of countries, which for certain reasons, could not perform the overall Census of Population. On 2 April, the Government Commission for Coordination of Population Census, on its first session, approved the 2014 Georgian Population Census Program and announced the date – 5 to 19 November 2014. UNFPA Assistant Representative Tamar Khomasuridze is quoted saying, “A census is the most reliable primary source of information and takes stock of a country’s most important asset – human capital.” Read in English: Georgia Today and Inter Press Service. Watch in Georgian: 1TV, iMedi, Maestro. Read in Georgian: BPI and Media News
BELARUS: Photo Competition Announced
Belta.by on 3 May reported that UNFPA and the JV "Mobile TeleSystems" announced a family photo contest "Communicating generations" where pictures reflect true family values and common interests. The competition is organized with the aim of strengthening and promoting family values and building an understanding of the importance of family.Hopefully the photo competition and exhibition will draw attention to the importance of the conservation and development of family values" said UNFPA Coordinator, Ms. Tatiana Haplichnik. Read in Russian: Belta.by, Delovoyminsk, Palese and Mazyr
BELARUS: Directory Created to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence
Multiple media outlets on 3 May reported that Belarus has created a directory of state and public organizations that provide assistance to citizens experiencing domestic violence. The handbook was prepared by the Belarusian Association of Young Christian women as part of the international technical assistance project "Strengthening national capacity of the state to combat domestic violence in the Republic of Belarus," with financial and technical support from UNFPA, UNICEF and IOM, as well as financial support from the UN Trust Fund "Stop violence against women." Read in Russian: Gisp and Ostanovinasilie
ARMENIA: Sex Imbalances Threaten Demographics
Multiple media outlets on 2 May reported that the UNFPA Armenia Country Office presented the findings of the 2012-2013 “Sex Imbalances at Birth in Armenia: Demographic Evidence and Analysis” study. The purpose of the study was an in-depth analysis of sex-at-birth imbalances in Armenia and projecting the possible consequences of the skewed sex ratio for the country. According to the study, if the adverse practice of preventing girls from being born for the sake of having a boy is continued, almost 93,000 women will “go missing” and Armenia’s population will reduce by an additional 80,000 inhabitants. “If we fail to prevent this process, some men of the most active age in terms of entering marriage, 20-39 year olds, will relatively soon face problems, being unable to find a pair will be forced either to migrate or to look for wives from abroad,” said Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Assistant Representative. Read in English: ArmRadio, Panorama, Arm Town, News.am and Tert.am Read in Russian: Panorama and Arm Town
UZBEKISTAN: Tashkent to Host Seminar on Anniversary of ICPD
Multiple media outlets reported on 30 April that the Institute of Economics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre "Oila" with the support of UNFPA will organize a workshop to discuss issues related to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Uzbekistan. The workshop will address the issues of population, health, particularly reproductive and maternal health, empowerment of women, environmental protection and the fight against tuberculosis. Uzbekistan’s achievements in the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action will also be discussed and further ways to deepen the progress in implementing recommendations to be identified. Read in Russian: UzDaily, News Mail and 12 News
AZERBAIJAN: UNFPA, Ombudsman Discuss Population Dynamics
Sia.az & Vesti.az on 27 April reported that Azerbaijani Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova met with UN Resident Coordinator Brock Antonius and UNFPA Assistant Representative Farid Babaev, to discuss issues of population and development. The meeting was also attended by officials and representatives of non-governmental and international organizations. The outcome of the discussions was the adoption of a number of recommendations on the progress made in reproductive health, population dynamics, aging, internal migration and gender barriers to emerging and existing problems. Read in English: Sia.az Read in Russian: Vesti.az
BELARUS: The Domestic Violence Situation in Brest
Multiple media on 26 April published materials on a research presentation on the domestic violence situation in the Brest region. UNFPA’s Galina Desyatkova is mentioned in the article. Read in Russian: B-G.by, Kamenec
TURKMENISTAN: Workshop Held for Media
E-newspaper Turkmenistan on 26 April reported that UNFPA and Youth Organization of Turkmenistan, Magtymguly (YO), organized a 3-day workshop for media workers on promoting healthy youth lifestyles, including adolescent reproductive health, in the national mass media. More than 20 representatives from print, electronic media, radio and TV, as well as youth volunteers and the national specialist on youth issues, participated in the workshop. Ms. Stela Serghiuta, UNFPA international consultant, was invited to conduct the workshop. Read in Russian: Turkmenistan
BELARUS: Contest for Best Publication on Gender Issues
Multiple media on 25 April published information about the UNFPA contest for the best journalistic publication on gender issues. Read in Russian: Belta.by, Buj.by
EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA REGION: ASTRA Member Attends UNFPA’s Thematic Meeting
Astra reported on 23 April that ASTRA member Milena Kadieva participated in the 2nd Thematic Meeting "Inequalities, Social Inclusion and Rights” which was held in Belgrade, Serbia on 15-16 April and jointly organized by UNFPA and UNECE. The meeting feeds into the ICPD Beyond 2014 Review Process in the UNECE region which will be finalised on 1-2 July at the Regional Conference “Enabling choices: Population priorities for the 21st century." Read in English: Astra
UZBEKISTAN: Maternal and Child Health Discussed
Multiple media outlets on 23 April reported that Tashkent hosted a round table on "Social initiatives in the area of safe motherhood and childhood" organized by the Social Initiatives Support Fund, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNFPA. This project covers all regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan with over 1.2million beneficiaries. More than 27,000 training seminars have been conducted and about 600,000 copies of the relevant material printed and distributed. Karl Kulessa, UNFPA Representative in Uzbekistan, said that in other countries it is more difficult to discuss some of the issues in the field of maternal and child health at the national level. In Uzbekistan, UNFPA is working in partnership with the government and civil society organizations, and is producing positive results. Read in Russian: UzDaily, Minzdrav, UzReport, Adolat, Naesmi
KAZAKHSTAN: Fulfilling the Potential of Youth
Nevoproz on 23 April interviewed UNFPA National Programme Associate Ms. Yuliya Lyssenkova and UNFPA Youth Programme Specialist Ms. Marija Vasileva-Blazev. The UNFPA experts offered insight into the challenges faced by Kazakh youth today and described some innovative Y-PEER approaches across the region. “I believe that the more we invest, support, train and give opportunities for the development of young people, the more positive results we see in the future for the community, the country and the region as a whole” said Ms. Vasileva-Blazev. Read in Russian: Nevoproz and Nevoproz
UKRAINE: A Total Marketing Approach to Ensure Universal Access to Contraceptives
Multiple media outlets on 23 April reported on a 3-day meeting, jointly organized by PATH International and UNFPA on the total marketing approach. The meeting brought together over 55 participants from Eastern Europe and Central Asia representing governments, civil society and UNPFA country office staff. Implementing a total marketing approach helps to ensure universal and sustainable access to modern contraceptive methods and products for reproductive health. “The total marketing approach is based on partnership and shared responsibility of the public and private sectors and means that the government must play a leadership role in creating an enabling environment” said Nuzhat Ehsan, UNFPA Representative for Ukraine. Read in Russian: Ru.TSN, Izvestia, DFact, Vsekommentarii, Chernivtsi
BELARUS: Resource Kit for Gender-ethical Journalism Translated Into Russian
WACC on 23 April reported that, according to UNPFA Communication/Advocacy Assistant Paulina Ivanko, UNFPA in Belarus is translating into Russian the Resource Kit for Gender-Ethical Journalism published by WACC and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), for students and teachers of Journalism at Belarusian Universities. "We want to provide our nationals with modern and sound information on gender and therefore give them the choice to decide whether they share the idea of gender equality or treat it with reserve. In this regard it's critical for journalists, university students and professors of the departments of journalism to understand 'gender' and write about it in an educated manner, to avoid simplification, as the media is the main instrument to form public opinion and to change situations for the better," explained Ms. Ivanko. Read in English: WACC
KAZAKHSTAN: Startling Statistics on Suicide and Abortions
Nevoproz.kz on 23 April used statistical data provided by UNFPA to draw attention to alarming statistics regarding suicides as well as abortions, both worldwide and within Kazakhstan. Read in Russian: Nevoproz and Nevoproz
KAZAKHSTAN: Improving Access to Quality SRH
Parlam.kz and Nomad.su on 23 April reported that the country is working in close collaboration with UNFPA on projects aimed to improve the access of young women and men to high quality sexual and reproductive health including prevention of HIV transmission. UNFPA attended a meeting with members of the Social Council of the ruling People Democratic Party Nur Otan Parliament faction to discuss issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive health and rights and family planning. UNFPA contributed to recommendations on how to make legislation and practices of applying the law more conducive to ICPD commitments. Read in Russian: Parlam.kz and Nomad.su
KAZAKHSTAN: UN Agencies Lauch Project in Mangistau Region
Tumba.kz on 19 April reported that representatives from UN agencies, including UNFPA, visited the Mangistau region to launch a joint project "Empowering Mangistau region to ensure sustainable and equitable progress in the economic, social and environmental development of the population, including the most vulnerable groups." The main priorities are the area's economic growth and expansion of income-earning opportunities for vulnerable groups. In the social sphere, efforts will focus on reducing inequalities in access to health services, as well as improving the quality of care, in both urban and rural areas, with particular attention paid to women and children. Read in Russian: Tumba.kz
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Ensuring Universal Access to Contraceptives
Bljesak & Depo on 18 April reported on a meeting convened by the UNFPA, together with PATH, a global health organization, to discuss a road map for the introduction of a “total market approach” to ensure universal access to modern contraceptives and other reproductive health commodities in the region. The meeting gathered representatives of government and civil society from eight Southeastern European countries. “The total market approach is an important tool not only for making the supply of reproductive health commodities more sustainable, but also for eliminating existing barriers to modern family planning methods,” said Doina Bologa, UNFPA’s Country Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Read in Bosnian: Bljesak, Depo
BELARUS: More Women Needed At the Top
Tut.by on 17 April published an article discussing the lack of women in top leadership positions. Women make up 54% of the economically active population of Belarus and women in the country also achieve higher levels of education. Despite this, according to the National Statistics Committee 87% of senior managers in government structures are men and a similar pattern is also observed in the private sector. Tatiana Haplichnik, Program Coordinator for UNFPA described the current situation and suggests some reasons behind the lack of women in leadership in Belarus. Read in Russian: Tut.by
SERBIA: Population Trends to Be Examined
Multiple media outlets on 17 April reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Policy Jovan Krkobabic spoke with the Regional Director of UNFPA for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Werner Haug and the Director for the Western Balkans Doina Bologa. Krkobabic expressed his gratitude for the assistance offered, adding that the relevant ministry and the UNFPA have a common goal and that is to provide assistance to all who need it. Haug and Bologa confirmed readiness of the UNFPA to assist in collecting and analysing data that can contribute to a better understanding and prediction of population trends, as well as to support the work of the National Council on Ageing Issues. Read in English: Srbija Read in Serbian: Srbija and Pups