PAKISTAN: Observes “Mother And Child Week” To Develop Healthy Families
Xinhua reported on 30 April that health departments from all of Pakistan’s provinces observed the "Mother and Child Week" from 25 to 30 April with the help of donor agencies, including UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA.
PARAGUAY: UNFPA, WHO Initiatives Supports Sex Work Ordinance
Multiple media outlets reported on 29 April that the “Frente Guasu” initative of the Municipality of Asunción and the NGO United in Hope called for the presentation and discussion of the draft ordinance on sex work. The initiative is supported by UNFPA and the WHO. Read in Spanish: UPI
ARGENTINA: UNFPA and Ministry Of Education Present Magazine on Sexuality Education
Página 12 reported on 29 April that UNFPA and the National Ministry of Education published a magazine on comprehensive sexuality education and the family. “The big battle is to get comprehensive sexual education in classrooms and at homes. Until this happens, we will not relent," said the National Education Minister in the presentation. “What we do is to try to enforce the law” he added. Eleonor Faur, the Liaison Officer for UNFPA Argentina said, “This magazine is a brilliant and lovely idea. It overcomes the false dichotomy that argued that sex education is either the responsibility of the family or of the school." Read in Spanish: Pagina 12
PAKISTAN: Government Turns Down $33m UN Rohingya Project
The Financial Express reported on 29 April that the government has turned down a $33 million United Nations project aimed at reducing poverty in Cox's Bazar after it alleged that the scheme mainly targeted the rehabilitation of Rohingya refugees in the country. Four United Nations agencies - UNICEF, WFP, UNDP and UNFPA - initiated the project to cut poverty in Cox's Bazar's southern most sub-districts of Ukhia and Teknaf. Read: The Financial Express
INDIA: Five Departments Under Panchayats Fail to Deliver Results
The Times of India reported on 29 April that six months after the Rajasthan government developed the powers of five important departments on panchayati raj institutions with much fanfare, activists of civil society organizations say the performance of panchayat bodies in controlling the activities of these departments has been far from satisfactory. The occasion was a three-day residential training programme run for the representatives of partner organizations of Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) from 16 districts working on a three-year- project to strengthen gender response of panchayats, launched with the support of UNFPA. Read: The Times of India
MOZAMBIQUE: Female DJs Competition Incorporates SRH And HIV Prevention and Sensitization
TVM’s “Mais Jovem” talk show reported on 29 April that “Geração Biz,” a UNFPA-supported programme, is organizing a national contest of female music DJs working in clubs and radio stations. The contest will run in all 11 provinces, and the best DJs will compete at the final in June, in Maputo. During the contest, it was mentioned, the DJs will take part in parallel sessions to learn about sexual and reproductive health, including HIV prevention. The aim of these sessions is to equip them with skills and information to share with their audiences.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Donation to Strengthen National Data System
DRTV and Congo-site reported on 29 April UNFPA’s donation of information technology and communications equipment to the ministries of economy, health, education, home affairs and social affairs to support the Congolese statistical data system and implementation of IMIS. UNFPA Representative David Lawson said, "The collection, use and analysis of demographic data to inform public policy and programmes is a guiding principle of UNFPA support to governments worldwide. We trust that this donation will strengthen the formulation of development policies by national authorities and monitoring and evaluation of these programmes and policies by these authorities and civil society." Read in French: Congo-site
ARGENTINA: UNFPA and INSGENAR Release Report on Adolescents and Sexual Health Services
Multiple media outlets reported on 27 and 28 April that UNFPA and INSGENAR (Gender, Rigths and Development Institute) published the results of research on adolescents and access to sexual and reproductive health. The report, called "Is Everything Okay? Adolescence and Sexual Health Services,” was performed in five provinces in the country: Misiones, Formosa, Còrdoba, Tucumán and Santa Fé. It found that adolescents who seek sexual health services are often faced with administrative obstacles or prejudices that serve to keep them from returning. Read in Spanish: Tiempo Argentino, El Territorio, El Dia
GEORGIA: Strengthening Health Care System Response to Domestic Violence
24 Hours and GINSC reported on 28 April that the State Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence, supported by the UNFPA/Georgia, conducted a meeting on strengthening health care system response to domestic violence. The meeting aimed at integrating the health care system in the National Referral Mechanism for the Victims of Domestic Violence through establishing relevant mechanisms for identification, referral and provision of quality health care services to the victims of domestic violence. Research and situation assessment, as well as recommendations on mainstreaming domestic violence in the health care system, elaborated by the UNFPA/Georgia-supported local expert, were presented and discussed at the meeting. The outcomes of the meeting will serve as a baseline to a multi-phase initiative entailing formulation of targeted initiatives and supporting the development of guidelines and protocols on domestic violence for the health care professionals and conducting relevant trainings for medical personnel. Read: 24 Hours and GINSC
GEORGIA: Meeting on Domestic Violence with Ethnic Minorities
Multiple media outlets reported on 27-28 April that the State Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence, supported by the UNFPA/Georgia, conducted a meeting with the representatives of ethnic minorities on domestic violence. The meeting sought to disseminate information about the work of the State Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence, sharing information about services available for the victims of domestic violence and strengthening partnerships with the representatives of the ethnical minorities on domestic violence. UNFPA Assistant Representative Tamar Khomasudize said, “Bringing together dynamics of human rights, gender and culture is a cross-cutting approach in combating gender-based violence, therefore engaging representatives of ethnic, religious and cultural minorities in prevention efforts is the key to effectively addressing the problem.” Read: 24 Hours and GINSC Read in Georgian: Interpress News and Watch in Georgian:1TV, Imedi andReal TV
VIET NAM: Models To Minimise HIV Impacts Shared
VNA reported on 28 April on a two-day seminar on building models to prevent HIV transmission and harm reduction. Regional UNFPA advisor Julia Cabassi spoke of elements to ensure the success in HIV prevention and treatment and care for HIV positive people.
BANGLADESH: Advocacy Meeting Held for Religious Leaders
The New Nation reported on 28 April that a day-long advocacy meeting for religious leaders was organized by Islamic Foundation Narsingdi with the financial assistance of UNFPA. The meeting called on religious leaders to create awareness among the people about gender equality, children’s and women’s rights, reproductive health, protection of early marriage HIV/AIDS, safe maternity, dowry and campaign against narcotics.
ZIMBABWE: Church Shouldn’t Stigmatise
The Herald published a column on 28 April on a recent interdenominational dialogue organised by Africare to reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS. The column noted that a representative from UNFPA urged members to have unity of purpose, to be united by challenges of HIV and Aids, and not divided by church doctrines. He urged the church to seek knowledge beyond biblical mandate. He also admonished some churches not to look down upon donors as people who are spiritually unrighteous in the sight of God.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Warns Indigenous People In Danger Of Extinction
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 27 April that, in anticipation of the International Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues, UNFPA Representative David Lawson warned of the risk of extinction of the indigenous populations in Congo. According to the last census, this population accounts 53,500 people, that is 2 per cent of the total population, against 10 per cent a few year ago. Mr. Lawson blames ancestral prejudices, their relative isolation, the poor condition of indigenous women, the lack of access to medical facilities, and the AIDS epidemic: 60 per cent of indigenous youth have never seen a condom. Mr. Lawson said, "Congolese indigenous people reproductive health if not address urgently and vigorously can threaten their very existence." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
MEXICO: Interagency Committee on Trafficking Established
Multiple media outlets reported on 27 April that UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios Jaramillo and Fernando Toranzo, Governor of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, chaired the official ceremony to establish the Interagency Committee on Prevention and Eradication of human trafficking in the state of San Luis Potosi. Diego Palacios mentioned that UNFPA is concerned about human trafficking for sex exploitation because it goes against girls, adolescents, youth and women in general. "Without doubt human trafficking for sex exploitation leaves indelible marks on all women, therefore UNFPA focuses on addressing this problem thoroughly," he said. Read in Spanish: El Sol de San Luis
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Warns Indigenous People In Danger Of Extinction
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 27 April that in anticipation of the International Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues, UNFPA Representative David Lawson warned of the risk of extinction of the indigenous populations in Congo. According to the last census, this population accounts 53,500 souls, that is 2 per cent of the total population, against 10 per cent a few year ago. Mr. Lawson blames ancestral prejudices, their relative isolation, the poor condition of indigenous women, the lack of access to medical facilities, the AIDS epidemic: 60 per cent of indigenous youth have never seen a condom. Mr. Lawson said, "Congolese indigenous people reproductive health if not address urgently and vigourously can threaten their very existence." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA-Produced Gender TV Miniseries at Cannes International Film Festival
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 26 April on the presentation at the International Cannes film festival of the TV Miniseries "Les Boulistes," which was produced by UNFPA. The 12 episode miniseries focuses on gender-related issues. In its support to the director Nadege Batou, UNFPA promoted women leadership and allowed millions of viewers to be touched by the issue of gender in their living room. "Les Boulistes" will be presented in the short film corner at Cannes and it is hoped that it will reach broader audiences around the world and mobilize international producers and networks. UNFPA is producing the third season of the miniseries with a focus on youth. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
MEXICO: UNFPA Signs Agreement to Support Equitable and Sustainable Development in Puebla
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 April that UNFPA and the state government of Puebla signed an agreement that aims to promote equitable and sustainable social development in Puebla through technical cooperation activities for the implementation of programmes and projects. The agreement includes the development of various activities in the following areas: Population and development, with an emphasis on strengthening the socio-demographic information and skills for planning and conducting regional development and social policies; Universal access to sexual and reproductive health, and the full exercise of reproductive rights; and gender equality, with an emphasis on prevention of violence against women and integrating young people into development. UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios Jaramillo emphasized the importance of take advantage of the demographic bonus that the state of Puebla will experience toward 2015 and invest in the development of young men and women who currently represent one fifth of the total population, that is, 19.3 per cent of young people between 15 and 24 years of age. Read in Spanish: Radio esmeralda, Quinta columna, Sexenio, La jornada de oriente and e-consulta
INDIA: Technology, Affluence Appear To Increase Female Foeticide in India
The National (UAE) reported on 26 April on the results of India’s census, noting that the imbalance in India's sex ratio "is linked to the introduction of sex-selective abortions," according to a 2007 report from UNFPA. Abortion has been legal in India since 1971. In 2008, India recorded 6.4 million legal abortions. The country has no data on the number of illegal abortions performed, and gender-selective abortions are done illegally. Read: The National
GAMBIA:Training on Life Skills Ends
The Daily Observer reported on 26 April that The National Youth Council (NYC) recently concluded a five-day training for 20 youths on life skills at the Bansang Youth Centre in Upper Fulladu West Central River Region (CRR) south. The training was funded by UNFPA. Speaking at the occasion, Abdoulie Faye, the programme manager of NYC, said life skills are abilities which help a person to adopt and to behave positively so that he or she can deal effectively with the challenges of everyday life. He also explained that life skills include decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, interpersonal relationship, self-awareness and understanding, coping with stress and coping with emotion. "It addresses the important related issues of empowering girls and new values for boys," he added.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA-Produced Gender TV Miniseries at Cannes International Film Festival
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 26 April on the presentation at the International Cannes film festival of the TV Miniseries "Les Boulistes" produced by UNFPA. The 12 epidsodes miniseries focusses on gender-related issues. In its support to the director Nadege Batou UNFPA promoted women leadership and allowed millions of viewers to be touched by the issue of gender in their living room. "Les Boulistes" will be presented in the short film corner at Cannes and it is hoped that it will thus reach broader audiences around the world and mobilize international producers and networks. UNFPA is producing the third season of the miniseries with a focus on youth. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
THE PHILIPPINES: Ifugao In UN Population’s Programme
The Sun Star reported on 25 April that the province of Ifugao is included in the coverage of UNFPA’s seventh Country Programme on the development of the youth. UNFPA Country Representative Ugochi Daniels and UNFPA Assistant Country Representative Florence Tayzon announced this during their recent visit. The province was also a beneficiary of the UNFPA’s 6th Country Programme with three components: reproductive health, gender and population and development. Read: The Sun Star
UZBEKISTAN: UNFPA Regional Director Visits
UzDaily and CA-News reported on 21-24 April that Theodora Fierens, Regional Director of UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Office, will visit Uzbekistan to meet with national partners and participate in the international conference on democratization that is being organized in Tashkent on 22-23 April. Ms. Fierens has been invited to take part in the international conference, "The Concept of Further Deepening of Democratic Reforms and Forming of Civil Society" organized by the government of Uzbekistan. At the conference, Ms. Fierens plans to speak about the partnership between UNFPA and Uzbekistan, and address issues of UNFPA's mandate, such as reproductive health, women's empowerment, population and development and youth, and their importance for socio-economic reforms and increasing people's welfare. Ms. Fierens will also meet with representatives of key UNFPA partners, such as the Ministry of Health. Read: UzDaily and in Russian: UzDaily and CA-News
PERU: Authorities Train Nearly 100 Young People in State Projects, Leadership and Political Management
Andina reported on 24 April that nearly 100 young elected officials had access to information on programmes and projects that the State implemented for youth, and were trained in leadership and political management. The initiative, the "Second Meeting of Young Authorities" was organized by the National Youth Secretariat (Senaju) and was attended by representatives from the Education, Housing, Labour Ministry and UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Andina
BELARUS: Low Fertility, Population Decline Expected to Continue
Naviny reported on 23 April that the shrinking of Belarus’s population is expected to continue. In an address, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko called for an increase in fertility in the country, saying, “The first child is yours, the second – we will look at the family: maybe we will support it, but the family is also responsible; but the third is mine” – underlined the leader, meaning considerable state support in these terms. UNFPA Analyst Tatyana Haplichnik commented that the declining population is reality, and, in contrast to the President’s statement, called on the public to accept low fertility as it is. She argued that it is important to take closer attention to high mortality in the country, especially among working-age men. “The modern demographic situation allows the country to develop. It is important to back on quality demographic forecasts,” added Ms. Haplichnik. Read in Russian: Naviny
URUGUAY: National Youth Institute to Develop Consultancy On Youth Policies
El Observador reported on 23 April on efforts by the National Youth Institute (INJU) to promote the development of youth policies. Currently, only 40 per cent of young Uruguayans finish high school and unemployment among 18 and 24 years old people is three times higher than the national average. In the context of this project, which is supported by UNFPA, several forums will be held and a report systemizing youth policies inputs will be presented. Read in Spanish: El Observador
CUBA: Youth Exploring Love and Sex – With Fewer Constraints
IPS reported on 22 April that Cuba's young people today feel they have more freedom to navigate the waters of romantic feelings than in previous years, noting that data from UNFPA in 2010 found that the average global age of first sexual experience for men was 16, while for women it was 18.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Representative Takes Part in Broadcast On Justice, Human Rights and Indigenous People
Tele-Congo presented a special edition on 20 and 22 April of its Magazine "Justice and Human Rights" on "Justice, Human Rigths and Indigenous People,” featuring UNFPA Representative David Lawson as main guest speaker. The discussion focused on the recent International Forum on Central African Indigenous People. Mr. Lawson advocated for urgent measures to protect indigenous people from Congo from extinction, including on key issues such as reprodutive health and HIV prevention. He said: "I congratulate the Government on the adoption of a first ever law in Africa on indigenous people, however, immediate action should be taken to protect their survival."
ARMENIA: UNFPA Armenia Workshop for Journalists on Gender-Based Violence
Multiple media outlets reported on 22 April on a UNFPA-sponsored on gender-based violence issues for journalists, which included presentations on media coverage of gender-based violence issues in Armenia, the role of public campaigns, PSAs, as well as a round table discussion on “How to present the problem in Mass Media.” Read in Armenian: Panorama.am, Asekose.am, Armtown.com, Lragir.am and Yerevaklur.am
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign Launched
Multiple media outlets reported on 19-21 April about the successful completion of the first part of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign supported by UNFPA. Media reported as well on the Story Awards 2011 in Serbia where Story Award 2011 went to the four divas for "My life is my song."
UNFPA Assistant Representative Faris Hadrovic expressed satisfaction with the results achieved and announced further UNFPA actions including the organization of round tables on prevention and partnership with government institutions on developing a cervical cancer prevention programme in BiH. Read in Bosnian: Desavanja, Blin Magazin, Bljesak, Sarajevo-x, Oslobodjenje, BH Telecom, Fena, Source, Radio Sarajevo, Klix