At the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, Tara Soomro, affirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development. She voiced disappointment over the failure to secure a consensus that reinforces the principles established by the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Agenda 2030, despite the goodwill evident among delegates.
Youth delegate Neisha passionately highlighted the pressing challenges young people face, particularly the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent girls. She stressed the urgent necessity for policies that reflect their realities, reinforcing that the inability to reach a consensus this year is a significant setback in fulfilling global commitments.
The ICPD Programme of Action asserts that investing in human rights and reproductive rights is essential for sustainable development—a truth that remains unchanged. However, the current climate illustrates a severe regression in these hard-won rights, as previous agreements are now being scrutinised and undermined.
The discussion surrounding universal access to sexual and reproductive health services is critical. It concerns the autonomy of women and girls over their bodies, the accessibility to life-saving information for youth, and essential services for individuals at heightened risk, particularly in humanitarian crises. Tragically, over 700 women die daily from preventable causes, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive policy action.
A weakening of existing commitments doesn’t illustrate progress but instead signals a dangerous retreat from established norms. Neglecting the intertwined issues of health, climate change, and inequality fails to make these challenges disappear. The UK, alongside international allies, remains resolute in championing gender equality and sustainable development as vital shared commitments.
During the 58th session of the CPD, the UK reinforced its dedication to gender equality and human rights despite failing to reach a consensus on key issues. Ambassador Tara Soomro expressed disappointment, noting the critical needs addressed by youth delegate Neisha regarding adolescent health. The UK’s commitment to uphold ICPD principles and support vulnerable groups remains unwavering, stressing the importance of actionable policies.
The UK’s statement at the CPD58 underscores a crucial commitment to safeguarding gender equality and human rights. Despite setbacks in consensus achievement, the emphasis on progress, responsibility, and accountability remains firm. The acknowledgment of the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, calls for concerted action to maintain and enhance reproductive rights, echoing a promise made in 2015 to leave no one behind.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
