From 11 to 15 April, 2011, EPF led a parliamentary Delegation to the 44th session of UN Commission on Population and Development, which took place at UN Headquarters in New York, USA. The delegation included four members of Parliament from Belgium, Germany and Russia.

This year’s session of the Commission focused on the subject of fertility, reproductive health and development. CPD also held a general debate on how to ensure the full implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD PoA) which has just been extended beyond 2014 based on a decision by the UN General Assembly. In addition, Members of the Parliamentary Delegation met with the representatives of their national delegations, United Nations Agencies, such as UNFPA and UN Women, various civil society organisations and the delegation of the European Commission to the UN. The overall aim of the visit was to ensure the support that is needed from parliamentarians in guaranteeing the full implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

In her two interventions: during the CPD Session and at the USAID side event, Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman, Senator (Belgium) spoke about the twofold European approach to ensuring the implementation of MDGs and ICPD Programme of Action: by supporting long-term efforts in developing countries and by cooperating with multi-lateral partners, especially UNFPA and civil society organisations. She also stressed the need to urgently neutralise the exceptional politisation around issues of family planning and SRHR.

Senator Temmerman also expressed concern that although the right to sexual and reproductive health has been proclaimed, it is far from being universally respected. She called or Governments to ensure the access to full range of affordable sexual and reproductive health services, information and supplies, including services for young people, to guarantee sexuality education, to implement gender equality measures and to guarantee the full implemenation of ICPD Programme of action both in terms of policies and funding.

The outcome document of the 44th annual session of the Commission on Population and Development reaffirmed the landmark International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action and brought the international community one step closer to ensuring that all people have access to necessary reproductive health services. Members of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development safeguarded the rights of women and young people to access education and lifesaving services.

You can download a copy of Senator Professor Dr. Temmerman' speeches below:

For her speech at the USAID side event at the CPD, click here

For her statement on behalf of EPF at the UNCPD, click here