Debate: th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development
Date: WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 2021
Speaker: Ana Paula Zacarias
Language: EN

As you rightly point out in your question, more than 25 years after the International Conference on Population and Development that was held in Cairo and the adoption of the landmark programme of action, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that women and girls enjoy full respect of their fundamental rights, including their sexual and reproductive and health rights.  The epidemic has affected, as we all know, in a negative and disproportionate way, the rights of women and girls.  The EU remains nevertheless committed to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing platform of action and the ICPD programme of action and the outcomes of their review conferences. In this context, it also remains committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights.  In addition to the European consensus on development, jointly signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council in 2017, where this commitment is clearly reflected, let me highlight two recent deliverables that were achieved during our Presidency.  Firstly, the Council approved unanimously the conclusions on the human rights based post—COVID 19 recovery on 22 February, as well as on strengthening Team Europe commitment to human development on 14 June.  Here we reaffirmed our commitment to the rights of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on, matters related to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence.  The document also stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and education, including comprehensive sexuality education and healthcare services.  Secondly, through the NDICI, through Global Europe, the EU will have the funds needed to advance gender equality and fight against gender—based violence globally, highlighting two spending targets.  First on human development, with at least 20% of EU ODA going to social inclusion and human development, including basic social services, notably health and sexual and reproductive health and rights.  Secondly, on gender equality, with at least 85% of new actions implemented under the instrument, having gender equality as a principal or a significant objective as defined by the gender equality policymaker of the OECD Development Assistance Committee. At least 5% of those actions should have gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment as principal objectives.  In conclusion, the EU and its Member States remain committed to the promotion of women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of all human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights, as a priority across all areas of action.  We have the political will. We have the right legislative toolbox, and now we have a set of resources to mainstream this important dimension of our external and development policy. So it’s really time to deliver together.