The Futures Group International Research Triangle Institute

1. P Y O C L I Reproductive Health And Human Rights • The Futures Group International • Research Triangle Institute • The Centre for Development and Population Activities • with Funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development

2. Outline of Presentation • Human rights documents support reproductive rights • Good human rights practices contribute to good RH • Human rights tools • Challenges for POLICY II

3. Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations Charter Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women International Conference on Population and Development

4. Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations Charter Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women International Conference on Population and Development

5. Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations Charter Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women International Conference on Population and Development

6. Link Between Human Rights and Reproductive Rights at ICPD Reproductive rights reflect human rights that are already internationally recognized. These rights rest on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It also includes their right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence as expressed in human rights documents.

7. RESPECT PROMOTE Reproductive Rights are Human Rights PROTECT FULFILL

8. RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence of Human/Reproductive Rights Rape, gender-based violence, trafficking of women & girls Unwanted pregnancy Miscarriage STI/HIV/AIDS Infertility Psychological trauma Female genital cutting, other harmful cultural practices Difficulty with intercourse, obstructed childbirth, infection, infertility, RH-related emotional distress

9. RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence of Human/Reproductive Rights Serious RH and other health risks for client, partner and others New or current HIV+ client denied access to care • Care denied solely on HIV status Provider claims insufficient HIV treatment expertise Client suffers further RH problems due to lack of timely care Inappropriate referrals to specialists

10. RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence of Human/Reproductive Rights Woman’s lack of access to FP methods/services Lack of access to emergency obstetric care • Husband’s consent necessary for women’s medical treatment Unwanted pregnancy Death in childbirth Poor reproductive heath for men and their partners STI/HIV/AIDS Services focused entirely on women to the exclusion of men Men are unable to access services

11. RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence of Human/Reproductive Rights Client unable or embarrassed to ask questions about methods or services Non-use or incorrect use of methods or unnecessary discontinuation contributes to unwanted pregnancy • No privacy in counseling area of RH clinic • Health centers are not equipped to handle emergency obstetric care (i.e., trained providers, supplies, equipment) Lack of access to emergency obstetric care Maternal/child morbidity or mortality

12. IPPF Rights of The Client • Information • Access • Choice • Safety • Privacy • Confidentiality • Dignity • Comfort • Continuity • Opinion

13. Governments Have the Duty to… • Respectrights – not requiring authorization by husbands or partners for women to obtain RH services • Protectrights – taking positive action against hospitals that perform FGC • Promote/fulfillrights – implementing programs for women who are at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS Source: CEDAW General Recommendation on Women and Health

14. Good Human Rights Practices Contribute to Good Reproductive Health “Promoting women’s full and equal access to and enjoyment of basic human rights (e.g., education, adequate standard of living, equal employment opportunity, equal rights during and after marriage, access to necessary medical care, and safety and security of person) is not only worthwhile but promotes women’s ability to protect themselves from disease.” Gostin and Lazzarini, 1997

15. “The most difficult issues of behavior or practices like rape, incest, female genital mutilation, the idea of female reproductive rights – all these concepts we would never have been able to discuss just a few years ago…. [This] is an indication of massive, massive change in thinking.” Nafis Sadik 2000

16. Tools for Respecting, Promoting and Protecting Human Rights through Reproductive Health • Laws • Policies • Regulation • Advocacy • Documentation • Reporting

17. Laws, Policies, Regulations

18. Laws, Policies, Regulations:International Countries that ratified human rights treaties are required to report regularly

19. Laws, Policies, Regulations:National National laws, regulations, and policies reflect international human rights laws, conventions and declarations

20. Laws, Policies, Regulations:Operational Service delivery policies/guidelines respect clients rights to access to quality information and services free from bias, discrimination and violence

21. Advocacy, Documentation, & Reporting YOU can make a difference!!

22. P Y O C L I What Can POLICY Do to Improve Reproductive Health Using Human Rights Tools?

23. P Y O C L I Nationally: • Advocacy • Participation • Training • Resources • Research

24. P Y O C L I Advocacy • Hold governments accountable for human/reproductive rights obligations • Identify/document/report violations • Advocate for changes in law • Make complaints to HR commissions • Offer direct legal services • Ensure women access to courts

25. P Y O C L I Participation Emphasize -- • Gender perspective • Involve women • Include men • Include young adults

26. P Y O C L I Training for Health Workers • Comprehensive • Mandatory • Gender-sensitive

27. P Y O C L I Training for Judges • Develop culture of respect - for human rights - for women’s rights • Create women’s access to justice • Teach women's rights in law schools

28. P Y O C L I Resources • Ensure that reproductive health care needs are equally represented with other health care needs in national budgets

29. P Y O C L I Research • Study the impact of human/ reproductive rights implementation on reproductive health outcomes

30. Assessment Questions • What are the current human rights issues in your country related to reproductive health? • What types of human rights activities could POLICY do in your country to address these issues? • What are the constraints you face in implementing human rights activities? • What types of resources wouldyou need to implement these activities?