Conference Call For Implementation Of Sexual Rights

PETALING JAYA, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health (APCRSH) which ended Sunday called on governments of the world to respect sexual and reproductive rights of their people.
The conference stated that only by respecting sexual and reproductive rights would the society at large be able to address challenges like HIV/AIDS, reducing maternal mortality, improving maternal health, reducing child mortality, promoting gender equality and eradicating poverty.
"The development of health systems and health sector reforms should not deprive people of their rights and access to affordable sexual and reproductive health," said a statement issued by the conference secretariat at the end of the four-day international conference held at the Sunway Convention Centre, here.
"We will advocate for the availability, accessibility and affordability of the widest possible range of contraceptives including emergency contraception. We will strongly promote male and female condoms for dual protection as well as the improved management of sexually transmitted diseases," the statement said.
The conference also noted and welcomed the increasing number of countries that had legalized abortion and were actively promoting safe methods of pregnancy termination.
"Nonetheless women throughout the region remain at risk of illness or death due to unsafe abortion, we will work to promote services to eliminate the harm cased by unsafe abortion while respecting the laws of the countries," the statement said.
The conference also acknowledged the special needs and rights of the marginalized and vulnerable groups including migrants, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to sexual and reproductive health services.
"We will work to end stigma and discrimination and promote social justice for all in each of our country," the statement said.
Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim closed the conference which had attracted more than 1,213 participants from 57 countries.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who delivered the conference keynote address said that education including sex education was basic to any intervention for prevention of HIV/Aids, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions especially among young girls.