The Futures Group International Research Triangle Institute The Centre for Development and Population Activities with Funding from the U.S. Agency for.

The Futures Group InternationalThe Futures Group International

Research Triangle InstituteResearch Triangle Institute

The Centre for Development and Population The Centre for Development and Population ActivitiesActivities

with Funding from the U.S. Agency for with Funding from the U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentInternational DevelopmentPOL CYI

Reproductive HealthAnd

Human Rights

Outline of PresentationHuman rights documents support reproductive rightsGood human rights practices contribute to good RHHuman rights toolsChallenges for POLICY II

Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus

Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995

Uni

vers

al

Dec

lara

tion

of

Hum

an R

ight

s

Inte

rnat

ional

Con

fere

nce

on P

opula

tion

and

Dev

elop

men

tFo

urt

h W

orld

Con

fere

nce

on W

omen

Uni

ted

Nat

ions

Cha

rter

Con

vention

for

the

Elim

inat

ion

of A

ll Fo

rms

of

Dis

crim

inat

ion

Agai

nst

Wom

en

Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus

Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995

Uni

vers

al

Dec

lara

tion

of

Hum

an R

ight

s

Inte

rnat

ional

Con

fere

nce

on P

opula

tion

and

Dev

elop

men

tFo

urt

h W

orld

Con

fere

nce

on W

omen

Uni

ted

Nat

ions

Cha

rter

Con

vention

for

the

Elim

inat

ion

of A

ll Fo

rms

of

Dis

crim

inat

ion

Agai

nst

Wom

en

Key International Laws, Declarations and Consensus

Statements 1945 1948 1982 1994 1995

Uni

vers

al

Dec

lara

tion

of

Hum

an R

ight

s

Inte

rnat

ional

Con

fere

nce

on P

opula

tion

and

Dev

elop

men

tFo

urt

h W

orld

Con

fere

nce

on W

omen

Uni

ted

Nat

ions

Cha

rter

Con

vention

for

the

Elim

inat

ion

of A

ll Fo

rms

of

Dis

crim

inat

ion

Agai

nst

Wom

en

Link Between Human Rights and Reproductive

Rights at ICPDReproductive 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.

Reproductive Rights

are

Human Rights

RESPECT

PROTECT

FULFILL

PROMOTE

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

Difficulty with intercourse, obstructed childbirth, infection, infertility, RH-related emotional distress

Female genital cutting, other harmful cultural practices

Care denied solely on HIV status

RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence

of Human/Reproductive Rights

New or current HIV+ client denied access to care

Inappropriate referrals to specialists

Serious RH and other health risks for client, partner and othersClient suffers further RH problems due to lack of timely care

Provider claims insufficient HIV treatment expertise

Husband’s consent necessary for women’s medical treatment

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

Men are unable to access services

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

No privacy in counseling area of RH clinic

RH Outcomes are Related to Adherence of

Human/Reproductive RightsClient unable or embarrassed to ask questions about methods or services

Non-use or incorrect use of methods or unnecessary discontinuation contributes to unwanted pregnancyMaternal/child morbidity or mortality

Health centers are not equipped to handle emergency obstetric care (i.e., trained providers, supplies, equipment)

Lack of access to emergency obstetric care

IPPF Rights of The Client

Information Access Choice Safety Privacy

Confidentiality Dignity Comfort Continuity Opinion

Governments Have the Duty to…

Respect rights – not requiring authorization by husbands or partners for women to obtain RH services

Protect rights – taking positive action against hospitals that perform FGC

Promote/fulfill rights – implementing programs for women who are at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS

Source: CEDAW General Recommendation on Women and Health

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

Gostin and Lazzarini, 1997Gostin and Lazzarini, 1997

Good Human Rights Practices Contribute to Good

Reproductive Health

“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

Tools for Respecting, Promoting and Protecting

Human Rights through Reproductive Health•Laws

•Policies

•Regulation

•Advocacy

•Documentation

•Reporting

Laws, Policies, Regulations

Laws, Policies, Regulations:International

Countries that ratified human rights treaties are required to report regularly

Laws, Policies, Regulations:

NationalNational laws, regulations, and policies reflect international human rights laws, conventions and declarations

Laws, Policies, Regulations:Operational

Service delivery policies/guidelines respect clients rights to access to quality information and services free from bias, discrimination and violence

Advocacy, Documentation, & Reporting

YOU can make a difference!!

P O L C YI

What Can POLICY Do to Improve Reproductive Health Using Human

Rights Tools?

AdvocacyParticipation TrainingResourcesResearch

Nationally:

POL CYI

Hold governments accountable for human/reproductive rights obligationsIdentify/document/report violationsAdvocate for changes in lawMake complaints to HR commissionsOffer direct legal servicesEnsure women access to courts

AdvocacyPOL CYI

Emphasize --Gender perspective Involve womenInclude menInclude young adults

ParticipationPOL CYI

Comprehensive Mandatory Gender-sensitive

Training for Health WorkersPOL CYI

Develop culture of respect - for human rights- for women’s rights

Create women’s access to justice Teach women's rights in law schools

Training for JudgesPOL CYI

Ensure that reproductive health care needs are equally represented with other health care needs in national budgets

ResourcesPOL CYI

Study the impact of human/ reproductive rights implementation on reproductive health outcomes

ResearchPOL CYI

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 would you need to implement these activities?

Assessment Assessment QuestionsQuestions