Asian Forum News (November-December 2012)

Nearly half of the world’s population is under the age of 25

making young people the centerpiece of future development. Yet,

while their energies and insights are crucial for development of our

societies they must deal with the ongoing challenges of securing

access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

Participants of the Global Young Parliamentarians’ Dialogue on ICPD Issues, Krabi, Thailand

Over 50 participants including young parliamentarians, experts from the United Nations and other NGOs and CSOs gathered in Krabi, Thailand on 15-16 November 2011 for a Global Young Parliamentarians Dialogue on ICPD Issues, organized by AFPPD in collaboration with the Information and External Relation Department (IERD), UNFPA.

Hon. Sen. Dr. Porapan Punyaratabandu, Secretary General, AF-PPD welcomed the young parliamentarians noting that they are the “prime focus of the international community’s ongoing efforts to tackle the multitude of issues related to the ICPD PoA in this world of 7 billion people”.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Gen. Teeradej Meepien, President of the Senate of Thailand noted “The role of young people in policy making is crucial, and we have seen the increasing engagements of youth in development programmes in recent years”.

“As parliamentarians, you play a crucial role in bridg-ing gap between the people and the government” said Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director, Information and External Relations Department (IERD), UNFPA New York. Highlighting the significant role of young parliamentarians in accelerating the implementation of the ICPD agenda, she pointed out that the young parliamentarians “are the partners who can believe in and speak out in support of investment in girls, universal access to reproductive health, and voluntary family planning and education”.

From left: Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director, IERD-UNFPA New York; Hon. Gen. Teeradej Meepien, President, Senate of Thailand; and Hon. Sen. Dr. Porapan Punyaratabandu, Senator of Thailand and Secretary General, AFPPD

Young Parliamentarians’ Perspectives

Y oung Parliamentarians

Asian Forum News: November-December 20112

and the ICPD agenda

Global Young Parliamentarians’ Dialogue on ICPD Issues

“ICPD in Cairo is a defining historic event that created a paradigm shift in the issue of population and development”, said Hon. Mr. Tanvir Shakil Joy, MP Bangladesh. He shared his country’s experience on changes in perception on population and development following the ICPD and discussed linkages between health, education, migration and gender equality.

Hon. Ms. Rathika Sitsabelesan, MP Canada, opened discussion by asking the rate of school enrollment of girls compared to boys in Bangladesh.

Hon. Mr. Joy responded that there were more girls enrolled than boys in primary schools, but the ratio of boys and girls is almost equal in secondary school. Ms. Cagar shared findings from a UNICEF study which attributed differing enrollment rates for girls to ex-pense and lack of separate toilet facilities. Hon. Mr. Bagalatia Arone, MP Botswana pointed out that “In poor countries, girls don’t go to school, for instance, during their men-strual period”.

Hon. Mr. Oliver Chirume, MP, Zimbabwe raised the con-cern over child marriage as social barrier to girls’ education.

Mr. Francois Farah, UNFPA Representative for Romania, presented “Population trends and their implication for develop-ment” pointing out that population dynamics and population structure are central factors in social and economic develop-ment. He noted that change in population structure has been associated with gains in economic performance, demographic dividends, education and health improvements, increased gender equality and increased investment in human capital often associated with reduction of poverty.

Hon. Mr. Tanvir Shakil Joy, MP Bangladesh

appropriate population policies” to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by changing population struc-tures. “Ignoring the ICPD agenda was a violation of human rights and not acceptable”, said Hon. Ms. Linda Machuca, MP, Ecuador expressing her concern over lack of political will, the strong influence of religion on politics, and lack of gender budgeting resulting in empty promises rather than action taken to attain the ICPD goals. Hon. Mr. Moses Kunkuyu Kalonga Shawa, MP Malawi, said “Challenges like poverty, unemployment will remain so unless there are policies that address population issues” citing the progress that his country has made in reducing the population growth rate.

From left: Hon. Ms. Ciara Conway, MP Ireland; Hon. Ms. Linda Machuca, MP Ecuador; Mr. Francois Farah, UNFPA Representative , Romania; Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director, IERD-UNFPA New York; Mr. Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, MP Malawi; Hon. Mr. Eric Prasana Weerawardhana, MP Sri Lanka

Implementing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Culture and the role of womenHon. Mr. Bagalatia Arone, MP Botswa-na moderated a session on the role of women in society in terms of culture and rights. “Being sensitive to context is the key in every intervention and each cultural context is different and equally important” said Dr. Azza Karam, Senior Adviser on Culture, UNFPA during her presentation on the importance of culture in develop-ment and cultural agents.

Hon. Ms. Ciara Conway, MP Ireland, stated that her country has the larg-est young population in Europe where overall 40% of the population is under 25 years. She pointed out that growth in population is not the only cause of poverty and “Investing in reproductive and sexual health is a key to the popula-tion challenge”. Hon. Mr. Eric Prasana Weerawardhana, MP Sri Lanka, point-ed out that “It is our responsibility, leg-islators, to formulate and implement

Hon. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Bangladesh shared that the maternal allowance programme implemented in his country provides women a sti-pend during their pregnancy but is only applicable for women with one child.

Hon. Ms. Manuela D’avila, MP Brazil moderated the ses-sion ‘Reproductive rights are human rights’. “ICPD promise of informed choice and a range of contraceptive methods to women still seems distant to many women” said Ms. Racherla Sai Jyothirmai, Programme Officer, Asian-Pacific Re-source Centre for Women (ARROW). She cited examples of provid-er bias of contraceptives and expressed her concern over men’s limited role in use of contraception, calling for men and women to share equal responsibility over SRH decisions as a couple. “In the context of human rights, the unmet needs for contraception are perhaps the simple most effective measure of the lack of universal access to family planning” said Mr. Jerrold W. Huguet, Consultant on Population, Social Development Division, UNESCAP while discussing the various bar-riers to contraceptive usage across the world.

Ms. Aruna Kashyap, Asia Researcher, Human Rights Watch, urged parliamentarians to look at the ma-ternal death beyond numbers “Examining policies

or gaps that perpetuate inequality is a must and key to adopting human rights’ approach towards improving maternal health”.

There was extensive discussion among the participants about whether or not this could be considered a rights-based approach.

Hon. Cong. Raymond Palatino, MP Philippines shared his coun-try’s experience trying to get a reproductive health bill passed and how they are dealing with huge opposition from religious groups saying “We have to identify allies within the religious com-munity who can be used to articulate what needs to be said to in-fluence their counterparts”.

Ms. Racherla Sai Jyothirmai, Programme Officer, ARROW, raised her concern on sex education which is not encouraged in Malay-sia. She said, “Unless young people understand what is happening to their bodies, they cannot control their lives”.

Hon. Ms. Tshewang Lhamo, MP Bhutan suggested that educating the mothers is a possible approach in countries where discussing sex is taboo.

From left: Mr. Jerrold W. Huguet, Consultant on Population, SDD UNESCAP; Hon. Ms. Manuela D’avila, MP Brazil ; Ms. Aruna Kashyap, Asia Researcher, Human Rights Watch; and Ms. Racherla Sai Jyothirmai, Programme Officer, Asian-Pacific Resource Centre for Women (ARROW)

From left: Hon. Ms. Tshewang Lhamo, MP Bhutan; Hon. Mr. Samy El Gemayel, MP Lebanon; Hon. Mr. Bagalatia Arone, MP Bo-tswana; Dr. Azza Karam, Senior Adviser on Culture, UNFPA; and Dr. Aurora Parong, Director, Amnesty International, Philippines

Asian Forum News: November-December 2011 3

Dr. Aurora Parong, Director, Amnesty International, Philippines, then pointed out, “Challenge is to be open to modernization without putting in jeopardy traditional culture and empowering women will help them to claim their rights and to eliminate inhumane tradition”. “Cultural and traditional barriers are still easier to pass compared to religious barriers” said Hon. Mr. Samy El Gemayel, MP Lebanon noting that while his country was a signatory to CEDAW, implementation is still a problem as many have reservations regarding laws on family and marriage.

During the discussion Hon. Ms. Meutya Hafids Viada, MP Indonesian, shared her country’s achievements including creating a national institution on family planning, passage of a new law on family planning and development, and working to increase women’s par-ticipation in the parliament. “Women should get more involved and participate in public life; and with public awareness, it is possible for women to claim their rights”, said Hon. Manuela D’avila, MP Brazil. She further added, “It is more difficult to change attitudes and behaviors but it is of utmost importance in upholding human rights”.

“The event was very successful and I have to admit I learned a lot from the interactive debate with young and motivated legislators. I am also pleased that Hon. Samy El Gemayel, MP from Lebanon was active and supportive of the ICPD agenda and we - at the country level- certainly plan to intensify our collaboration with him. It was quite impressive to learn about the achievements and lead role of the AFPPD which sets high standards for other regional forums with the hope that the Arab Forum will soon be established and operational.” Ms. Asma Kurdahi, Assistant Representative, UNFPA Lebanon

Understanding the ICPD agendaMr. Neil Datta, Secretary of the European Parliamentary Forum (EPF) spoke on opposition to SRHR pointing out that it is the only global health issue where some consider it acceptable to use non-evidence based arguments and re-fer to religious teachings for interventions. He also noted that SRHR is a highly politicized issue in donor countries with an organized movement against it. “When confronted with potential opposition, the questions that need to be asked revolve around whether the proposed measure offers more or less rights, and whether it is evidence/science based”.

Mr. Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director, Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) shared his organization’s three pronged strategy in moving the reproductive health bill. These included starting a bigger advocacy movement outside the parliament, mov-ing the bill through the legislative process, and forming coali-tions and network’s in support of the Bill’s implementation. He stated “Policy making is one of the main cures towards erasing misconceptions on ICPD, and policy makers can be and are change agents”.

From left: Mr. Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director, PLCPD; Dr. Azza Karam, Senior Adviser on Culture, UNFPA; Mr. Neil Datta, Secretary, EPF

From top: Hon. Ms. Rathika Sitsabaiesan, MP Canada; Hon. Ms. Manuela D’avila, MP Brazil; Hon. Mr. Fidelis Macdonald Mmilili Molao, MP and Hon. Mr. Bagalatia Arone, MP Botswana; Hon. Ms. Meutya Hafids Viada, MP Indonesia; Hon. Mr. Zviad Kukava, MP Georgia; Hon. Ms. Gloria Maria Anaya Perla, MP El Salvador; Hon. Ms. Linda Machuca, MP Ecuador; Hon. Mrs. Hanine Khuidja, MP Morocco; Hon. Mr. Jermaine Wade, MP Montserrat; Hon. Mr. Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, MP and Hon. Ms. Benardetta Mlaka-malilo, MP Malawi; Hon. Mr. Liew Chin Tong, MP Malaysia; Hon. Mr. Samy Gemayel, MP Lebanon; Hon. Ms. Yrgal Karmyshakovna Kadyralieva, MP Kyrgyztan; Hon. Ms. Ciara Conway, MP Ireland; Hon. Mr. António Rosário Niquice, MP Mozambique; Hon. Ms. Renu Chand, MP Nepal; Hon. Ms. Stine Renate Haheim, MP Norway; Hon. Ms. Sabeen Rizwi, MP Pakistan; Hon. Cong. Raymond Palatino, MP Philippines; Hon. Ms. Luciana Leon, MP Peru; Hon. Mr. Eric Prasanna Weerawardhana, MP Sri Lanka; Hon. Mr. Oliver Chirume, MP Zimbabwe; Hon. Ms. Tshewang Lhamo, MP Bhutan; Hon. Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP and Hon. Mr. Tanvir Shakil Joy, MP Bangladesh


Globalization, employment and poverty“It is important that challenges are approached from a youth perspective as they are most vulnerable and worst affected” said Hon. Mr. Antonio Rosario Niquice, MP Mozambique, noting that unemployment, especially among young people, is a big issue in his country. Sharing her country’s experience on gender bias within the parliament, Hon. Ms. Sabeen Rizwi, MP Pakistan, stated that raising awareness on gender equality is extremely important “If mothers are educated, they can raise well aware children”.

From left: Hon. Ms. Ciara Conway, MP Ireland; Hon. Sen. Malaka Parker, MP Antigua and Barbuda; Mr. Francois Farah, UNFPA Representative for Romania; Hon. Ms. Sabeen Rizwi, MP Pakistan; Hon. Mr. Antonio Rosario Niquice, MP Mozambique

Hon. Ms. Ciara Conway, MP Ireland called for “empow-erment of young people through education” as a key solution to most issues. She also raised the issue of youth migration for employment opportunities. “Globalization cannot be seen as positive or negative” said Hon. Sen. Malaka Parker, MP Antigua and Barbuda, stating that many aspects must be considered. She raised the issue of climate change and its impact on employment citing the experience of the Caribbean where natural disasters take a huge toll on tourism, which employs 80% of the population. “Climate change is a real threat and danger to everyone in the world, but does not get its due importance since one cannot see the actual impact for many years to come”.

Preparing for ICPD beyond 2014

health and development issues to ensure greater commit-ment at the advocacy, policy and programmes levels. In addition, the participants renewed their commitment towards human rights and becoming more active advocates for the im-plementation of the ICPD in their respective countries.

From left: Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, AFPPD; Ms. Leyla Alyanak, External Relations Adviser, UNFPA; Hon. Ms. Rathika Sitsabelesan, MP Canada; Mr. Francois Farah, UNFPA Representative for Romania

Ms. Leyla Alyanak, External Relations Adviser, UNFPA shared some strategies for using media and communication for ICPD advocacy. “The key is to remember to keep messages simple, know the target audience and make sure they under-stand the message by using media they use”. She also stressed the importance of relationship building and networking to collaborate towards achieving a larger goal. Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, AFPPD, focused on the important aspects

of structure and networks, saying “Coun-tries with lack of support should come to-gether and work on the issues of health, population and development in order to move forward”.

The meeting concluded with the Parlia-mentarians adoption of parliamentary advocacy and policy actions including the use of media in promoting popula-tion issues and working with parliamen-tary group focusing on reproductive

“It was such a well planned and successful event. It will remain an excellent experience.” Hon. Ms. Sabeen Rizwi, MP Pakistan


partnership strengthenedUNFPA and regional parliamentary groups


The UNFPA Strategy Meeting on Partnerships with Parliamentarians was held on Thursday 17 November 2011 in Krabi, Thailand to review the status of parliamentary advocacy on population and development and identify work priorities at the global, regional and national levels. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director, IERD, UNFPA and facilitated by Ms. Ragaa Said, Parliamentary Affairs Specialist, IERD, UNFPA.

Ms. Galanne Deressa, Programme Specialist, UNFPA-APRO presented an overview of the mid-term review process for the UNFPA strategic plan. The strategic plan was evaluated in terms of management results framework and development results framework. Principles used to address the challenges that were identified in the review include consolidating areas of focus by prioritizing interests that will have maximum impact on the achieving the ICPD Programme of Action; focusing on the com-parative advantages, needs, capacities, and interests of the countries; finding ways to improve and expand collaboration and reduce inefficiencies; and improve measurability by selecting indicators that can be used to demonstrate the degree of prog-ress made. She also reminded participants of UNFPA’s vision which is to achieve universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (including Family Planning), to promote reproductive rights, reduce maternal mortality, and to accelerate progress on the ICPD agenda and MDG5 (A&B) in order to empower the lives of underserved populations, especial ly women and young

(including adolescents), enabled by an understanding of population dynam-ics, human rights, and gender equality.

Participants at the meeting included UNFPA regional focal points for parlia-mentary advocacy and partnership and representatives from regional par-liamentary groups on population and development. UNFPA representatives set the context for their continued support to parliamentary advocacy for 2012-2013 and reviewed their current partnership with parliamentarians at global and regional levels.

Participants discussed new opportunities for advocacy with parliamentarians deliberating on the implications of the strategic plan, specific thematic areas of focus and comparative advantages of working at global versus regional levels. Also under consideration were deliverables, strategies and processes. Participants developed a framework for advocacy with parliamentarians and reached a consensus on key elements of advocacy strategy.

Ms. Galanne Deressa, Programme Specialist, UNFPA APRO

Ms. Marta Diavolova, Strategic Partnerships Specialist, UNFPA-EECARO

Ms. Ragaa Said, Parliamentary Affairs Specialist and Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director, UNFPA-IERD

Ms. Asma Kurdahi, Assistant Representative, UNFPA Lebanon and Ms. Ana-Elena Badilla, Gender Advisor, UNFPA-LACRO

Mr. Neil Datta, Secretary, EPF; Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director AFPPD; and Ms. Leyla Alyanak,

External Advisor UNFPA Geneva

Mr. Vincent Villeneuve, Project Officer, EPF; Ms. Carla Avni, Executive Director, IAPG

and Ms. Chandni Malik, Rapporteur

The committee elected Hon. Mr. Tissa Karalliyada, Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs of Sri Lanka to be the new Chair for a two year term. The Honorable Minister reported that his Ministry has already created a number of programs addressing VAWG including a media campaign featuring national ce-lebrities that will run during the United Nation’s 16 days of activism campaign to eliminate violence against women. Sri Lanka will also join the world wide White Ribbon campaign this year and has organized a series of conferences in districts throughout the country for high level government officials, members of the po-lice, army air force, trade unions, educators and representatives from many other walks of life to raise awareness among men of the important role filled by women in society.

Sub-regional Vice Chairs which were also selected with Hon. Mr. Shekhar Koirala, MP Nepal for South Asia; Hon. Cong. Antonio Tinio, Philippines for South-East Asia; and Hon. Mr. Ashraf Choudhary for the Pacific.

The sub-regional committees formulated action plans for the national and sub-regional levels focusing on investing in youth for GBV prevention. Priority thematic areas were selected by each sub-region and will include son preference, child marriage, adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) and trafficking.

The 3rd meeting of the AFPPD Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls was attended by representatives from 11 countries to formulate sub-regional and national level activities to be taken over the next two years to increase the involvement of men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls. The meeting which took place in Krabi, Thailand was organized by the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Ahmad Nizar Shihab, MP Indonesia and Chair of the Standing Committee said committee members should work together to directly eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG) in each country, encourage legislation to prevent VAWG, serve as a forum to discuss how to integrate preventing VAWG into all legislation, and to encourage the involvement of male parliamentarians to participate actively in eliminating VAWG.

The committee members presented key concerns on VAWG from their respective countries and actions parliamentarians can take to promote men and boys working to eliminate VAWG. Ms. Kiran Bhatia, Gender Adviser from UNFPA-APRO guided discussion sessions on priority areas for policy advocacy and key thematic issues. Mr. James Lang from Partners for Prevention (P4P), a United Nations Joint Program provided an overview on the value of engaging men and boys in primary prevention of violence against women and presented preliminary findings from P4P’s regional research on VAW in terms of program and policy implications.

The committee identified priority thematic areas for the coming year and then formed sub-regional groups to discuss action plans for national and sub-regional levels. Sub-regional groups were formed for South Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

Hon. Mr. Tissa Karalliyada, Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs of Sri Lanka and newly elected Chairman of the Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls


AFPPD mobilizes Male Parliamentariansto eliminate violence against women

Participants of the Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, Krabi, Thailand

Parliamentarians in Myanmar have proposed the es-tablishment of a Parliamentary Committee on Popula-tion and Social Development. This was the culmination of a series of meetings between H.E. U Nanda Kyaw Swar, Deputy Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament), Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Ahad, UNFPA Representative to Myanmar, Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director of AFPPD and other Ministers and key members of Parliament, as well as advisors to the President. The proposed com-mittee will provide a viable forum for addressing a wide range of population and development issues in line with national development priorities in the country.

Mr. Khare also met with H. E. U Khin Yi, Minister of Im-migration and Population, H. E. U Aung Kyi, Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, H. E. U Tin Na-ing Thein, Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, H. E. Dr. Pe Thet Khin, Minister of Health, H. E. U Maung Maung Swe, the Chair of the Pyithu Hluttaw Commit-tee of Women and Child Protection and H. E. U Hla Myint Oo, the Chair of the Pyithu Hluttaw Committee of International Relations to discuss matters of mutual interest, potential areas of cooperation including mem-bership of the Myanmar Parliament in AFPPD, support for capacity development of Myanmar parliamentar-ians, organization of national and regional meetings on population and development issues in Myanmar, and the potential participation of Myanmar Parliamentar-ians in the 5th IPCI/ICPD in May 2012.

UNFPA Myanmar will work closely with the Parliament of Myanmar and AFPPD to support this proposal and other activities on population, reproductive health and gender in relation to the national development priori-ties, in particular the national rural development and poverty alleviation plan.

Courtesy call to H.E. U Nanda Kyaw Swa , Deputy Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament) together with some honorable parliamentarians at the Parliament building in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss about AFPPD and Parliament of Myanmar

From left: Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, AFPPD; Mr. Mohamed Abdel- Ahad, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar; H.E. U Aung Kyi, Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Nay Pyi Taw

Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, AFPPD at the Parliament seminar.

Courtesy call to H.E. Dr. Pe Thet Khin, Minister of Health together with the deputy Ministers and the Di-rector General of the Department of Health at the Ministry of Health, Nay Pyi Taw and discussed AFPPD role in mobilizing parliamentarians on health issues

Courtesy call to H.E. U Khin Yi , Minister of Immigration and Population at the Ministry of Immigra-tion and Population, Nay Pyi Taw


Parliament of Myanmar ready to join AFPPD to tackle population and development issues


Participants of the Focus Group on Population Policy Tracking and Monitoring, Bangkok, Thailand

The Population Policy Tracking and Monitoring Unit of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) took an important move towards becoming Asia and the Pacific’s major portal for population and development policy, as 16 population and de-velopment policy experts and practitioners from various countries in the region participated in AFPPD’s Focus Group on Population Policy Tracking and Monitoring on 16 December 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand.

With participants ranging from university professor to congresswoman, the focus group offered a unique opportunity to learn about new ideas and hands-on experience in policy tracking and monitoring. Sen. Dr. Jetn Sirathranont, Senator of Thailand, delivered the welcome address. He stressed the importance of brainstorming at this focus group for the development of the Unit.

Mr. Shiv Khare, AFPPD Executive Director, outlined the development of the Unit as a joint initiative between UNFPA and AFPPD and in-troduced its modes of operations. He highlighted that the Unit’s online database, which can be accessed at Afppd-populationpolicies.org, currently features laws and policies on population, reproductive health, violence against women from various countries in the region. Al-most 10,000 policymakers and practitioners have received The Unit’s policy roundups, which contain latest information on population and development situations that have policy implications.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Galanne Deressa, Programme Specialist, UNFPA’s Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (APRO), said that the ini-tiative for a regional policy database was a response to the need for policy tracking and monitoring in the wake of the review of the progress on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region in 2009.

Prof. Dr. Firman Lubis, a well-known population and reproductive health expert from University of Indonesia, in Jakarta, made a presenta-tion on the importance of population policies. He underscored the imperative for tracking and analyzing the dynamics of population and development policy over the years.

In his presentation on “Mapping Policies on HIV/AIDS”, Mr. Mohammed Ali Bhuiyan, Regional Programme Adviser, UNAIDS Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, told the focus group that the Unit would be instrumental to working with policymakers to address the integration of HIV and other sexual and reproductive health and rights issue in national policies. It could also chart a comparison of policy progress on HIV/AIDS among countries in the region to demonstrate how investment in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS issues can benefit the country, he said.

During the activity session conducted by Mr. Simon Baker, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand, the participants worked in pairs and then in groups to develop recommendations for the operations of the Unit. The recommendations encom-passed the following four main areas: what kind of information the Unit should provide; how to improve data presentation; who the audi-ence are and how to serve them better; and how to evaluate the Unit’s impacts.

Ms. Lee Rhiannon, Senator (Australia), discussed the contribution of policy tracking and monitoring to advocacy efforts in her presentation on “Tracking Policies on Women and Gender Related Issues for Better Advocacy”. She pointed out that research that identifies policy gaps and demonstrates implications beyond the legislature is a very important component of evidence-based advocacy. One of the greatest chal-lenges is how to ensure that the policy reflects the real needs of women.

Dr. A.T.P.L Abeykoon, Senior Fellow, Institute for Health Policy, Sri Lanka, made a presentation on “Linking Reproductive Health Indicators to Policy Development”. The indicators, expressed in rates proportions, averages or in absolute numbers, provide a useful tool to assess needs, and monitor and evaluate reproductive health programme implementation and impacts.

The informal setting of the focus group meeting allowed the participants to express frank ideas and suggestions that are useful for the future development of AFPPD’s policy tracking and monitoring Unit.

Fresh Ideas for Population PolicyTracking and Monitoring


Movers and Shakers of Europeanparliamentary advocacy met in France

Parliamentary advocacy initiated by UNFPA 30 years ago has now a major parliamentarians mobilisation force around the world which was evident in Krabi, Thailand where IERD UNFPA New York, representatives of UNFPA focal points for parlia-mentary advocacy and regional parliamentary forums met to strategize on 17 December 2011.

To further strengthen its collaboration, share best practices and discuss present and future challenges for parliamentary advo-cacy on ICPD issues, the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF) in partnership with the UNFPA Information and External Relations Department (IERD) New York organized a European All-Party Parliamentary Groups and Secretariat Meeting in Bordeaux, France on 5-6 December 2011. It was an assembly where parliamentary actions on reproduc-tive and maternal health, women empowerment and population and development, and other ICPD issues were reviewed and follow up plans were drawn.

Ms. Ragaa Said, Parliamentary Affairs Specialist, IERD-UNFPA New York and Ms. Marta Diavolova, Strategic Partnership Spe-cialist, UNFPA EECARO, presented an update on UNFPA’s continued support to parliamentary work. Mr. Matt Lindley, Head of Resource Mobilisation, IPPF spoke on donor environment for ICPD and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director of AFPPD provided an example of the Asian situation and what worked in Asia, the Pacific and Central Asia in formalising political engagement for ICPD. Mr. Eddy Wright, Communications and Outreach Officer of EPF

Participants during the European All-Party Parliamentary Groups and Secretariat Meeting in Bordeaux, France on 5-6 December 2011

From left: Ms. Ragaa Said, Parliamentary Affairs Specialist, IERD-UNFPA New York; Mr. Neil Datta, Secretary, EPF; and Ms. Marta Diavolova, Strategic Partnership Specialist, UNFPA EECARO

and Ms. Anne-Mette Kjaerby, Parliamentary & Policy Advisor, UK APPG on PD & RH discussed on media and communication for parliamentarians’ advocacy. Mr. Wim Van de Voorde, Policy Officer of Sensoa spoke on MP advocacy through unstable po-litical times while Mr. Stuart Halford, Advocacy Officer, IPPF provided a universal periodic review. A discussion on exchange of best practices on advocacy ensued following the presenta-tions.

Anti-choice and opposition to sexual and reproductive health was also a point of strategy discussions. Apart from Mr. Neil Datta, Secretary, EPF, Ms. Jacqueline Nolley, International Programme Associate, Catholics for Choice, was in the lead. Among the points of discussions were the San Jose Principles

and its importance and the Polish abortion ban. Ms. Dina Epale, Board Member, Action Canada for Population and Develop-ment (CAPPD) spoke on her initiatives of the Canadian Parliamentary Association for Population and Development.

One highlight of the meeting was the assessment of what works and what doesn’t, for whom and where to place priorities for activities. Understanding of the national, European and international links of MPs were also discussed.

Towards the end of the meeting, participants split in two parallel working groups. Working group one discussed on parlia-mentary advocacy for domestic SRH situation facilitated by Ms. Marta Diavolova, UNFPA EECARO whilst working group two discussed on supporting parliamentary advocacy in donor countries facilitated by Ms. Ragaa Said, UNFPA-IERD. The meeting concluded with participants equipped with vital parliamentary advocacy knowledge and strengthened commitment to ad-dress the ICPD agenda.

The Pacific Legislatures for Population and Governance (PLPG) in partnership with the Pacific Islands HIV and STI Response Fund and the Pacific ICT Outreach Programme of the Economic Development Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community – Suva Regional Office hosted the Pacific Legislatures Hearing on HIV and ICT at the Novotel Hotel, Auckland International Airport in Auckland, New Zealand from Tuesday 13 December to Thursday 15 December 2011.

The three-day special intensive Joint Hearing was made possible with the support of the HIV & STI Section, and Grant Management Unit of the Public Health Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) as well as the Pacific ICT Outreach Programme (PICTO), Economic Development Division of SPC through the EU ACP ICT Access for the Poor project.

Conduct training on HIV/STIs for Parliamentarians, church lead-ers, leaders of women and men’s groups, and Youth Leaders.

Conduct ongoing advocacy and community awareness initiatives by parliamentarians on HIV and STI prevention.

Forge partnerships with CSOs, FBOs, and other community-based organisations on implementation of advocacy activities.

Establish targeted campaigns to prevent gender Based violence and sexual violence including White Ribbon Day initiatives.

Conduct Parliamentary Hearings and Inquiries on HIV and STIs.

Develop Terms of Reference for Hearings on Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Develop and support appropriate Human-Rights based legislation on HIV.

Participants at Novotel Hotel, New Zealand Participants of the Hearing on HIV and ICT

The Hearing was hosted and chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the Cook Islands, Hon. Tai Tura, deputising for Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE, Speaker of Parliament of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Executive Committee of PLPG who was unable to attend due to parliamentary commitments in the Cook Islands. The Hearing brought together legislators and legislative staff from Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu who are currently serving or intending to serve as Champions in either advocacy for the prevention of HIV and other STIs or promoting ICT as a tool for development.

The Hearing focused on two distinct components – The fight against HIV and STIs and the use of ICT as a key tool for sustainable devel-opment and took the form of panel discussions and inter-active exchanges with experts in the fields of HIV and ICT.

The Hearing closely examined aspects relating to the role of Pacific legislators in leadership and action against HIV and STIs and inform-ing Pacific Legislators about ICT access issues and engaging, empowering and supporting them in successful ICT-related interventions and informing them about key ICT legislative issues.

In terms of future plans, the Parliamentarians pledged to work collaboratively with Government and Civil Society to improve the living standards, security, governance and well-being of the people of the Pacific Islands and endorsed the following actions for 2012 and beyond:

Continue to sensitize and raise the awareness of Pacific ACP/PLPG Parliaments.

Assess and review the use of ICT in Pacific ACP Parliaments

Pacific ACP Parliaments to develop ICT Plans.

Continue to develop an affordable streaming system;

Assessment of the training needs of Pacific ACP Parliaments

Make ICT training resources accessible to Pacific ACP Parlia-ments;

Develop policy such Acceptable Use Policy including cyber safety and security AND eWaste

Advocate the need for ICT policy and legislation to ensure it is ac-cessible to people with disability

Review and provide advice on Document Management System (DMS) and Library Management System (LMS)


Pacific Legislatures Hearingon

HIV Advocacy ICT for Development

and ICTHIV

Working to ensure the rights of women in Pakistan, Hon. Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA has succeeded in getting “The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill 2008” passed in the National Assembly. The historic bill prohibits the practices of forced marriage and marriage to the Holy Quran, as well as the denial of the right of inheritance. Dr. Donya Aziz and the Women’s Caucus tireless efforts to mobilize support from all parties have finally succeeded follow-ing two failed attempts to have the bill passed by the National Assembly. AFPPD is honored to have supported their efforts in part through a small grants program which allowed for open hearings on these issues. According to Dr. Donya Aziz the Parliamentarians were driven to protect

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Asian Forum NewsAFPPD Office Bearers 2009 - 2011

ChairmanMR. YASUO FUKUDA, MP (JAPAN)

Former Prime Minister

Vice-ChairpersonsDR. SANG GUOWEI, MP (CHINA)

Vice Chairman of NPC Standing Committee

PROF. P. J. KURIEN, MP (INDIA)

SIR GEOFFREY HENRY (COOK ISLANDS)Speaker of Parliament and former Prime Minister

MME. TRUONG THI MAI, MP (VIETNAM)

MS. AITKUL SAMAKOVA, MP (KAZAKHSTAN)

Executive MemberDATO’ SERIF HAJI AHMAD HUSNI MOHAMAD

HANADZLAH, MP (MALAYSIA)Minister of Finance II

Secretary GeneralDR. PORAPAN PUNYARATABANDHU, SENATOR

(THAILAND)

Deputy Secretary GeneralMR. EDCEL C. LAGMAN, MP (PHILIPPINES)

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives

TreasurerDR. ATTE SUGANDI ABOEL, MP (INDONESIA)

Chair of the Standing Committee on Status of Women

MS. CLAIRE MOORE, SENATOR (AUSTRALIA)

Chair of the Standing Committee of Men on the Prevention of Violence Against Women

MR. TISSA KARALLIYADDA, MP (SRI LANKA)Minister of Child Development and Women’s

Affairs

Chair of the Standing Committee on Food SecurityMR. CHIAKI TAKAHASHI, MP (JAPAN)

Executive Director and EditorMR. SHIV KHARE

ContributorsMS. NANCY NOMA

MS. MARY ANTONETTE ABELLOMR. PHERMSAK LILAKUL

MS. SIRISARANYA PAKNINRAT

Layout ArtistMR. NEIL ANTHONY RUSIA

Hon. Dr. Donya Aziz, MP Pakistan

women in their country from several practices and customs that are not only violations of basic human rights but also harmful to human dignity.

The bill provides that customary norms which are contrary to Islamic injunctions should be done away with and those who continue such practices should face punitive measures including imprisonment and substantial fines. Penalties for those who deceitfully or illegally deprive a woman from inheriting property will face a minimum of five years in prison and a fine of one million rupees. Those co-ercing women into forced marriages face penalties of three to ten years imprison-ment or a fine of Rs500,000. Similar penalties face those who compelling women into marriage with the Holy Quran.

It is now hoped that the Senate, the upper house of Parliament, will pass this bill along with the also pending Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Amendment to protect the rights of women and girls in Pakistan. This is considered likely as the government has already demonstrated its support for progressive legislation for women with the passage of sexual harassment legislation in 2010.

Additionally, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has publicly congratulated the women parliamentarians on their success of passage of this bill in the National Assembly.

Pakistan passed prevention of anti-women practices bill


Asian Forum News (November-December 2012)

Documents

role of young people

icpd issuesicpd

icpd poa

girls dont

development programmes

senate of thailand

crucial role

mp bangladesh