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28 March 2008,
JAKARTA, Engaging parliamentarians and political leaders has
contributed to creating constructive development environment
through policies that advance reproductive health, gender
equality and population issues in Asia Pacific region.
A UNFPA-supported 2006 global survey on progress made
by parliamentarian reveals that the legislators were personally
involved in enacting 250 laws in 77 countries; proposing 157
bills in 63 countries and approving 67 policies in 35 countries.
A significant amount of the enacted laws deal with gender
equality and women’s empowerment, GBV and reproductive
health and rights, followed by laws pertaining to human rights,
youth, HIV/AIDS and population and development.
“Achieving development promises won’t be possible
without strong political commitment and good understanding
about the inter-linkages of issues like reproductive health,
gender, ageing, poverty and human rights. And the success
of one country can inspire the others,” said UNFPA Representative
Dr. Zahidul Huque at the opening of a Regional Workshop to
Review Advocacy Technique, held on 26 – 28 March 2008.
Getting the supports of political leaders, Deepak Gupta from
UNICEF said, requires sensitizing them to population issues
as “Audience” first before fully involving them.
A sustained political advocacy, he added, is needed to encourage
progressive legislation and allocation of resources, to stimulate
discussions for public awareness and foster public and private
partnerships. Involving younger leaders and exposing parliamentarians
to real situations in the community and the social interaction
would convince them more to involve.
The use of several methods like person to person advocacy,
study tours, field trip, seminar and workshop enhance the
effectiveness of advocacy efforts. AFPPD Executive Director
Mr. Shiv Karee said AFPPD will continue to support Asia Pacific
countries in increasing the involvement of parliamentarians
in development efforts.
The 3-day workshop, ending on March 28 was attended by 22
parliamentarians and parliamentarian staff of AFPPD, IPPF
and from Asia Pacific countries: Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines,
South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, India, Laos and Indonesia.
For further information please contact:
Maria Endah Hulupi
UNFPA Communications Officer: 0812 1115 116
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