News and Updates

Press Releases
News Features
Statements
Dispatches

Press Releases:
	UNFPA Strengthens Partnership with UNHCR GENEVA, 30 April 2008 —UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed an agreement here today to strengthen their combined efforts to respond to the sexual and reproductive health needs of populations displaced by crisis.
	New Film Series Takes on Culture of Silence on Violence Against Women UNITED NATIONS, Geneva, 17 April 2008 — This is an unfortunate anniversary. Fourteen years ago, in April 1994, news got out that ethnic violence in Kigali was spreading throughout Rwanda.
	UNFPA Scales Up Efforts to Save Millions of Women UNITED NATIONS, New York, 14 February — A new thematic fund for maternal health has been created to boost global efforts to reduce the number of women dying in pregnancy and childbirth.
	Europeans of the Year Award Donates €32,000 to UNFPA BRUSSELS, 27 November — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has been named the beneficiary of the 2007 ‘Europeans of the Year’ awards gala held at the Palais d'Egmont here tonight.
	World Health, Development Agencies Welcome International Health Partnership Launched Today in London NEW YORK/LONDON, 5 September 2007 —Several of the world’s leading development and health agencies have welcomed the International Health Partnership launched today in London as renewed hope of saving millions of lives in developing countries.
	New Effort to Save Lives of Mothers and Newborns in Bangladesh Gains Support from UK, EC and UN Agencies DHAKA, Bangladesh, 11 June 2007 — The United Kingdom, the European Commission (EC) and three United Nations agencies are assisting Bangladesh in a major new effort to save lives and improve the health and well-being of mothers and newborns.
	Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health Key to Global Health Security, UNFPA Head Tells World Health Assembly UNITED NATIONS, Geneva, 15 May 2007 — Governments have to increase investment in sexual and reproductive health to strengthen health systems and ensure international health security. Massive investment is also required to train health personnel at all levels, said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.
	Celebrity Gathering Spotlights 'End Fistula' Campaign BRUSSELS, Belgium, 26 April 2007—Singer and actress Natalie Imbruglia, television personality Goedele Liekens, high-level politicians and individuals from the Belgian fashion and media scene gathered this evening to rally support for the Campaign to End Fistula, a global effort to address a devastating injury of childbearing that affects more than 2 million women and girls.
	Women's Well-being Key to Afghanistan's Future, UNFPA Leader Stresses KABUL, Afghanistan, 25 April 2007 — “No nation can be developed when women die while giving birth,” Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, declared today in an appeal for increased international support for the well-being of Afghanistan’s women.
	The Prime Minister of Tanzania Calls on Regional Leaders to Increase Health Spending to 15 Per Cent of National Budgets and to Strive for Achieving Health MDGs DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, 17 April 2007 — More than 300 delegates gathered at the first-ever assembly of The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health. Hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the Partners’ Forum (17-20 April 2007) declared today that action is urgently required, if high rates of unjust deaths of mothers, babies and children in poor countries are to be reversed.
	Women Fall Victims as Family Planning Resources Dwindle, Warns UNFPA UNITED NATIONS, New York, 10 April 2007 — The drastic decline in funding for family planning has created victims in the developing parts of the world, said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. The proportion of funds allocated to family planning in all population assistance has dropped from 55 per cent in 1995 to 9 per cent in 2004, said Ms. Obaid. This represents a fall from $723 million in 1995 to $442 million in 2004 in absolute dollar terms.
	UNFPA Sends Emergency Supplies to Solomon Islands to Enable Pregnant Women to Deliver Safely SUVA, Fiji, 09 April 2007— To ensure that expectant mothers affected by last week’s earthquake and tsunami can deliver their babies in a safe and clean environment, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has sent emergency reproductive health kits and equipment to the Solomon Islands.
	New Population Projections Underline Urgency of Family Planning Needs in Developing Nations UNITED NATIONS, New York, 13 March 2007 — New world population projections for the year 2050 by the United Nations are yet another wake-up call to the urgency of giving couples the means to exercise their human right to freely determine the sizes of their families, said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.
	New Studies Show How Violence Against Women Can Be Stopped UNITED NATIONS, New York, 26 February 2007 — Rape in Mauritania, domestic violence in Mexico and Romania, child marriage in Bangladesh, and female genital mutilation/cutting in Kenya are just a few of the abuses visited on women and girls explored in a new United Nations Population Fund report released today in New York.
	UNFPA Warns of New Trends in Female Genital Mutilation UNITED NATIONS, New York, 5 February 2007 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, today warned against the “medicalization” of female genital mutilation/cutting. This tendency, according to UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, arises from increased awareness of the health risks associated with the practice. Ms. Obaid also warned of a trend of subjecting younger and younger girls to the practice in order to avoid their complaints or refusal to participate.
	Record Number of Countries Contribute Record Amount to UNFPA in 2006 UNITED NATIONS, New York, 15 January 2007 — In 2006, 180 countries around the world contributed a total of $360 million to the regular resources of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. This was the highest number of donor nations and the largest amount of contributions to UNFPA since the organization began its operations in 1969.
	EC and UNFPA to Boost Zimbabwe's HIV Prevention Efforts HARARE, Zimbabwe, 10 January 2007 — The European Commission and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, have committed 5.66 million euros to support the behavioural change component of Zimbabwe’s new national strategic plan on HIV and AIDS.
	Major European Commission Contribution to Facilitate Afghanistan's First Ever Census UNITED NATIONS, New York, 7 December 2006 — The European Commission has contributed 15 million euros to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to help organize Afghanistan’s first full population census that will provide primary information on the number and characteristics of the country’s population. The only previous census, attempted in 1979, was interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities and never completed.
	Media advisory - Global Parliamentarians to Assess Progress on Population and Development Goals BANGKOK, Thailand, 14 November 2006 — On 21-22 November, 180 legislators and ministers from 103 countries will hold a dialogue in Bangkok on strategies for achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and those agreed at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
	UNFPA Calls on Leaders to End Violence Against Women UNITED NATIONS, New York, 9 October 2006 — Violence against women is a serious human rights violation and an affront to women’s freedom at large, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, said today. Widespread impunity not only encourages further abuses and suffering, it also sends the signal that male violence against women is acceptable or normal, said UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, welcoming a new in-depth report released today by the United Nations Secretary-General.
	More Women Using Lifesaving Health Services One Year After Pakistan Quake MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, 6 October 2006 — Many mothers and children in areas hit by last year’s earthquake in Pakistan have better access to health care than before the disaster, as a result of joint efforts to restore services. Most survivors of the 8 October 2005 disaster, including the estimated 5,000 women who give birth each month, still face a range of threats to their health.
	New Report Calls on World Leaders to Protect Human Rights of Female Migrants LONDON/NEW YORK, 6 September 2006 — Today, half of all international migrants—95 million—are women and girls. Yet, despite substantial contributions to both their families at home and communities abroad, the needs of migrant women continue to be overlooked and ignored.
	Young People Move More Now Than Ever LONDON/NEW YORK, 6 September 2006 — Young people from developing countries are increasingly on the move and represent a third of all international migrants. They come from all types of backgrounds, and cross borders for many reasons. Their journeys are often marked with hope and success, but also with disillusionment and despair.
	Pregnant Women Must Get Urgent Access to Health Care in Occupied Palestinian Territory, Says UNFPA UNITED NATIONS, New York, 30 August 2006 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, expresses its deep concern about recent reports of delays at Israeli checkpoints of women in labour, which have resulted in forced roadside births, and even death of some women and infants. It urges that civilians with urgent needs should have access to health facilities and that humanitarian organizations be allowed to work freely to alleviate the suffering of the people, especially women and children.

News Features:
	UN Heads Welcome New Campaign to Avert Maternal and Child Deaths, and Norway's $1 Billion Pledge UNITED NATIONS, New York, 27 September 2007 — Women leaders of the United Nations welcomed today’s launch of a global campaign to eliminate maternal and child deaths around the world. Called Deliver Now for Women + Children, the effort was unveiled today by the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, who pledged $1 billion to the cause.
	Record-Breaking Donation from Portuguese Public LISBON, Portugal, 23 May 2007 — UNFPA’s Goodwill Ambassador in Portugal, Catarina Furtado, delivered an unprecedented €253,000 (more than $340,000) contribution to UNFPA through its Executive Director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, at a ceremony attended by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and two dozen journalists on 16 May.
	It Takes a Country: Turkey's Concerted Efforts to Stop Violence Against Women ISTANBUL, Turkey, 26 February 2007 — Ending violence against women requires a persistent, strategic and multi-pronged effort that engages a many sectors of society, as Turkey has discovered.
	Turkey Confronts Murder in the Name of 'Honour' ISTANBUL, Turkey, 26 February 2007 — The execution of a girl or woman to protect a family’s reputation is an ancient practice that persists in some communities where women are bound by strict, patriarchal codes of conduct and considered to be the ‘property’ of the family.
	Tbilisi Cancer Centre: Promoting Early Detection and Treatment of Breast and Cervical Cancers in Georgia TBILISI, GeorgiA, 10 January 2007 — Dr. George Gabunia is a man with a mission. As director of the Tbilisi Cancer Centre, he is fighting an epidemic of breast and reproductive tract cancers in the country. Georgia, hobbled by 15 years of economic chaos, has seen its health budget contract year after year.
	Domestic Violence in Moldova: Ending the Silence and Supporting Survivors CHISINAU, Moldova, 11 October 2006—“I endured nine years of consistent physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my husband,” says Angela. “I said nothing about it because I knew my circle of friends would not support me at all. Here in Moldova, it's always the woman's fault when marriages turn sour. We have strong stereotypes in this country, especially about women's roles and functions.”
	UNFPA Launches Global Programme to Prevent Shortfalls in Essential Supplies BRUSSELS, 3 October 2006 — A high-level seminar drew connections between European development policies, reproductive health and the supplies required to protect it. The seminar was the culmination of a series of activities organized by a consortium of sexual and reproductive heath and rights non-governmental organizations and the European Parliamentary Network on Population and Development working together in the campaign Countdown 2015: Europe.

Statements:
	Statement at the 2007 Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA UNITED NATIONS, New York , 12 June 2007 — UNFPA is focused on the field and results. But most importantly, we are focused on people, particularly women and youth so they can live in freedom from fear and want. It is in countries and communities where the difference is made. This week offers an opportunity to further discuss how UNFPA can best support countries over the next four years.
	International Day of Families UNITED NATIONS, New York, 15 May 2007 — Today as we commemorate the International Day of Families, the focus is on “Families and Persons with Disabilities”.
	Statement at the 60th World Health Assembly UNITED NATIONS, New York, 15 May 2007 — In our globalised world, international health security depends on the health security of nations. It depends on the health of communities and families. And it depends on the health and well-being of individuals, including women and young people, who remain particularly vulnerable.
	International Day of the Midwife UNITED NATIONS, New York, 05 May 2007 — Today on the International Day of the Midwife, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, pays tribute to midwives around the world. We join others in voicing our appreciation for the loving care these skilled health workers provide. And we call for urgent action to address the shortage of midwives in many countries.
	A World Fit for All Ages UNITED NATIONS, New York, 09 April 2007 — It is important that we continue to move forward with the collective wisdom that population and development is about people of all ages and supporting them, throughout their life cycle, to improve their lives, reach their full potential and realize their human rights.
	Maternal Death is 'Tip of Iceberg', UNFPA Executive Director Warns UNITED NATIONS, New York, 02 April 2007 — One woman dies every minute during pregnancy or childbirth, adding up to more than half a million dead women each year, said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. “And this is just the tip of the iceberg,” she remarked in her statement for World Health Day, 7 April. “For every woman who dies, there are 20 to 30 others who survive childbirth but suffer debilitating injuries.”
	Statement on the Occasion of International Women's Day UNITED NATIONS, New York, 08 March 2007 — The theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Ending impunity for violence against women," calls for stronger commitment and action. The widespread impunity that exists today not only encourages further abuses and suffering. It also sends the signal that male violence against women is acceptable or normal. It is not. Together, we can and must do more to prevent violence against women, provide services to survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are punished.
	Statement at the Commission on the Status of Women UNITED NATIONS, New York, 26 February 2007 — As I speak, a woman in a developing country is about to give birth. If she and her newborn survive, the family and the community will display pride to count one additional member. Yet, if that member is a baby girl, the course of her life might differ drastically from that of a baby boy. We at UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, welcome the priority theme of this year’s session: “The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child.”
	Statement on the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation UNITED NATIONS, New York, 06 February 2007 — An estimated 120 to 140 million women have been subjected to the practice and 3 million girls continue to be at risk each year. The practice violates the basic rights of women and girls and seriously compromises their health, posing risks during childbirth, and leaving lasting physical and psychological scars.
	Statement at the 2007 First Regular Session of the UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board Today, we have strong performance in some countries and less than optimal performance in others. We face new challenges and opportunities in supporting nationally led development and working together as One UN within the new aid environment. Therefore, we have to become more focused, strategic and systematic, so that we can achieve greater results across the board. At the same time, we have to be flexible, so that we can respond to national and regional priorities and emerging needs. And we have to be innovative.
	Statement on the Occasion of International Migrants' Day UNITED NATIONS, 18 December 2006 — Today, as we commemorate International Migrants’ Day, we acknowledge the millions of brave men, women and children—an estimated 195 million worldwide, more than 3 per cent of the population—who have left their homelands in search of better lives.
	End Violence Against Women UNITED NATIONS, 10 October 2006 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, welcomes the landmark report of the Secretary-General on all forms of violence against women. UNFPA contributed to the preparation of this in-depth study and we are committed to carrying its recommendations forward.