UNFPA IN THE NEWS – OCTOBER 15-21, 2005

STATE OF WORLD POPULATION COVERAGE CONTINUED

Algeria: El Moudjahid reported October 12 that at the SWOP release at the press center in El Moudjahid, UNFPA Representative M. Younes Zoughlani said we can liberate hundreds or thousands of people in poverty, save 30 million infants and 2 million mother, and reduce the spread of HIV. Other Algerian outlets that covered SWOP include: Horizons, Le Jeune Independent, Le Soir, Liberte, El Watan, Read: El Moudjahid

Argentina: Clarin reported on October 12 that the rate of teenage pregnancy is on the rise in Argentina, according to the State of World Population 2005. The editorial in the same paper said this was one of the most alarming findings in the report, and called for more and better sexuality education in schools to prevent children from becoming mothers. La Nacion reported that speaking at the launch of State of World Population in Buenos Aires, UNFPA representative Maria del Carmen Feijo said that gender equality reduces poverty and saves lives. She emphazised the regional disparities in maternal health within Argentina, stating that the rate of maternal death is many times higher in the north and northwest of the country than in the capital. "Eighty per cent of these maternal deaths are preventable", she said. The launch was also reported in La Prensa, Cronica, Buenos Aires Herald and other media.

Belgium: On October 13, L'Echo quoted UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Imelda Henkin as saying " without combatting gender discrimination and violence against women and ensuring access to reproductive health, the fight to end poverty can not be won". The launch was also covered in De Morgen, De Tijd, De Standaard.

Botswana: Mmegi reported October 19 that speaking at the launch of UNFPA's State of World Population in Gaborone, Samwiri Wakhakha said the women's movement has left men behind in its campaign for gender equality. He said the law only protects women from sexual harassment in the civil service while those in the private sector and rural areas are left out. Visiting Executive Director of UNFPA Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said, "Culture is sometimes misinterpreted and used as a tool to deprive women of their rights." Addressing a press conference after the launch, Obaid said, "I have also realized that the people here do take the AIDS epidemic seriously as it dominated every meeting I held with government officials." Read: Mmegi

The Daily News reported October 21 that at the launch in Gaborone, UNFPA Resident Representative in Botswana Agathe Lawson cited the elimination of gender disparity in the country's education system is a positive step in human development. Read: Daily News

Cambodia: On October 13 National TV (TVK) and TV9 broadcasted a roundtable discussion on UNFPA's SWOP report that consisted representatives from the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Ministries of Health and Education, Youth and Sports and other organizations. The Cambodia Daily also ran a story on the report on October 12.

Denmark: Berlingske Tidende reported on October 12 that development is not possible without gender equality, according to The State of World Population report. The message was echoed by Jyllandsposten, BT, Kristeligt Dagblad, Information. "Women's right to their own bodies" was the title of an op-ed in Information by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid and Danish Minister of Developoment, Ulla Tørnæs. The op-ed addressed equality as a prereqisite for development, the right to reproductive healt including family planning and the right to a life without violence.

Guinea: In its coverage of the SWOP 2005, La Nouvelle Tribune concluded that at the current pace, the MDGs will not be reached by 2015. Horoya quotes UNFPA representative Ivan Hemans as saying that investments in women and youth are neccessary to accelerate the progress towards the MDGs.

Haiti: Le Nouvelliste reported on October 12 that when presenting tthe report in Haiti, Hernando Clavijo, UNFPA representative, "pointed his finger at the problem of gender based vilolence". He also emphisized the need for continued international support to the country. Minister of Women's Affairs, Adeline Chancy, said action must be continued to empower women in Haiti.

Hungary: Magyar Nemzet, in a full page story on October 13, quoted UNFPA regional deputy director Nesim Tumkaya as saying development is not possible without gender equality when presenting the report in Budapest. The launch was covered in national television, news agencies and papers.

Italy: L'Espresso, on October 13, quoted Carlo reitano. Chief of Budget in UNFPA as saying "It is more cost effective to prevent than to cure", in talking about cost effectiveness in invesments in RH, "but not only an effort of donor countires is required who (particularly Italy) should honor their ICPD commitments, but also of recipient countries, who need to promote the normative conditions that are required for change, particularly with respect to gender equality. If not, regardless of how many resources the international community invests into development, not much is likely to change". Famiglia Cristiana, a Catholic weekly, dedicated six pages to the report, with a focus on vilence agains women and maternal and child health. The release of the report was covered extensively in Italian media, including Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, Il Giornale; La Stampa, ANSA, Il Messagero.

Kyrgyzstan: IRIN reported October 18 that Gulnara Kadyrkulova, assistant UNFPA Representative in Kyrgyzstan, said at the launch of the SWOP report in the capital Bishkek: "This report reflects many problems around the world, but many of these problems are very similar to those that we have here in Kyrgyzstan. For example, one of the problems is that only 27 percent of women [in Kyrgyzstan] use modern methods of contraception, when in industrialized countries it is much higher." Kadyrkulova also cited the lack of women working as qualified medical specialists and in the political sphere. "Though we see that Kyrgyzstan has [made] some improvements...it still needs to work hard," she added. Read: IRIN

Laos: The Vientiane Times reported October 13 that at the Lao launch of the report, UNFPA Representative Nobuko Horibe said, "We cannot make poverty history until women enjoy their full social, cultural, economic and political rights." United Nations Resident Coordinator, Finn Reske-Nielsen, acknowledged the steps taken in the Lao PDR towards gender equality. "The challenge remains to translate these impressive national achievements into action and results at the grassroots level," Reske-Nielsen said. Vientiane Times (Laos) also featured an October 12 interview with UNFPA Representative Nobuko Horibe. Read: Vientiane Times: Oct. 12, Oct. 13

Madagascar: In it coverage of SWOP, the Madagascar press focused in particular on socio-cultural factors as obstacles to gender equality and the use of family planning. Adolescent pregnancy and partnership with men and boys also draw the attention of journalists, following the presentation of UNFPA representative Kris Valaydon.

Mexico: El Universal wrote on October 13 that the UN warns against the "machismo" in Latin America, and that the State of World Population report promotes the need for a new concept of masculinity that is not associated with violence. Proseco also focuses on the problem of widespread violence against women, and quotes UNFPA representative Arie Hoekman saying that without gender equality and investments in health and education development efforts will not succeed. La Jornada highlights that nowhere are the inequalities between rich and poor greater than in the area of health. More stories in Milenio, Reforma, El Financiero.

Namibia: The New Era reported on October 17 that hundreds of demonstrators protested the brutal murder and the string of violent crimes against women. At the event, UNFPA's State of World Population was presented to the Prime Minister by UNFPA Country Representative Nuzhat Eshan. The U.N. official said it is an important document that calls upon world leaders to meet the promises they made in furthering the Millennium Development Goals.

Nigeria: This Day reported on October 15 that UNFPA representative Niangoran Essan when launching the report stressed the urgency of investing in girls' education, and in reporoductive health to improve matrenal health, reduce poverty and combat HIV/AIDS.

OPT: Al-Quds in its coverage of the SWOP on 15 October highlighted that despite the difficult political, economic and social conditions caused by the occupation, Palestinian women are more advantaged than women in other Arab countries. It also noted that Palestine's population will double in 23 years.

Peru: El Comercio reported October 12 in covering the SWOP that Peru ranks next to last in health expenses, while El Peruano wrote that according to the report, the number of attended births was improving in the country. Other news outlets covering the SWOP release included Perú.21, La República, Caretas, Expreso, Sin Rodeos and RPP.

Sri Lanka: Daily News reported October 15 that at the launch of this year's State of World Population Report in Colombo, Lubna Baqi, UNFPA representative gave an overview of the report. She stated: "World leaders will not make poverty history until they make gender discrimination history. We cannot make poverty history until we stop violence against women and girls." Read: Daily News

Swaziland: On October 12 The Swazi Observer ran a feature story on the SWOP report that quoted Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid as saying: "Today, one month after the World Summit, the International community is examining to what degree pledges made to the world's more marginalized people are being met." The Times of Swaziland also covered this story.

Uganda: New Vision reported October 21 that UNFPA's SWOP report was released along with Uganda's State of Uganda Population report by the Population Secretariat at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. Read: New Vision

United Kingdom: The Guardian ran an October 18 letter by Amy North of Oxfam's Beyond Access Project who wrote: "Oxfam agrees with the UN Population Fund that poverty will only be made history when we have secured greater rights for women. However, the outcome document from the UN world summit last month fails to mention that the first millennium development goal target - to get equal numbers of girls and boys into school by 2005 - will be missed in 94 countries. Worldwide, of the 100 million children out of school, 60 million are girls. They are being denied one of their most fundamental human rights and deprived of the chance to ensure a better future for themselves and their families."

United States: Star-Telegram ran an October 18 editorial noting "It's an outrage here at the dawn of the 21st century that women in many countries are trivialized by ancient prejudice and ignorance to live in primitive conditions that rob them of what should be their rightful opportunities to grow as individuals and contribute their strengths to society. Updates on such conditions flowed out of London last week when the United Nations released findings contained in the U.N. Population Fund's annual State of World Population report." The editorial concluded: "Every leader around the world needs to hear those words, take them to heart and take action to correct perhaps the costliest problem on the face of the Earth." Read: Star-Telegram

The Boston Globe October 17 editorial noted: "For four straight years, President Bush has refused to release $34 million that Congress approves annually for the United Nations Population Fund, which supports the UN's reproductive health work in the world's poorest countries." The editorial mentioned: "Last week the Population Fund, known as UNFPA, released its annual world population report. It links sustainable development to the Millennium Goals reaffirmed by world leaders, including Bush, at a U.N. summit in New York in September. The report argues what should be obvious: In a world with 3 billion females, the goals of eradicating extreme poverty, reducing child mortality, and reversing the global AIDS epidemic cannot be met unless women's access to education, economic opportunity, and reproductive health are also met. As UNFPA's director, Thoraya Obaid, said in a phone interview: 'To make poverty history, you have to make gender discrimination history as well'." The editorial concluded: "Obaid says the 34 Million Friends donations are now being spent on a campaign to help women with obstetric fistula, a debilitating side effect of unsafe childbirth that is easily repaired but a taboo subject in many traditional societies. These donors are true citizens of the world. But there is no substitute for sustained government support from a rich country with a claim to world leadership. Global disease, poverty, and hunger cannot be cured by volunteers alone." Read: Boston Globe

OTHER NEWS: WORKSHOP ON PROTECTING WOMEN IN WARTIME

UN News Centre reported October 19 that at the three-day workshop, organized by UNFPA, representatives from some of the most war-ravaged parts of the world said more must be done to implement the groundbreaking Security Council resolution. Workshop organizer Sahir Abdul-Hadi, UNFPA, said the UN and its agencies have all learned a great deal from efforts to mobilize protection and support for women during and after armed conflicts. Read: UN News Centre

ANGOLA: U.N. Agencies Commemorate World Food Day

Angola Press Agency reported October 16 that U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in conjunction with other international institutions, will assist Angola to get contributions to implement a medium term plan of action to produce 1.5 million tons of cereals needed to break the deficit estimated at 650,000 tons. At the World Food Day commemoration, UNFPA Assistant Representative to Angola Julio Leite da Costa considered food as a fundamental pillar, not only to secure people's survival, but also for the good development of programs directed to the populations, such as education, reproductive health, reduction of poverty, eradication of gender discrimination, illiteracy, human rights defense and equality. He said that investing in programs and policies of food, education for the population in general, and women and girls in particular, produces rapid gains and better results." Read: Angola Press Agency

CARIBBEAN: Media Awards Deadline Extended

The Jamaica Observer reported October 20 that UNFPA is extending the deadline for the Caribbean Media Awards to October 21, following a number of "queries and strong interest from reporters." The original deadline was October 15th. The theme of this year's awards ceremony, which will take place in Kingston on December 6, is "Gender Equality, Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals." Read: Jamaica Observer

GHANA: Experts on Maternal Mortality Meet in Sogakope

Ghana News Agency reported October 19 that experts on maternal mortality in Ghana's Volta Region met in Sogakope to discuss strategies to increase supervised deliveries to reduce pregnancy related deaths. The workshop was organized by UNFPA, which is supporting population, reproductive health, gender policies and programs under its fifth country program. Makane Kane, UNFPA representative in Ghana, said UNFPA needed strategies and activities in the final program document, for the period 2006-2010 to reflect local conditions. Read: Ghana News Agency

MAURETANIA: UNFPA Supports Government to Implement Public Records

Horizons reported October 19 that the State Secretary in charge of public records will organize, with UNFPA support, a conference on how to make the Public records reform successful. The reform is crucial for the credibility of the upcoming elections, which depend largely on accurate public records.

NAMIBIA: WAD Donates Condom Demonstration Kit to Schools

The Namibian/ reported October 20 that the Women's Action for Development (WAD) has donated condom-demonstration kits to 19 secondary schools in the Karas and Hardap regions. The kits were acquired with a N$32 000 donation from UNFPA. Read: The Namibian

NIGERIA: UNFPA Distributes Hospital Equipment

This Day (Nigeria) reported October 17 that UNFPA has purchased hospital equipment worth over N200 million for distribution to 15 general hospitals and 230 primary health centers across Sokoto state. UNFPA Project Adviser Dr. Alihu Yakubu said that the facilities would be fully equipped to ensure safe deliveries free of charge. Read: This Day

PAKISTAN: Earthquake Relief Efforts

United Press International reported October 18 that earthquake relief efforts include areas in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra by UNFPA that has deployed six mobile medical service units, and began providing emergency health assistance, including obstetric emergencies and deliveries. Staffed by a female doctor and a nurse-midwife, the units are reaching about 250 patients a day. Among their first patients were three healthy deliveries and eight stillborn due to the trauma. "Much is being done, but the situation remains very grave," said Kevin Kennedy, director for coordination and response in the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In its latest appeal, the U.N. has asked international donors for 56 million dollars to provide food for one million people over six months. Read: United Press International, UN News Centre

PAKISTAN AND GERMANY: Germany Answers Call for Fall Appeal after Earthquake

The Pakistan Newswire reported October 20 that the German government would provide more aid to Pakistan for the relief and rescue operation that is underway after the earthquake disaster. German Ambassador Dr. Gunter Mulack told reporters Germany has committed 3.25 million Euro to the U.N. Flash Appeal, under which 500,000 Euros will go to UNFPA for emergency obstetric care and maternal health.

PHILIPPINES: Increasing Demand for Urban-Poor Housing

Manila Times (Philippines) reported October 18 that a study recently presented by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council showed the increasing demand for urban-poor housing is due to migration and rapid urbanization in Baguio, one of the key cities outside of Metro Manila. Officials cited a study by the regional population commission in coordination with UNFPA, which shows that the number of people for every square meter in the city is 4,389, or 17 times higher than the national average. Read: Manila Times

UNITED KINGDOM: UK Deals with "Honor Killings

Christian Science Monitor (U.S.) reported October 19 that the number of "honor killings" carried out in Britain is unknown, but in late 2004, British police began reexamining 117 murders to see how many were motivated by honor. The story noted that while "crimes of passion" against wayward spouses occur worldwide according to a 2000 report by the UNFPA, premeditated honor killings originate specifically in Middle Eastern and South Asian countries where they are often both illegal and socially acceptable. Read: Christian Science Monitor

UNITED STATES: Groups Call for Withdrawal of Bush's Appointment to Head Population and Refugee Program

Associated Press reported October 19 that twelve women's advocacy groups sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to withdraw the nomination of Ellen Sauerbrey for the U.S. State Department's top refugee and population official, calling her unfit for the job and hostile to women's rights. AP noted that Sauerbrey strongly advocates the Bush administration's decision to withhold funding from the U.N. Population Fund because the agency contributes to China's "coercive abortion" program. This year, Congress appropriated $34 million for the program, but gave President Bush the authority to decline to spend the money. China has denied using any coercive measures in its population control. The Population Fund provides maternal health care and family planning services to women around the world. It says one of its goals is to get women to use voluntary family planning to avoid abortion. Read: Associated Press

Inter Press Service also reported on the Sauerbrey nomination controversy in an October 18 story. The story noted that other groups that called for Bush to withdraw the nomination included the Feminist Majority Foundation, Americans for UNFPA, the Western Hemisphere section of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Read: Inter Press Service

UNITED STATES: U.S. Funding for UNFPA

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (U.S.) ran an October 19 editorial that noted, first lady Laura Bush told members of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS a few weeks ago "Educated girls are more likely to know what HIV is and how to avoid it." She'd be more effective delivering that speech to her husband than to her African counterparts. For the fourth year in a row, President Bush is withholding $34 million appropriated by Congress for United Nations family-planning programs in 146 countries and territories. The editorial noted that in response to the Bush announcement, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said: "I hope the United States will rejoin the family of nations that support our multilateral work. Our task is made more urgent by the fact that more than 300 million poor women in the world suffer from illnesses related to pregnancy or childbirth, with more than half a million of them dying each year." The editorial concluded: "At the end of her own speech on AIDS, Laura Bush claimed that '...the United States is playing a key role in bringing an end to the tragedy of HIV/AIDS.' The United States could play an even larger role if her husband would stop holding vital funds hostage to politics. She should tell him that." Read: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Equal Time" section ran an October 19 op ed by conservative Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey who wrote: "Once again, the United Nations Population Fund failed to meet the basic fundamental human rights conditions necessary to receive funding from the United States. The decision by President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to withhold funding is commendable and reiterates the strong commitment by the United States to protect and defend persecuted women and children. For years, UNFPA has been guilty of shamelessly supporting and whitewashing crimes against humanity by putting a U.N. seal of approval on a program based on forced abortion and coercive population control." He concluded: "The 21st century is long past the time for UNFPA to sever its ties with China's one-child-per-couple family planning program that relies on forced abortion, involuntary sterilization and heavy economic penalties for women to achieve its brutal goals. Other countries need to hold UNFPA and the Chinese population control program accountable at The Hague for crimes against humanity." Read: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Back to top