ICPD and Human Rights

This publication highlights the progress countries have made through their laws and policies to implement the ICPD Programme of Action. It also describes national and international human rights developments over the past two decades on issues related to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

While the development of laws and policies are not the only measure of a state’s commitment to and compliance with international human rights norms, they are an important component of it by laying the foundation for their realization and ensuring accountability when laws are violated.

The main issues discussed in the publication are:

• Maternal mortality and morbidity
• Contraceptive information and services
• Abortion
• Sexual and reproductive health education and information
• Adolescents and youth
• Individuals belonging to marginalized and under-served populations
• HIV/Aids
• Violence against women
• Harmful traditional practices
• Advancing sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights after ICPD 2014.

Each chapter contains an overview of the issue, the framework outlined under ICPD to address it, and the evolving human rights standards surrounding it, as well as examples of laws, policies, and judicial decisions. The publication also provides recommendations for overcoming barriers to realizing sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.