ICPD+15

Gains and Gaps- ICPD +15: A Civil Society Review in India

Background

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, Cairo 1994) marked a watershed in the understanding of population and development issues. This led to integration of population issues into all development planning, policies and programmes. It not only endorsed the idea of rights based approaches in health through the adoption of the concept of 'reproductive rights' but also attempted to do away with the earlier “population explosion rhetoric”, and included sustainable development, along with the need to look at varied populations – the indigenous, the disabled, migrants, children, the elderly etc. The ICPD Programme of Action (PoA) also highlighted the need for male responsibility along with the empowerment of women, and focused on sexual health.

Objectives

Conduct an overview of key gains and challenges that have emerged in the last fifteen years since ICPD in the context of health related policy and programming in India.
Initiate advocacy efforts with policymakers, parliamentarians and international organisations.
Raise awareness among multiple stakeholders about the significance of reproductive and sexual rights in the context of the existing health condition of specific vulnerable groups
Identify areas for action for different stakeholders across sectors and regions to realize reproductive and sexual rights of various groups.