3rd APCSRH Takes on the Challenge,
and Works with Youth

From 17th to 21st November 2005, the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health was held in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, with over 1,200 delegates from some 50 countries attending, with many from outside the region. Participants included parliamentarians, policy makers, health professionals, and academics, as well as representatives from international organizations and NGOs, including JOICFP.

This variety of participants generated a vibrant atmosphere and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to network and exchange views.

JOICFP took an active role, with Sumie Ishii, Executive Director, JOICFP, taking part in the International Steering Committee, the Recommendations Draft Committee, chairing a parallel session, organizing and presenting a satellite session, and co-chairing a plenary session.

After four days the conference issued the “Declaration of APCRSH 2005,” which was notably delivered by a 15-year-old boy, reflecting the strong participation and commitment by youth at the conference.

The conference participants stated they:-

• Welcomed the commitment of the leaders at the World Summit 2005, and committed to advocating for inclusion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH/R) in national and local policies
• Will advocate for availability, accessibility and affordability of contraception
• Will work to eliminate harm caused by unsafe abortion
• Will work for gender equity, and campaign for zero-tolerance for violence toward women, and exploitation of women and children
• Will foster closer linkages between HIV/AIDS and SRH/R policies and programs
• Fully recognize the Young People’s Declaration
• Recommend the organizers of the next APCRSH work in full partnership with youth

International organizations such as IPPF and UNFPA fully participated in the conference, with Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA, and Steven Sinding, Director-General, IPPF, attending. Both the Ford and the Rockefeller Foundations continued to offer support for the conference, and this was very much appreciated as APCRSH is the only regular SRH conference in Asia.

APA/ICPD was also instrumental in the success of the conference, co-organizing an orientation meeting with IPPF for newcomers to APCRSH, especially young people.

Japan’s support was seen with Chieko Nohno, MP attending, who is a midwife and Minister of Justice, and now a key legislator for women’s rights.

Nohno with a Cambodian youth representative at APCRSH

JICA also sent a representative, who introduced its activities at a satellite meeting by focusing on GO-NGO partnership, using the example of the JICA-supported Vietnam RH Project in Nghe An conducted by JOICFP. The participation of JICA was greatly appreciated, not least because Japan is the largest donor in the region.

JICA, JOICFP, PPFK, and KOICA also held a satellite session on “GO/NGO collaboration for the advancement of SRH in Asia: policy and experience of Japan and Korea.”

Furthermore, the Population Council conducted a poster session in which they too focused on the project in Vietnam.