By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC)Nasir Isa Kwarra said addressing prevailing sexual and reproductive injustice is urgent and should be prioritized.
He said justice can can only be realized when women, girls and young people in Nigeria have access to quality and timely information and counselling that shapes and empower them to live healthy, productive and fulfilled lives as well as practice a regime of responsible reproductive lives/patterns.
Speaking at the 4th anniversary of the Nairobi summit on ICPD25,the chairman said addressing this injustice is a collective responsibility.
“Therefore, let us unite to ensure sexual and reproductive justice for women, girls and young people is prioritized, guaranteed and secured.
“ I wish to also, thank the UNFPA and other partners for sustained support for the yearly convening of the event. NPC remains resolute in sustaining close partnerships with all of you to achieve the desired change for all women, girls and young in Nigeria at all times. With these few remarks, I hereby declare the commemoration open.”
Also speaking, Mr. Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative, United Nation Population Fund, UNFPA, said its been four years since the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, where thousands gathered to reaffirm their commitments to achieving the three transformative results zero unmet need for family lanning, zero preventable maternal death, and zero violence and other harmful practices against women and girls.
“I appreciate your support and dedication to speeding efforts to complete the unfinished business of the ICPD Programme of Action.
Today, we come together under the theme “Sexual and Reproductive Justice Cannot Wait: All Rights, Women, Girls, and Young People, Act Now, which underscores the urgency of our collective responsibility.
Represented by Dashe Dashegot, the UNFPA boss said, “It is a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. We cannot afford to delay action on matters of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
To fulfil the unfinished business of the ICPD Programme of Action, we need to ensure we meet the aspirations of our women and girls, adolescents, and youth; and guarantee respect for human rights.
“As we mark this milestone, it is crucial to reflect on our progress and renew our dedication to achieving the goals set forth in Nairobi. We find ourselves at a critical juncture where the world faces unprecedented challenges, from the ongoing global health crisis to economic uncertainties. However, in the face of these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status.
“The achievement of sustainable, just, and inclusive development must be based on actions that meet the needs and aspirations of all. We acknowledge that unless we complete the unfinished business of the ICPD PoA, realizing the strong and evidence-based investment case for ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, as well as reaching the ambitious SDGs by 2030 will be difficult, if not impossible.”
