• A rights-based approach

A rights-based approach to access

In this paper, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) sets out its position on sexual and reproductive health and rights, reaffirming its commitment to realising the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). New challenges are highlighted, including the HIV/AIDS pandemic, threats to international consensus, increasing demand for reproductive health services, and weak or failing health systems, alongside a shortage of skilled health workers.

The paper recommends the effective integration of sexual and reproductive health services (including those for HIV/AIDS) to improve maternal and newborn health, deliver family planning choices, eliminate unsafe abortion and reduce sexually transmitted infections and risky behaviour. It also calls for increased access to sexual and reproductive health services and non-judgemental information for poor women, men, young people, and specific vulnerable groups such as sex workers and displaced people, highlighting the importance of gender equality. Four areas of action are identified: advocacy and partnership; strengthening sexual and reproductive health services; addressing social, cultural and economic barriers to access; and generation and application of evidence based research. The paper concludes by advocating a rights based approach to sexual and reproductive health, to build momentum in policymaking, backed up by legal and political frameworks.

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