News

Three times a year, UN member states gather at the Human Rights Council (HRC) to discuss the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. This is a key space for Rutgers’ work to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, especially in current times of growing conservative opposition forces in governments.

We are shocked by the devastating news of the murder of Bessy Ferrera (known as Bessy Watson), who was killed on July 8 in the streets of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

“All in all, it was amazing for me as a young person to be at a UN event like this. It’s the largest space of political lobbying in the world.” This April, the 52nd session of the UN Commission for Population and Development (CPD) took place in New York. Youth advocate, Jairo Rodrigues from Guyana attended, as part of our Right Here Right Now Strategic Partnership. He looks back at a thrilling and inspiring experience at the United Nations, and has a clear assignment for his home country.

This year marks 25 years after the signing of the ICPD Programme of Action. In the run-up to the anniversary celebrations in November, UNFPA is joining forces with the strategic partnership Right Here Right Now to advance SRHR for all. At a special reception in Naivasha, Kenya, all parties re-affirmed their commitments and young advocates from across the international partnership shared their recommendations and experiences.

Rutgers uses over 50 years of experience to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people all over the world. Join our side events at Women Deliver 2019 to discover more about our implementation, research and advocacy work.

This week the Prevention+ global partnership, committed to addressing the root causes of GBV, came together in Kigali for their annual ‘taking stock’ meeting. It was an opportunity to critically assess how far we have collectively come, and how far we still must go to help create a world without GBV and where healthy, respectful and equal relationships are the norm.

Rutgers and UNFPA have a long-term partnership. This includes the annual launch of the State of The World Population report. This year's focus is the 'Unfinished Business' and overcoming the barriers that prevent people from fully exercising their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Wednesday 10 April, Rutgers is organising an intimate dialogue between minister Kaag and young people from different countries. Focus will be on young people’s ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights linked with their opportunities for economic and social development. What issues do they face, how are they addressing these, and how can collaboration with the Dutch Ministry and other stakeholders help in securing better sexual and reproductive rights and access to social and economic development for young people.

On International Day of Happiness, Rutgers is pleased to share a new animated video, created through the Prevention+ programme, which promotes gender-equal societies without violence, as well as happier and healthier relationships.

The world is going through a critical period of increasing conservatism. There is a tendency to turn away from universal human rights, towards more dogmatic beliefs. The impact of this shift has disproportionate consequences for women, with limitations to their rights, the reinforcement of the male hierarchy and the marginalisation of sexual and gender diversity. Our international programme Prevention+ works with religious leaders to end gender-based violence (GBV).