On April 09-13,South Africa was chairing the 51st session of the United Nations Commission for Population Development. This session was under the theme: “SUSTAINABLE CITIES, HUMAN MOBILITY AND INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION”. Although [yet again] the states did not reach consensus, and therefore no outcome document came from the session, South Africa’s closing statement recognised the further marginalisation of immigrant persons in relation to accessing SRHR services.
“International migrants, particularly adolescent migrants, are particularly vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, and an unmet need for contraceptives. This is usually the consequence of the disruptive effect that restrictive migration policies have on migrant families. It is also the result of poor sexual and reproductive health services to migrant communities. Often Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer migrants are denied the sexual and reproductive health and rights and other health-related services that many people otherwise take for granted. Sexual and reproductive health services and rights, including the right to termination of pregnancy services and comprehensive sexuality education, should be factored into migration policies and strategies, so as to leave no one behind.”
Read the full statement here: South Africa National Statement CPD51
