>>Available in PDF from WWHR's website

Summary: By Dr. Sherifa Zuhur (publishedby Women for Women's Human Rights-New Ways, February 2005). Examinesthe common aspects of criminal laws in the Middle East and North Africarelated to sexuality and provides a historical perspective on theamalgamation of tribal, religious, colonial laws and their impact onmodern codes. Providing a thematic comparative study of constructs ofhonor, adultery, honor crimes, rape, sexual abuse, abortion, maritalrape, homosexuality, sex work, FGM and similar issues, the articleexplores how human rights violations in the domain of sexuality arelegitimized by law in the region and how oppression of sexuality inperpetrated by the existing penal systems. The article is both a uniqueresource and a powerful advocacy tool for ongoing reform initiatives inthe region (76 pages).

In 1994, at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, the world's governments and civil society committed to an action plan to ensure universal access to reproductive health information and services, uphold fundamental human rights including sexual and reproductive rights, alleviate poverty, secure gender equality, and protect the environment.

August 14, 2006, XVI International AIDS ConferenceToronto, Canada
Remarks by Paulette Nicholas and Judith Auerbach
Available in Word and PDF

The UNDP/UNFPA/WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in which WHO plays the key research and coordinating role was established more than 30 years ago, primarily in response to international concerns about unwanted fertility and the impact of rapid population growth.  While improvements in contraceptive acceptability, safety and choice and in the quality of care still play an important role in its research agenda, the scope of work has expanded to emphasize newly salient issues such as adolescent sexual behavior, gender inequalities and violence against women, the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, the development of safe and effective methods for the early termination of unwanted pregnancies and the management of complications of unsafe procedures, and improvements in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in resource-poor settings.  The Special Programme has built up an international network of more than 120 research institutions in developed and developing countries that is engaged in social science and biomedical research aimed at strengthening the evidence base for improved policies, programs and practices in sexual and reproductive health for women, men and young people throughout the world.

>>Available in Word and PDF