Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
New Zealand remains fully committed to the International Conference on Population and Development, and the Programme of Action. During this thirtieth anniversary of the ICPD conference in Cairo, we acknowledge that universal access to sexual and reproductive health services still remains out of reach for many - we must all do more.
New Zealand is supporting efforts to increase access to these critical health services - both domestically and through our international development assistance. In 2020, we began a trial to rollout free menstrual products in schools. This trial was expanded in 2021, and is set to continue, benefitting up to 200,000 students. Cervical self-testing and investment in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives are also helping increase access to sexual and reproductive health services for many.
We remain committed to empowering women to lead independent and self-determining lives, including the ability to decide freely whether and when to have children. New Zealand has completely legalized abortion up to 20 weeks, and there are regulated safe zones to protect the safety, wellbeing, privacy and dignity of people who are accessing or providing abortion services.
In 2023, New Zealand began implementing a five year investment of NZ$30 million in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. This will help more people across the Pacific to access modern contraceptive methods as well as information to support them to make their own informed decisions about sexual relations and reproductive healthcare.
We acknowledge that while there is still further progress to be made in New Zealand, we remain committed to our efforts to fulfil sexual and reproductive rights and support women and girls in all their diversity.
Chair, we thank the Commission for this opportunity to speak.
New Zealand is committed to working in partnership to fully implement the ICPD Programme of Action and to realise sustainable development for all.
Thank you.