Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of the 2024 UNFPA State of World Population Report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22665/24]
View answerIreland is a strong supporter of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The State of the World Population is its annual flagship Report, analysing developments and trends in population and demographics at global and national level. The Tánaiste launched this year's report, with senior representatives of UNFPA and the Chair of the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Dublin on 18 April 2024. The theme of the report was the role racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination play in blocking gains in SRHR for women and girls.
The Report highlights the progress made since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, which adopted a Programme of Action that recognised clearly that reproductive health, women's empowerment and gender equality are vital for sustainable development.
Nevertheless, we share the concern at setbacks in some areas. Although maternal mortality rates have declined by almost one third globally, progress is uneven and has stalled in many fragile and low-income countries. Between 2016 and 2020, the global annual reduction in maternal death was effectively zero.
It is clear that barriers to healthcare have fallen faster for women of high socioeconomic status. Serious inequalities persist, and still constrain people’s choices in life. The root causes of these systemic inequalities must be addressed, economically, socially and politically to ensure those the furthest behind have full access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with UNFPA and other key partners in line with the Government's international development policy, A Better World, which places gender equality at its core and includes firm commitments on sexual and reproductive rights. The policy frames our commitments in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and, in particular, their commitment to reach the furthest behind first.
