World Population Day 2015 focuses on “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies”

Nearly 60 million individuals have fled conflict or disaster by the end of 2014, with women and adolescent girls being the most vulnerable. This is why the theme of this World Population Day – ‘Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies’, aims to highlight the special needs of women and adolescent girls during conflicts and humanitarian disasters. 

Even under normal conditions, reproductive health complications are a leading cause of death and illness among women of childbearing age. In humanitarian situations, an estimated one in five women and adolescent girls are likely to be pregnant. As skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care often become unavailable, pregnant women’s and girls’ vulnerability to death and injury is further exacerbated. 

Women and adolescent girls also face much greater risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, violence and forced marriage during conflicts and natural disasters. In addition, many women who survive a crisis become heads of household, with the sole responsibility of caring for their children. They often have to overcome immense obstacles to provide health and care for children, the sick, the injured and the elderly, and bear the heaviest burden of relief and reconstruction. As a result, they may neglect their own needs as they care for others. 

One of the priorities of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is to empower and safeguard the well-being of women, adolescent girls, and young people and address their specific needs and concerns. It works closely with governments, the United Nations system, local partners and others on disaster preparedness to ensure that reproductive health is integrated into emergency responses. 

UNFPA deploys hygiene kits, obstetric and contraceptive supplies, trained personnel and other support to vulnerable populations. It also works to ensure the needs of women, adolescent girls and young people are served through both an emergency and the reconstruction phase. Its aim is to ensure that women’s and adolescent girls’ right to sexual and reproductive health is protected and their safety is ensured. 

In Sri Lanka too, UNFPA responds immediately during emergencies to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and adolescent girls and is currently working to ensure that a set of guidelines addressing the special needs of women and girls are included in Sri Lanka’s Action Plan for Disaster Preparedness. 

At the same time, as stated by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, “We must enable women, adolescent girls and young people to play their full role in peace talks, peace building and recovery, and to ensure that governments comply with international law and bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.  By prioritising health, rights and the full participation of women, adolescent girls and young people in public life, we increase our prospects for a more just, stable and peaceful world.”

In marking the United Nations 70th anniversary and 60th year of presence in Sri Lanka, as stated by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban-Ki-Moon, “Let us take strength from our founding mission to give hope and support to the most vulnerable.” 

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency that expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy sexual and reproductive lives. It is on the ground improving lives in more than140 countries, delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.