Contents
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ i
Table of abbreviations.................................................................................................................iii
Table of contents............................................................................................................................ v
Preface.......................................................................................................................................... vii
Introduction.................................................................................................................................. xi
1.
Understanding reproductive rights and their relevance to the work of NHRIs............ 1
1.1. Understanding reproductive rights......................................................................................... 1
1.2. Reproductive rights and the work of national human rights institutions............................... 7
2.
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
Reproductive rights in the work of national human rights institutions:
key findings........................................................................................................................... 9
Key findings related to mandate, responsibilities and priorities............................................ 9
Key findings on attitudes and perceptions related to reproductive rights............................ 12
Key findings on work practices and experiences................................................................. 15
Key findings related to challenges....................................................................................... 17
3.
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
Integration of reproductive rights: innovations and emerging good practices............ 21
Innovations and good practices in relation to awareness raising and education.................. 21
Innovations and good practices in relation to advice and advocacy . ................................. 23
Innovations and good practices in relation to identifying and responding to violations..... 26
Innovations and good practices in relation to overcoming cultural and
religious resistance............................................................................................................... 28
3.5. Internal good practices related to NHRI working methods and procedures........................ 29
4.
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
Challenges, risks and opportunities ................................................................................ 33
Challenge: lack of knowledge, common understanding and expertise................................ 33
Challenge: competing priorities and resource constraints................................................... 35
Challenge/Risk: sensitivities and controversies related to reproductive rights................... 36
Opportunity: NHRI mandate for and commitment to reproductive rights.......................... 37
Opportunity: NHRI experience in integrating new/sensitive human rights issues.............. 38
5.
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
Towards the future............................................................................................................. 41
Supporting NHRI efforts to integrate reproductive rights................................................... 41
An advocacy or policy role for the Asia Pacific Forum?..................................................... 43
Proposed next steps: consultative workshop on reproductive rights................................... 44
Annexes
Annex 1: List of participating NHRIs........................................................................................... 47
Annex 2: Questionnaire................................................................................................................ 49
Annex 3: Follow up template........................................................................................................ 61
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