.png?sfvrsn=6d0e27cd_1 "Partnership for Change - v7 (1)")
As the United Nations looks toward its 80th anniversary and a major reform of its global systems, a powerful new voice is speaking up for the health and rights of millions.
The Global South Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Development Justice, backed by 525 organizations and 93 leading individuals, has released a landmark proposal. Its message is clear: as the UN changes its structure, the fundamental rights of women, girls, and marginalized communities must not be sidelined.
Why This Matters Now
The "UN80" reform process is exploring how to make the United Nations more efficient. While the Coalition isn't taking a side on specific mergers (such as the discussed joining of UNFPA and UN Women), it is drawing a firm line in the sand.
"SRHR is more than just a policy line, as it is the foundation of gender equality and sustainable development," the proposal notes. The Coalition warns that if these rights aren't given a dedicated, stand-alone mandate, they risk losing the funding, visibility, and leadership needed to save lives.
Five Pillars for a Protected Future
The proposal outlines a practical roadmap to ensure that no matter how the UN is reorganized, SRHR remains a priority:
Protected Funding: Finances for reproductive health must be "ring-fenced." This means that even in lean economic times, the money intended for life-saving services, maternal health, and data systems stays where it’s needed most.
Expert Leadership: We need the best minds at the table. The proposal calls for transparent, merit-based hiring and a guarantee that specialized technical expertise is kept at the local, regional, and global levels.
A Seat at the Table: Governance shouldn't happen behind closed doors. The Coalition is calling for inclusive leadership that ensures civil society, especially from the Global South, and young people have a real say in decision-making.
Strong Accountability: The UN must continue to report directly to major bodies like the General Assembly, ensuring that progress on reproductive rights is tracked with hard data and transparent evidence.
- Real-World Integration: Reproductive rights don't exist in a vacuum. The proposal links SRHR to "Development Justice". recognizing that health is tied to education, climate resilience, and escaping poverty.
A Comprehensive Vision
The Coalition reaffirms that "health and rights" means the full spectrum of care, including:
Safe maternal and newborn care.
Universal access to contraception.
Safe abortion care (to the fullest extent of the law).
Comprehensive sexuality education and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Looking Ahead
As the UN80 process moves forward, this proposal serves as a vital reminder: reform should strengthen, not dilute. To reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the United Nations must ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights remain institutionally protected, fully funded, and at the heart of the global agenda.