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15th April 2025, River Nile State, Sudan - In a groundbreaking step for healthcare access in Sudan, the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has launched the country’s first mobile telemedicine clinic in River Nile State. Funded by IPPF and FCDO, this innovation brings specialist remote care to people in isolated and conflict-affected areas, reducing the need for physical travel to health facilities. The mobile telemedicine clinic trucks are equipped with high-speed Starlink satellite internet and can travel to remote and rural locations. Clients receive essential treatment on-site and can connect directly, through secure video calls, with medical specialists across Sudan and internationally, including consultants based in Europe. This initiative is part of SFPA’s broader telemedicine project, designed to ensure the continued delivery of sexual and reproductive health services to the most vulnerable populations, particularly in areas where healthcare systems have collapsed due to conflict. Ms Kawthar, Executive Director of the SFPA branch in River Nile State, noted that the launch of the mobile telemedicine clinic, in Quoz Al-Halq, marks the beginning of a new era in healthcare service delivery within the state. “This project represents a landmark moment in Sudan’s healthcare history. We face enormous challenges in reaching people affected by conflict and displacement with essential health services. But this clinic changes what’s possible. We can now deliver integrated healthcare solutions through smart technologies – we’re breaking down barriers to health.” This innovation comes as Sudan approaches the third year of a brutal conflict, which began on 15 April 2023. Over 12.5 million people have been forcibly displaced[i], and more than two-thirds of the population are in need of humanitarian aid[ii]. Rates of sexually transmitted infections and gender-based violence, including sexual violence, have risen sharply[iii]. Many clinics and hospitals have been destroyed or abandoned. There is a severe shortage of qualified medical personnel, many of whom have fled the country. Access to care has disappeared entirely in some areas.  SFPA facilities and staff have also been directly affected by the conflict, with nine of its clinics attacked, resulting in the tragic loss of volunteers and healthcare workers. Amid these challenges, SFPA managed to reach 9.8 million humanitarian clients in 2024.  The new mobile telemedicine clinic offers a leap forward in how care can be delivered. It will provide: In-person and digital health consultations Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence Awareness campaigns on reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections Fully integrated digital referral system, linking primary care with specialised medical facilities. Dr Siham Gaber, Director of Digital Health Interventions and Services at SFPA, said the initiative reflects the Association’s vision to harness technology for sustainable healthcare delivery in crisis contexts. “The mobile telemedicine clinic is a significant step forward in improving access to reproductive health services. It enables remote medical consultations and connects patients with doctors and specialists without the need for long-distance travel.  This is especially important for women, youth and displaced people, who often face serious risks just to access a health facility. Now, they can get the right care where they are - safely and with dignity.” Mr El-Shafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of SFPA, added: “This clinic is not just a mobile health unit. It represents a comprehensive model for integrating telemedicine solutions into the provision of healthcare services. It contributes to expanding coverage and narrowing the health gap caused by conflict and insecurity.” The first phase of the project will see mobile telemedicine clinics deployed in five key states: River Nile, Red Sea, Kassala, Gedaref and Blue Nile. A second expansion phase will begin in May and aims to extend coverage across all 15 states where SFPA operates. This will ensure broader access to services for those most in need. “We remain dedicated to innovation and the scaling of digital solutions to ensure every Sudanese citizen, regardless of their location or circumstance, has access to quality healthcare,” said Mr El-Shafie Mohamed Ali. For more information and to speak to SFPA staff in Sudan, please email [email protected]   ------- About the Sudan Family Planning Association  The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynaecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. As the statistics show, Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Advocacy, and undertaking information, education and communication (IEC) programs are critical. In 2024, SFPA provided 43.4 million services to 12.6 million clients (9.8 million of which were humanitarian clients) through 26 static clinics, 39 mobile clinics, 1499 community-based distributors, private physicians and associated clinics. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.  [i] https://www.unrefugees.org/news/sudan-crisis-explained/ [ii] https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1220 [iii] https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2024/09/sudan-humanitarian-crisis-has-catastrophic-impact-for-women-and-girls-with-two-fold-increase-of-gender-based-violence   

Haz click aquí para leer este posicionamiento en español. Khartoum, 2 July 2024: Another horrendous attack on one of our healthcare clinics in Sudan has occurred this week. Several staff and volunteers from our Member Association in Sudan, the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA), have now been injured or killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Our clinic in El Fasher has been destroyed, meaning there is one less option for women and girls to receive lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare in the region.   For over a month, ongoing battles around El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur, have been taking place.The RSF, who have stationed themselves 10 kilometres from the city, have been indiscriminately shelling military and civilian targets.   One of our SFPA volunteers, Mahasen Abdul Jabbar, was killed after being hit by gunshot at the clinic. This morning, Dr Daifallah Mohammed, a volunteer family medicine specialist in our El Fasher clinic, also died as a result of the warfare.  The RSF bombardments have also severely injured several of our staff: Dr Marwa, a doctor at the Integrated Centre in El Fasher, was hit by shrapnel in her leg. A midwife at Abu Shouk centre, Halima Abdullah Adam, was hit and four of her children were injured and evacuated. The house of the guard of Abu Shouk centre was hit, killing his daughter and wounding four of his other children.  One of our nurses has been hit with shrapnel and has been transferred to hospital and is in critical condition and all contact with her has been lost. The RSF has also been kidnapping our patients, their whereabouts unknown.   This latest attack is on top of previous attacks on our clinics in Sudan, which destroyed our facilities in Khartoum and El Fashir and health centres run by SFPA between 7-9 September 2023.  Women and girls in Sudan are facing an upsurge in sexual and conflict-related violence. Our staff have witnessed firsthand the impact of this heinous crime on the most vulnerable people, including women, girls and other marginalized groups. We previously reported that rape victims and survivors are struggling to obtain contraception, abortion medication and post-exposure anti-viral medications. They face severe and life-threatening consequences, including loss of family support and homes and shelters and increased risk of suicide. Survivors are afraid to seek medical treatment because of the stigma and fear of reprisals from rape.  Fadoua Bakhadda, Regional Director, Arab World Region, said:   “We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, especially against health centers that are attacked while providing essential services to those in need. Such acts are an affront to humanity and the sanctity of care.  The murders, displacement and destruction in Sudan must stop. It is vital that warring parties remember their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, which include ensuring the protection of civilians and the protection of health structures and health personnel.”  Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF, said:   “We are devastated to learn of another attack on one of our clinics in Sudan, and the injuries and loss of lives to our staff and volunteers. Healthcare facilities, and most importantly, healthcare workers, must never be the target of war. The sexual and reproductive health and lives of 800,000 people in North Darfur – including women, children, and people with disabilities – are hanging in the balance as bombing and shelling cause widespread harm to civilians and severely disrupt the essential health services they very much depend on.  Now, more than ever, our healthcare facilities must be protected so they can continue to provide care to the populations enduring these needless attacks. Our clinic, which previously was able to provide lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare such as prenatal care and contraceptives, is gone. Where will women and girls seek these services now? There must finally be a critical mass of people of conscience saying enough is enough in this forgotten crisis.”   For more information and to speak to one of our staff in North Darfur, Sudan, please email [email protected]   About the Sudan Family Planning Association  The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynaecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. As the statistics show, Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Advocacy, and undertaking information, education and communication (IEC) programs are critical. In 2023, SFPA provided 38 million services through 25 clinics, 272 associated clinics, 39 mobile clinics, 1494 CBD/CBS, and digital/Virtual channels. Since the start of the crisis on 15 April 2023, the association teams were successful in providing 8 million services through 25 SDPs and 10 million services through non damaged associated and mobile clinics. SFPA was able to assist 1,183 deliveries under bombardment and provided 170 943 treatments of HIV in its static clinics. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.    

Geneva/London, 15 March 2024 - The Ugandan Court of Appeal’s decision to deny Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) legal registration fails the democratic principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution and should be reversed, ILGA World and The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) said today.  Despite having worked to protect the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions for more than twenty years, Sexual Minorities Uganda has repeatedly been denied legal recognition: first in 2012 and then in 2018, when the High Court upheld the initial decision by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. Six years later, in March 2024, the Court of Appeal shut down SMUG’s hope to register and be recognised as an independent legal entity under the law. “For civil society organisations working on sexual, gender and bodily diversity issues, registration allows them to serve more effectively those parts of societies that States fail to protect,” said ILGA World and IPPF. “Without this opportunity, they cannot conduct their activities formally or receive funding for their work. Ultimately, this decision restricts freedom of association and further pushes those who are already targeted by discriminatory laws to the margins of society.” “The Constitution of Uganda,” continue ILGA World and IPPF, “claims that ‘The State shall be based on democratic principles which empower and encourage the active participation of all citizens at all levels in their own governance.’ Ultimately, the extremely disappointing decision to reject SMUG’s registration goes in the entirely opposite direction. We are in solidarity with the organisation and join them in calling out this missed opportunity to protect better the rights of some of the most vulnerable populations in Ugandan society.” In Uganda, registration is banned for those organisations with goals that allegedly are “in contravention of the laws”. In January 2023, a report by the NGO Bureau detailed how the agency investigated and acted upon several organisations for promoting the rights of LGBTI people and recommended authorities take stricter measures against NGOs that "promote LGBTIQ activities" — including stepping up the criminalisation of activism. A few months later, the Anti-Homosexuality Act was signed into law, further cracking down also on organisations found guilty of “promoting homosexuality”. These actions against LGBTI human rights NGOs are part of a larger crackdown on Ugandan civil society. In November 2019, the Ugandan government shut down more than 12,000 organisations. Such actions have since continued, with as many as 54 organisations suspended in a single day in August 2021. “Across the world, State and non-state actors are mobilising voter bases by attacking our identities and freedoms: we see the same tactics at play here, too,” ILGA World and IPPF conclude. “At this critical time, politicians need to focus on the things that matter – a stable economy and vibrant communities — rather than attacking those who work to support vulnerable parts of societies. LGBTI people and cisgender heterosexual women and girls are marginalised and excluded by policies, legislation and narratives that strip away reproductive rights and criminalise sexuality and gender. But our communities stand united to defend and secure democratic and economic rights for all.”   Notes to editors: ILGA World is a global federation of more than 2,000 organisations from 170 countries and territories, advocating for the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics worldwide. https://ilga.org  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952, and today, it is a movement of 150 member associations and collaborative partners with a presence in over 146 countries. https://www.ippf.org/    Contacts for media enquiries: ILGA World: Daniele Paletta, communications manager, [email protected] IPPF: Alice Ackermann, communications adviser, [email protected]     

Since the influx of Ethiopian refugees into Sudan began in November 2020 following military unrest in the Tigray region, most humanitarian assistance has been focused on food, shelter, and primary health services. In response to this, the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) established two clinics in Um Rakouba and Tunaydbah refugee camps to meet the needs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This includes comprehensive care of HIV/AIDS, allowing people living with HIV (PLHIV) to continue antiretroviral therapy (ARV) with privacy and confidentiality. Their services also involve the prevention and syndromic management of other sexually transmitted infections.   The current emergency situation in Sudan has led to an estimated displacement of 7.6 million people across Sudan's 18 states, with over 13,000 reported deaths. This crisis is causing serious challenges to the already stretched health system.  The increase of internally displaced people (IDPs) during the last nine months has also affected the provision of health services for the general population.    The Government of Sudan, with the assistance of national and international partners, is going to huge efforts to ensure health coverage for IDPs and refugees. However, among the current national plans and funding, healthcare for HIV positive refugees is not adequately addressed. SFPA is also facing challenges providing SRH care, especially in the refugee camps, as they struggle to keep up with the numbers of IDPs - which are increasing dramatically by the day.   SFPA provides SRH services in collaboration with the Sudan National AIDS Control Program (SNAP) and Al Gadarif SMOH. The total number of refugees living with HIV has now reached a tipping point, with 758 current cases recorded so far. So far, all clients have been able to regularly receive their ARV treatment. Many of them have reached zero viral load due to good adherence to treatment, meaning that the levels of HIV in the body are so low that the virus cannot be passed on.   However, due to a shortfall of funding and resources, the risk of the discontinuation or interruption of ARVs may result in viral rebound, immune decompensation, and the progression of the virus.  The higher percentage of newly discovered cases (10.4% of newly arrived refugees tested positive to HIV) also indicates that there is a new spread of HIV, not only amongst the youth population inside the camps, but also host communities.    Given the current condition of refugee camps in Al Gadarif State, failure to adequately provide for people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent further transmissions may lead to catastrophic outcomes - not only in the camps but nationwide.          About the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA)   SFPA is a key SRH service provider in Sudan through its 15 branches covering 14 states1with a solid track record of delivering services in humanitarian settings. SFPA continues to fulfil its mandate and commitment to provide essential SRH and non- SRH services to refugees through an Australia Aid-supported emergency response to Ethiopian refugee crisis from 2021-2022 and continued with support from the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) until 31 December 2023, providing health services including testing, counselling, prevention of mother to child transmission, care and treatment services and ensure the enrolment of PLHIV in the ARVs regimen.     Banner credits: IPPF/Hannah Maule-ffinch/Sudan

Khartoum, 4 December 2023 — As the war in Sudan enters its eight month with no end in sight, widespread conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has continued unabated, including reports of mass rapes, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment which demonstrate how sexual violence is being used as a tool of war to subjugate, terrorise and punish women and girls. Since the war between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces erupted on April 15th, reports of ethnically targeted sexual and gender-based violence have escalated across Sudan, leading to a surge in unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague said in July it is investigating the hostilities in Darfur, including reports of killings, rapes and crimes against children. Rape has often been used as a weapon of war over the years in Sudan, human rights groups have said. Sexual violence is prohibited in conflict, and the accounts of rape could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The prevailing conflict and social unrest in various regions of Sudan have created an environment rife for SGBV, leaving countless individuals exposed to the gravest violations of their most intimate rights. Deeply disturbing accounts of gang rapes, sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of sexual, physical and psychological violence have emerged, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare for survivors. IPPF’s local member association in Sudan, the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has been providing these services across Sudan since the outbreak of the war, including counselling, medical assistance, and referrals for survivors of SGBV. Despite unprovoked attacks on six SFPA facilities which have so far killed one youth volunteer and injured numerous clients and staff, as well as interrupted the delivery of some health services, SFPA has continued to work in conflict-affected areas through their large network of community based distributors and mobile clinics. Dr Seham Jaber, the director of Digital Health Interventions and Services at SFPA said:  “We have noticed escalating rates of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan since the outbreak of the war in April. Violence against women and girls is occurring at the hands of militants, as well as an increase in domestic and intimate partner violence, including rape. Young girls and boys are living in overcrowded shelters are reporting to us cases of sexual harassment and abuse." Confidentiality, sensitivity and compassion are crucial to SFPA’s work, because many survivors of sexual violence don’t seek medical treatment due to the fear of social stigma and reprisals. SFPA's website and hotline have seen a considerable increase in traffic for reports of SGBV from the community since the start of the war. In response, SFPA is also running community awareness and education campaigns on SGBV, and is enlisting the support of local Imams to promote gender equality, and foster a culture of respect and consent. For media inquiries or to speak to one of our staff in Sudan, please contact [email protected]  About the Sudan Family Planning Association The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. In 2022, SFPA provided 26 million services through 24 clinics, 261 associated clinics, and 37 mobile clinics. Since the start of the war on 15 April 2023; the Association teams have been successful in providing 14,706,000 services through 24 SFPA facilities , mobile clinics, mobile teams ,CBDs and partners clinics . SFPA was able to assist 1,145 deliveries under bombardment and provided 167,000 treatments of HIV&AIDS “HIV screening and care for PLHIV” through its static clinics. Mobile clinics are used to offer integrated SRH services including HIV/STI services and condom distribution, STI testing and management, HIV testing and treatment for HIV opportunistic infections, referrals for ARV treatment including PMTCT and awareness sessions both at mobile clinics and at the community level by community health promoters and community base distributors (CBDs). About the International Planned Parenthood Federation  IPPF, through its 149 Member Associations and collaborative partners, delivers high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare and helps advance sexual and reproductive rights, especially for marginalized people with diverse needs that are currently unmet. IPPF's Member Associations and partners are locally owned, independent organisations, which means the support and care they provide are informed by local expertise and context. IPPF advocates for a world where people have the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and their bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive freedom. We deliver care rooted in rights, respect, and dignity for all - no matter what.

Statement from Dr Alvaro Bermejo, IPPF Director General: The International Planned Parenthood Federation condemns the multiple attacks in Khartoum and Elfashir (North Darfur) against clinics and health centers run by the Sudanese Family Planning Association (SFPA) between 7-9 September. Unprovoked attacks against the health facilities in South Khartoum (Elshik Wad Hamad) and in Elfashir City (Aboshok Clinic) have destroyed the infrastructure of the facilities, injured clients and staff, and interrupted the delivery of the most needed health services for vulnerable people of Sudan, especially women and girls of reproductive age.  These attacks, just like the previous attacks against health facilities and medical professionals since the outbreak of violence in the country began on 15 April, will prolong the suffering of the Sudanese people. IPPF requests the protection of civilians and civilian institutions, especially healthcare facilities, to ensure the provision of healthcare and the basic humanitarian necessities for the Sudanese people. For media requests, contact [email protected]  About the Sudan Family Planning Association The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. As the statistics show, Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Advocacy, and undertaking information, education and communication (IEC) programs are critical. In 2022, SFPA provided 26 millions of services through 24 clinics, 261 associated clinics, and 37 mobile clinics . Since the start of the crisis in 15th April; the association teams was successful in providing 2,500,000 services through 24 SFPA facilities and 8,500,000 services through non damaged associated and mobile clinics. SFPA was able to assist 1145 deliveries under bombarding and provided 167000 treatments of HIV in its static clinics.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is appalled and deeply disturbed by the recent enactment of the anti-homosexuality act 2023 by President Museveni of Uganda. This regressive law represents a grave violation of human rights and sexual and reproductive rights, affecting not only the LGBTIQ+ community but all Ugandans. The draconian and abhorrent provisions of this law criminalize same-sex relationships and any promotion of homosexuality, subjecting individuals to severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Its implementation will have dire consequences, fostering a climate of homophobia, hatred, and hate crimes. The law instills fear not only among those directly targeted and their families but also among health workers providing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in Uganda. IPPFAR is extremely concerned that this law blatantly violates numerous human rights, including the right to bodily autonomy. The right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, protection against arbitrary arrest, and access to health services are all undermined, compromising the full realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights. "The IPPF Africa region vehemently condemns the anti-homosexuality act 2023, which targets the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies in Uganda. This law marks a sorrowful day for Uganda and its people," stated Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director. "Targeting a community based solely on their shared characteristics is extremely dangerous and an undeniable violation of human rights. Instead, we should strive to empower all members of our society to be positive contributors, rather than driving them into hiding and marginalization," Petrus-Barry added. Since March 2023, IPPF has witnessed a surge in physical attacks against the LGBTIQ+ community, threats to the safety of civil society organizations, and an alarming increase in hate speech targeting LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies. The anti-homosexuality act 2023 is discriminatory and flagrantly violates the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Uganda constitution. By isolating itself from the international community, Uganda risks alienating potential collaborators and donors. Already, the U.S. Government has expressed intentions to suspend development funding to Uganda, including through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund and UNAIDs, potentially jeopardizing the progress in the fight against the HIV pandemic in Uganda. As the foremost provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Africa, IPPFAR is immensely concerned that this law will deter individuals from seeking vital SRH services due to fear of being targeted. This will inevitably hinder access to life-saving services, including HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, provision of antiretroviral therapy, contraceptive services, and accurate SRH information. Moreover, the law obstructs healthcare professionals from fulfilling their duties and providing high-quality care in a safe and confidential environment. IPPFAR joins the chorus of condemnation against this harmful and regressive law. The safety, health, and dignity of all Ugandans must remain paramount. IPPF stands resolutely with the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies in Uganda and worldwide during this challenging time.   For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]   About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.  For 70 years, IPPF, through its 118 Member Associations and seven partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare and helped advance sexual rights, especially for people with intersectional and diverse needs that are currently unmet. Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means the support and care they provide is informed by local expertise and context. We advocate for a world where people have the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.

Nairobi, Kenya: On 21st March 2023 the Ugandan parliament approved a law which, if enacted, would criminalise people for identifying as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. The proposed law has been through two readings in parliament and is awaiting a third before it is put forward to the President for Assent. If passed, it will be a gross violation of and undermine the human rights and safety of people identifying as LGBTIQ+ in Uganda. IPPF Africa Region is strongly concerned about the numerous ways in which the passing of this law will violate international human rights including the right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, and will compromise the full and complete attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Additionally, IPPF is extremely concerned about the dangerous message the law sends. In addition to criminalising consent, it encourages hatred, may escalate violence and gender-based violence targeting persons from LGBTIQ+ communities, popular justice, hinders the right to a fair trial, makes it easier to target minority groups, and harder for them to access justice and redress for hate crimes. At a time when countries around the world and in Africa are decriminalising same sex relationships, this law, if passed, will be a serious step backwards for Uganda. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF’s Africa Regional Director, said: "IPPF works to ensure the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) – including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people – and ensure they have access to the full set of human rights enshrined in international human rights laws”  “IPPF is willing to work with the Ugandan Government and other stakeholders to ensure that all Ugandan people can access their sexual and reproductive rights without fear, discrimination, or restraint", added Petrus-Barry. IPPF strongly urges the President of Uganda to not sign off on this discriminatory law, uphold and safeguard the Universal Declaration and African Charter on Human Rights, and treat all Ugandans equally. IPPF stands with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and globally at this difficult time. For further information or to request an interview, please contact: Mahmoud Garga, Lead Specialist - Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.