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25 July 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) laments the missed opportunity by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to ensure that the human rights of sex workers are respected, protected and fulfilled by all European Member States, in accordance with the European Convention of Human Rights.  The ruling comes after 261 sex workers, many of them migrants and/or gender minorities, filed a complaint to the ECHR in December 2019 to challenge the French Prostitution Law 2016, upheld by the French Constitutional Court earlier in 2019, which criminalizes the clients of sex workers and led to human rights violations of the sex workers.   IPPF and its Member Association in France, Le Planning Familial, were among the numerous communities, health, human rights and feminist organizations that supported the sex workers’ application to the ECHR, noting the extreme deterioration in the living and working conditions of sex workers since the criminalization of clients came into force.  We are disappointed that the ECHR has chosen to neglect its duty to ensure the protection of human rights of all people, without discrimination. In doing so, the leading human rights norms and standards on sex workers rights remain in the recommendations of the major UN agencies including the World Health Organization, UNAIDS and the UNDP, as well as by major international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) World, Human Rights Watch, and Transgender Europe, as well as IPPF.  The court’s decision was an opportunity for the European region to establish a precedent in human rights jurisprudence that reaffirms what sex workers themselves have demanded for decades: that sex workers are entitled to the respect, protection and fulfillment of their human rights, free from discrimination, including the right to privacy and autonomy, the right to be free from violence and discrimination, and the rights to physical integrity and life.  Micah Grzywnowicz, Regional Director of the IPPF European Network, said:  “Rather than seizing a critical opportunity to protect human rights, we are disappointed that the European Court of Human Rights has instead deferred the issue to legislatures, despite recognition that the Swedish Model infringes on sex workers rights. Rather than ensuring the human rights of sex workers in Europe are guaranteed by States, their human rights are now dependent on their geographic location and the country in which they live.  Strong evidence demonstrates that criminalization laws have negative consequences for sex workers and their families, and lead to violations of their human rights. We are disappointed that the voices, human rights, and autonomy of sex workers have been deferred by a Court established exactly for the purpose of guaranteeing the human rights of all people, without discrimination.”  In 2022, IPPF adopted a Sex Work Policy which focuses on evidence-based policies which best respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of sex workers. Informed by the lived experiences of sex workers globally, our policy strongly supports decriminalization, together with social policies that address structural inequalities that manifest in all areas of society including sex work. Notably, the policy notes that “widespread criminalization, stigma and discrimination not only violate their human rights to live free from violence and discrimination, the right to health, and sexual and reproductive rights, but also limit sex workers’ capacity to self-organize, access funding for service provision and advocacy, and meaningfully engage with civil society organizations (including unions) and policymakers.”   It is essential that we stand with sex workers to support their continued advocacy to be free from discrimination and exercise their human rights. IPPF stands in solidarity with all sex workers around the world and calls on all governments to take immediate steps to guarantee sex workers’ human rights.  For media inquiries please contact [email protected]  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, 4 April 2024 - The International Planned Parenthood Federation celebrates the historic adoption of the first ever United Nations resolution on the human rights of intersex persons! This landmark resolution advances efforts to combat the unique human rights violations that intersex persons face and the obligation of states to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of all people, without discrimination of any kind.   The resolution, Combating Discrimination, Violence, and Harmful Practices against Intersex Persons, was adopted by a vote of 24 in favour and 23 abstentions, with no votes against it. The resolution acknowledges that intersex people exist in all societies and face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination in all areas of life. It specifically expresses grave concern about violence and harmful practices that intersex persons face, including children, including unnecessary or deferrable medical interventions made without full, free and informed consent. The resolution calls on states to combat violence, discrimination and harmful practices against intersex people, address the root causes such as stereotypes and stigma, and work to realize intersex people’s human right to health. This is a major advancement in the work of the Human Rights Council to ensure all people can exercise their human rights free from violence and discrimination.  Critically, intersex people and organizations were involved in every step of this initiative, including through powerful interventions in negotiations. IPPF applauds Finland, Chile, South Africa and Australia for championing a resolution which centered the priorities, terminology and lived experiences of intersex persons themselves. IPPF is proud to have worked in solidarity with civil society partners and Member States through evidence-based information, outreach and strategy in order to achieve success in this ground-breaking to guarantee the human rights of intersex persons.  Estelle Wagner, IPPF’s Senior International Advocacy Adviser in Geneva said: “The fact that not a single Member State voted against this resolution demonstrates the overwhelming global support for the human rights of intersex persons. This is a momentous achievement of the intersex community and we are so proud to stand in solidarity at this historic moment.”  As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights, IPPF is committed to continuing to fight for intersex people’s human rights at every level, from the UN to the local, to guarantee their right to live free from violence and discrimination. For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]   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]     

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.  

If you are covering the UK autumn budget and reporting on foreign aid, you may find the below statement from  the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) helpful: “The UK government has already decimated the aid budget and its reputation through severe economic mishandling, cutting billions from the very things that protect people during economic, political and social upheaval, including life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare. “It is also the only country to be spending the majority of its dedicated overseas aid budget within its own borders, taking advantage of legislation to pay for refugee and asylum costs in the UK rather than increasing domestic and overseas budgets accordingly. “The UK government cannot continue to fight the fire of one humanitarian crisis by diverting much-needed resources from other vulnerable people, nor continue to balance its books on the backs of the poorest people in the world - who, as MP Andrew Mitchell stated, will be damaged, maimed, or die as a result. “This government promised to give women and girls the freedom they need to succeed and prevent the worst forms of human suffering worldwide. If it is to deliver on its promises and revive its sunken reputation, it must spend dedicated budgets correctly, support people in the UK and beyond appropriately, and MP Andrew Mitchell and the Chancellor must ensure a return to the 0.7% as soon as possible.”  

On International Women's Day 2022, Guatemala's Congress passed a law which triples the prison sentences for women seeking abortion care, prohibits same-sex marriage and further bans the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education and sexual diversity in schools, saying that teaching "anything other than heterosexuality is normal" is against the law.  The "Life and Family Protection Law" was passed by an overwhelming majority of 160 - 8 in the conservative-led Congress, but still needs to be signed by Guatemala's president, Alejandro Giammattei, in order to come into force. Under the new law, women who "have induced their own abortion or given their consent to another person to carry it out" will face a minimum of five years in jail, but the sentences could reach a maximum of 25 years. Abortion is illegal in Guatemala except in cases where the woman's life is at risk. This law is the latest of a series of laws to attack human rights across the country, including gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The initiative goes against human rights agreements, especially for women and LGBTI+ people and condemns and denies the diversity of families including mono-parental homes.  Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "It is disturbing that on International Women's Day 2022, the Guatemalan Congress passed a law that completely violates the human, sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls and marginalized people. "While countries across Latin America were celebrating the lives and rights of women, Guatemala has chosen to criminalize those making the best decision for themselves and their families, while also risking imprisoning vulnerable women and girls who have experienced sexual violence or suffered pregnancy loss. By severely limiting access to safe and post-abortion care, the law will undoubtedly lead to an increase in unsafe abortions and a decrease in prenatal care, resulting in life-long disabilities for some women and a rise in maternal deaths. "At the same time, by prohibiting same-sex marriage, limiting comprehensive sexuality education and enabling the discrimination of sexual diversity, the Guatemalan government is creating a society that fosters miseducation, stigma, intolerance and homophobia and fuelling the persecution of LGBTI and non-binary people. "IPPF strongly condemns the passing of this archaic law and demands that the Guatemalan government fulfils international human rights agreements. We stand in solidarity with affected people across Guatemala and the organizations working tirelessly to ensure that all people have the freedom to make their own choices." For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]  

28 January 2022 heralds one year since President Biden rescinded the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR). Otherwise known as the Mexico City Policy, its expansion in 2017 under Trump affected 12 billion dollars of funding, impacting thousands of life-saving healthcare services worldwide – especially across low-income countries. But while rescindment is a positive first step, the long-term harm of the Global Gag Rule lingers on. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were hit, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. Programmes affected include HIV prevention and care, maternal health and nutrition, STI services, gender-based violence prevention, and services for vulnerable children. And although we have begun to re-establish long-standing partnerships, it takes time for funding to flow and to re-open closed healthcare clinics and community services – with some lost forever. In the meantime, there are women and girls who desperately need healthcare that have nowhere to turn. But in February, the US Congress has an opportunity to change the sexual and reproductive health landscape forever through a final negotiated funding bill that includes a permanent end to the deadly Global Gag Rule. As we celebrate one year of rescindment, we know the work is not done yet, but we are hopeful for the futures of millions of women and girls worldwide. We urge the US Congress to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule to fully eradicate the lasting impact of the Mexico City Policy that has harmed women and girls around the world for 40 years.   Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "Five years ago, Trump expanded the Global Gag Rule, a devastating neo-colonialist policy that forbids US aid to any organization that supports access to safe abortion care, disproportionately affecting women and girls in low-income countries. Today we mark one year since President Biden rescinded it, but the long-term harm and impacts don't simply go away.  "The Gag Rule is a callously designed mechanism set up to deny women and girls the right to decide what happens to their bodies. Its implementation doesn't just destroy life-saving abortion services but erodes access to other sexual and reproductive healthcare, including contraception, leading ultimately to increases in unintended pregnancy and forcing many to turn to unsafe and dangerous abortion methods.   "While rescindment is a positive first step, the looming threat of reinstatement under future anti-rights administrations undermines the sustainability of global sexual health programs and the pace of progress. After 40 long years, the time to act is now – we urge the US Congress to end this political game and stand up for the futures of millions of at-risk women and girls by permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule.  "By leaving a legacy that gives hope and stability to the sexual and reproductive health of people worldwide, the US will once again be a champion, leader, and innovator of human rights for all." For media inquiries please contact [email protected]