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activist in Swaziland during World AIDS day initiatives
news item

| 02 December 2016

‘Hands Up for HIV Prevention’ says IPPF Director General in Swaziland for World AIDS Day 2016

Mankayane, Swaziland - On 1 December, IPPF Director General, Tewodros Melesse, made an address on the occasion of World AIDS Day in the Kingdom of Swaziland along with His Excellency the Right Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Dlamini, Honourable Minister of Health Ms Sibongile Ndlela Simelane, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Israel Dessalegne, and the United States of America Ambassador to Swaziland, Ms Lisa Peterson. "It is an honour and a privilege to be commemorating World AIDS Day with you, the Swazi people. Every year, World AIDS Day provides us with the opportunity to take stock of how far we have come since the early days of the epidemic. I’d like to begin by taking us 30 years back in time, which was 1986. That year, IBM unveiled the first laptop. Mobile phones were the size and weight of large bricks. In apartheid-era of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was behind bars; and here in Swaziland, the country recorded its first case of HIV/AIDS. Many of you here today will agree with me when I say that, while Swaziland has not been immune to the many ways in which the world has changed over the past thirty years, it is the HIV epidemic more than anything else that has shaped this country during that time. For those of you who have lived through the epidemic, you will remember all too well the fear and the stigma that ran through this country and many African countries. You will remember how little we knew about HIV, and about how to prevent it. People living with HIV at this time deserve to be honoured. You showed us the strength and determination to fight for change. You were brave and angry, and gave hope to others. As I stand in front of you, I am keenly aware that there is not a single person here whose life, one way or another, has not been affected by HIV, and that all young people here today have never seen a world without HIV. The young people are the future but we have to remind ourselves that there is no future if we don’t invest in prevention. Many of you have loved ones who were taken from this world before their time. You grieved and continue to grieve the loss of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and many others. These vibrant souls, remain with us always, in our hearts and in our minds, and give us energy to continue in the future. We can now take some comfort from the fact that the picture has changed dramatically in these past thirty years. Most significantly, people living with HIV are now living longer, healthier, and productive lives well into their old age, thanks to the availability of antiretroviral treatment that has transformed HIV infection into a chronic, manageable condition. I would like to take this moment to commend the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its commitment to providing antiretrovirals free to all who need treatment. The impact of this cannot be underestimated. AIDS-related mortality has reduced by drastically and accordingly, life expectancy has now rebounded. The transmission of HIV from mother to child is close to being eliminated along with syphilis. And overall, Swaziland has also begun to see a downward trend of new HIV infections, especially among young people. ‘Now is not the time to be complacent’ These are remarkable successes, and Swaziland has established a strong foundation. Critically, this is a foundation upon which to build - not to rest. We cannot risk becoming complacent, as HIV remains the greatest public health and socio-economic challenge facing this country. Importantly, our response must be integrated with other key challenges. We know that there is a high unmet need for family planning, leading to high levels of unwanted pregnancy; we know that maternal and infant mortality is unacceptably high; and we know that the overall knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is exceptionally low among young people. ‘There is a serious prevention gap’ This situation is not unique to Swaziland. UNAIDS is raising the alarm about the global picture and what it calls the ‘prevention gap’. Efforts to meet the global target of ending AIDS by 2030 are off track and progress is at risk of stalling. The global community warns that if there is a resurgence of HIV, the epidemic will be impossible to control. This cannot be allowed to happen. Primary prevention has been and will continue to be an essential component of the HIV response. To attain an AIDS-free generation, we need new solutions, new innovations and, importantly, we need to reinvigorate our prevention efforts. Prevention saves lives, saves budget, and increases productivity. ‘Hands Up for HIV Prevention’ Today, people across the global are raising their hands to HIV prevention this World AIDS Day. There is no ‘one size that fits all’ and we must pay special attention to those that continue to be left behind. Young women and girls are at a particularly high risk of HIV infection. They need information and the freedom to make free and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health; they need access to effective HIV and sexual and reproductive health services; they need services that are youth-friendly; and they need gender-based violence to be eliminated and gender inequalities to be eradicated. We are also leaving key populations behind – including sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people, and men who have sex with men. Many countries in the world push these populations to the margins of society. It is essential that our prevention efforts bring these populations forward. To end HIV, no one can be left behind. I must commend the efforts to ensure the meaningful engagement of these populations; and by taking steps to remove barriers to access services. At the root of all of our prevention efforts is a recognition that the HIV epidemic is being fuelled by inequalities and prejudices entrenched within the legal, social and economic structures of society. Poverty, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination – are well known barriers to ending HIV. To ensure that everyone can live a life of hope, with dignity, respect and meaning – people must be free to make choices about their sexuality and well-being, in a world without discrimination. ‘We need to work together to give hope’ I truly believe that we will not see an end to HIV unless we work together, be it at the local level, the regional level or at the global level. The remarkable successes that we have witnessed have been the result, not of a single actor, but of a chorus of voices that have called out in unison for better access; and that demanded respect, care and compassion. Civil society in particular has an incredible track record of mobilizing the required response. It has been instrumental in changing public attitudes and perceptions, and has also be mobilised to address barriers that prevent people from realising their right to health. In conclusion, the power to end HIV and AIDS does not lie with a single individual, with a single organisation, or government structure. When we leverage the unique skills that we all bring to the table, we will reach our goal of ending AIDS both in Swaziland and the world. This power is ours and the time to act is now. If we work together as Obama says, ‘Yes, we can!’, then we can do it. I leave you with a story. Like FLAS, I visited the IPPF association in Iran who are working with underserved communities, such as sex workers, and integrating in society. I asked one young woman, ‘if you were God for fifteen minutes, what would you do?’ She said, ‘I would give hope, if you have hope, you can overcome your challenges’. We need to keep that hope and give that hope to the people. We can give that hope by doing it together."

activist in Swaziland during World AIDS day initiatives
news_item

| 02 December 2016

‘Hands Up for HIV Prevention’ says IPPF Director General in Swaziland for World AIDS Day 2016

Mankayane, Swaziland - On 1 December, IPPF Director General, Tewodros Melesse, made an address on the occasion of World AIDS Day in the Kingdom of Swaziland along with His Excellency the Right Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Dlamini, Honourable Minister of Health Ms Sibongile Ndlela Simelane, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Israel Dessalegne, and the United States of America Ambassador to Swaziland, Ms Lisa Peterson. "It is an honour and a privilege to be commemorating World AIDS Day with you, the Swazi people. Every year, World AIDS Day provides us with the opportunity to take stock of how far we have come since the early days of the epidemic. I’d like to begin by taking us 30 years back in time, which was 1986. That year, IBM unveiled the first laptop. Mobile phones were the size and weight of large bricks. In apartheid-era of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was behind bars; and here in Swaziland, the country recorded its first case of HIV/AIDS. Many of you here today will agree with me when I say that, while Swaziland has not been immune to the many ways in which the world has changed over the past thirty years, it is the HIV epidemic more than anything else that has shaped this country during that time. For those of you who have lived through the epidemic, you will remember all too well the fear and the stigma that ran through this country and many African countries. You will remember how little we knew about HIV, and about how to prevent it. People living with HIV at this time deserve to be honoured. You showed us the strength and determination to fight for change. You were brave and angry, and gave hope to others. As I stand in front of you, I am keenly aware that there is not a single person here whose life, one way or another, has not been affected by HIV, and that all young people here today have never seen a world without HIV. The young people are the future but we have to remind ourselves that there is no future if we don’t invest in prevention. Many of you have loved ones who were taken from this world before their time. You grieved and continue to grieve the loss of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and many others. These vibrant souls, remain with us always, in our hearts and in our minds, and give us energy to continue in the future. We can now take some comfort from the fact that the picture has changed dramatically in these past thirty years. Most significantly, people living with HIV are now living longer, healthier, and productive lives well into their old age, thanks to the availability of antiretroviral treatment that has transformed HIV infection into a chronic, manageable condition. I would like to take this moment to commend the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its commitment to providing antiretrovirals free to all who need treatment. The impact of this cannot be underestimated. AIDS-related mortality has reduced by drastically and accordingly, life expectancy has now rebounded. The transmission of HIV from mother to child is close to being eliminated along with syphilis. And overall, Swaziland has also begun to see a downward trend of new HIV infections, especially among young people. ‘Now is not the time to be complacent’ These are remarkable successes, and Swaziland has established a strong foundation. Critically, this is a foundation upon which to build - not to rest. We cannot risk becoming complacent, as HIV remains the greatest public health and socio-economic challenge facing this country. Importantly, our response must be integrated with other key challenges. We know that there is a high unmet need for family planning, leading to high levels of unwanted pregnancy; we know that maternal and infant mortality is unacceptably high; and we know that the overall knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is exceptionally low among young people. ‘There is a serious prevention gap’ This situation is not unique to Swaziland. UNAIDS is raising the alarm about the global picture and what it calls the ‘prevention gap’. Efforts to meet the global target of ending AIDS by 2030 are off track and progress is at risk of stalling. The global community warns that if there is a resurgence of HIV, the epidemic will be impossible to control. This cannot be allowed to happen. Primary prevention has been and will continue to be an essential component of the HIV response. To attain an AIDS-free generation, we need new solutions, new innovations and, importantly, we need to reinvigorate our prevention efforts. Prevention saves lives, saves budget, and increases productivity. ‘Hands Up for HIV Prevention’ Today, people across the global are raising their hands to HIV prevention this World AIDS Day. There is no ‘one size that fits all’ and we must pay special attention to those that continue to be left behind. Young women and girls are at a particularly high risk of HIV infection. They need information and the freedom to make free and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health; they need access to effective HIV and sexual and reproductive health services; they need services that are youth-friendly; and they need gender-based violence to be eliminated and gender inequalities to be eradicated. We are also leaving key populations behind – including sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people, and men who have sex with men. Many countries in the world push these populations to the margins of society. It is essential that our prevention efforts bring these populations forward. To end HIV, no one can be left behind. I must commend the efforts to ensure the meaningful engagement of these populations; and by taking steps to remove barriers to access services. At the root of all of our prevention efforts is a recognition that the HIV epidemic is being fuelled by inequalities and prejudices entrenched within the legal, social and economic structures of society. Poverty, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination – are well known barriers to ending HIV. To ensure that everyone can live a life of hope, with dignity, respect and meaning – people must be free to make choices about their sexuality and well-being, in a world without discrimination. ‘We need to work together to give hope’ I truly believe that we will not see an end to HIV unless we work together, be it at the local level, the regional level or at the global level. The remarkable successes that we have witnessed have been the result, not of a single actor, but of a chorus of voices that have called out in unison for better access; and that demanded respect, care and compassion. Civil society in particular has an incredible track record of mobilizing the required response. It has been instrumental in changing public attitudes and perceptions, and has also be mobilised to address barriers that prevent people from realising their right to health. In conclusion, the power to end HIV and AIDS does not lie with a single individual, with a single organisation, or government structure. When we leverage the unique skills that we all bring to the table, we will reach our goal of ending AIDS both in Swaziland and the world. This power is ours and the time to act is now. If we work together as Obama says, ‘Yes, we can!’, then we can do it. I leave you with a story. Like FLAS, I visited the IPPF association in Iran who are working with underserved communities, such as sex workers, and integrating in society. I asked one young woman, ‘if you were God for fifteen minutes, what would you do?’ She said, ‘I would give hope, if you have hope, you can overcome your challenges’. We need to keep that hope and give that hope to the people. We can give that hope by doing it together."

SWOP 2016 report cover - credits: UNFPA
news item

| 20 October 2016

Let’s accelerate change for rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes United Nations Population Fund’s 2016 State of the World’s Population (SWOP) report ‘10’’ on the future for young girls at age ten. The human rights of girls across social, economic and political life are deeply intertwined and indivisible. Girls are often left behind, given no voice or an opportunity to aspire for a future. There is no denying that this is the story for many girls in both developing and developed nations around the world. UNFPA’s report demonstrates clearly how the lives of young girls can be changed at the age of 10. It highlights how gender norms for girls can lead to early and forced marriage and having children far too early. Tewodros Melesse, Director General of International Planned Parenthood Federation, said in response to the launch of the UNFPA report today. “Early marriage reduces girls’ access to education, and anticipation of an early marriage often prevents secondary education for girls. When a girl is not able to go to school and receive an education, there is a knock‑on effect on her future work opportunities and also her health. This not only impacts on the individual lives of girls, but also perpetuates systemic gender inequalities where the rights of girls are valued less than that of boys. This is a vicious cycle we have to break. Young girls are a big focus for the Federation. We also work with all those who can help make the shifts that are needed so a girl can decide her own future both freely and safely. Our comprehensive sexuality education is progressive and part of our package of rights-based interventions available through our Member Associations to tackle gender norms but also empower girls in their communities. IPPF puts girls first and the center of what we do. By respecting and fulfilling their right to high quality services. We stand for girls by supporting them in making their own decisions related to their rights, sexuality and pregnancy. We work not only to amplify their voice, but to have them involved, build their resilience and take control of their own destinies. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress to advance girls’ rights to education, health, and security. But we only have to look at the facts to know that more changes are needed. As UNFPA’s report demonstrates, we need to look towards the future and with a positive frame. By protecting girls, giving them access to services and education they will be able to build their own futures as a basic human right. Let’s not turn our backs but accelerate change for better rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world.”  

SWOP 2016 report cover - credits: UNFPA
news_item

| 20 October 2016

Let’s accelerate change for rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes United Nations Population Fund’s 2016 State of the World’s Population (SWOP) report ‘10’’ on the future for young girls at age ten. The human rights of girls across social, economic and political life are deeply intertwined and indivisible. Girls are often left behind, given no voice or an opportunity to aspire for a future. There is no denying that this is the story for many girls in both developing and developed nations around the world. UNFPA’s report demonstrates clearly how the lives of young girls can be changed at the age of 10. It highlights how gender norms for girls can lead to early and forced marriage and having children far too early. Tewodros Melesse, Director General of International Planned Parenthood Federation, said in response to the launch of the UNFPA report today. “Early marriage reduces girls’ access to education, and anticipation of an early marriage often prevents secondary education for girls. When a girl is not able to go to school and receive an education, there is a knock‑on effect on her future work opportunities and also her health. This not only impacts on the individual lives of girls, but also perpetuates systemic gender inequalities where the rights of girls are valued less than that of boys. This is a vicious cycle we have to break. Young girls are a big focus for the Federation. We also work with all those who can help make the shifts that are needed so a girl can decide her own future both freely and safely. Our comprehensive sexuality education is progressive and part of our package of rights-based interventions available through our Member Associations to tackle gender norms but also empower girls in their communities. IPPF puts girls first and the center of what we do. By respecting and fulfilling their right to high quality services. We stand for girls by supporting them in making their own decisions related to their rights, sexuality and pregnancy. We work not only to amplify their voice, but to have them involved, build their resilience and take control of their own destinies. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress to advance girls’ rights to education, health, and security. But we only have to look at the facts to know that more changes are needed. As UNFPA’s report demonstrates, we need to look towards the future and with a positive frame. By protecting girls, giving them access to services and education they will be able to build their own futures as a basic human right. Let’s not turn our backs but accelerate change for better rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world.”  

António Guterres - UN Secretary-General Credits:©European Parliament/Pietro Naj-Oleari
news item

| 07 October 2016

IPPF welcomes new UN Secretary General

Excellency António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, I am writing to you to today on behalf of our 152 national Member Associations, and the millions of staff and volunteers that work for the International Planned Parenthood Federation in over 172 countries. We would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the ninth Secretary General of the United Nations, and express our commitment to working with you and the United Nations system throughout your term. As the largest civil society organization working in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, we collaborate with United Nations in the advancement of this critical agenda. We believe that a close and constructive relationship with you and your team will continue the development of an enabling environment for the provision of life-saving services, the promotion of gender equality and the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. With the world in the first stages of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, your leadership in the area of sustainable people-centered development is critical; a human rights based approach, gender equality and the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to achieving progress under all of the sustainable development goals and targets. We encourage you to ensure that these issues remain priorities for you and the United Nations and offer our support to do so. With your leadership and support, we will be able to ensure that all women and girls have access to family planning services, can live free from violence and are able and empowered to participate fully in the life of their communities. As an organization working for gender equality we were delighted to hear you pledge to ensure gender parity at the UN and your promise to work for the promotion, protection and respect of women’s rights. I, alongside IPPF Member Associations and partners, stand ready to work with you in your new role and to set in place the programs and initiatives that will ensure 2030 Agenda is fully implemented. Working together, we can achieve the ambitious goals that the global community set just one year ago, and ensure that truly no one is left behind.   Yours sincerely, Tewodros Melesse Director General

António Guterres - UN Secretary-General Credits:©European Parliament/Pietro Naj-Oleari
news_item

| 07 October 2016

IPPF welcomes new UN Secretary General

Excellency António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, I am writing to you to today on behalf of our 152 national Member Associations, and the millions of staff and volunteers that work for the International Planned Parenthood Federation in over 172 countries. We would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the ninth Secretary General of the United Nations, and express our commitment to working with you and the United Nations system throughout your term. As the largest civil society organization working in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, we collaborate with United Nations in the advancement of this critical agenda. We believe that a close and constructive relationship with you and your team will continue the development of an enabling environment for the provision of life-saving services, the promotion of gender equality and the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. With the world in the first stages of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, your leadership in the area of sustainable people-centered development is critical; a human rights based approach, gender equality and the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to achieving progress under all of the sustainable development goals and targets. We encourage you to ensure that these issues remain priorities for you and the United Nations and offer our support to do so. With your leadership and support, we will be able to ensure that all women and girls have access to family planning services, can live free from violence and are able and empowered to participate fully in the life of their communities. As an organization working for gender equality we were delighted to hear you pledge to ensure gender parity at the UN and your promise to work for the promotion, protection and respect of women’s rights. I, alongside IPPF Member Associations and partners, stand ready to work with you in your new role and to set in place the programs and initiatives that will ensure 2030 Agenda is fully implemented. Working together, we can achieve the ambitious goals that the global community set just one year ago, and ensure that truly no one is left behind.   Yours sincerely, Tewodros Melesse Director General

IPPF’s Director General Tewodros Melesse with Japan’s First Lady, Mrs Akie Abe
news item

| 21 September 2016

Japan’s First Lady and IPPF together for a world without discrimination

Japan’s First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Akie Abe, and IPPF’s Director General Tewodros Melesse have agreed on the need to continue the fight to strengthen women’s health and rights, in a High Level Meeting in the margins of the UN General Assembly 2016 in New York. Japan is a strong supporter of IPPF’s work in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and Mrs Abe has a personal commitment to improving the lives of women through her work with the World Assembly of Women (WAW), an initiative launched by her husband His Excellency Mr Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, in 2014 to create a society where women shine. Mrs Abe has spoken before about the need to tackle discrimination against disenfranchised communities, and noted again in her meeting with Mr Melesse the discrimination faced by the LGBTQI community. Mr Melesse said: “Mrs Abe is a tireless supporter of the rights of women and communities which face discrimination, such as the LGBTQI community.  IPPF and Mrs Abe share the goal of empowering women and building a world without discrimination. I look forward very much to working more closely with Mrs Abe in the future.”

IPPF’s Director General Tewodros Melesse with Japan’s First Lady, Mrs Akie Abe
news_item

| 21 September 2016

Japan’s First Lady and IPPF together for a world without discrimination

Japan’s First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Akie Abe, and IPPF’s Director General Tewodros Melesse have agreed on the need to continue the fight to strengthen women’s health and rights, in a High Level Meeting in the margins of the UN General Assembly 2016 in New York. Japan is a strong supporter of IPPF’s work in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and Mrs Abe has a personal commitment to improving the lives of women through her work with the World Assembly of Women (WAW), an initiative launched by her husband His Excellency Mr Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, in 2014 to create a society where women shine. Mrs Abe has spoken before about the need to tackle discrimination against disenfranchised communities, and noted again in her meeting with Mr Melesse the discrimination faced by the LGBTQI community. Mr Melesse said: “Mrs Abe is a tireless supporter of the rights of women and communities which face discrimination, such as the LGBTQI community.  IPPF and Mrs Abe share the goal of empowering women and building a world without discrimination. I look forward very much to working more closely with Mrs Abe in the future.”

Carmen Barroso receiving her Awards
news item

| 01 July 2016

Ex-IPPFWHR Regional Director wins UN Award

Carmen Barosso, previous Regional Director for IPFPWHR, has been recognised for her dedication to increase sexual and reproductive health care and to empower women to demand their rights. Winning the United Nations Population Award, Camen said that sexual and reproductive health is intextricable from human rights.  “Putting sexual and reproductive health and rights at the heart of population and development policies” was a turning point, Ms. Barroso said in her acceptance speech. It helped to “unleash a cultural sea change, a new language, and new ways of thinking.”  

Carmen Barroso receiving her Awards
news_item

| 01 July 2016

Ex-IPPFWHR Regional Director wins UN Award

Carmen Barosso, previous Regional Director for IPFPWHR, has been recognised for her dedication to increase sexual and reproductive health care and to empower women to demand their rights. Winning the United Nations Population Award, Camen said that sexual and reproductive health is intextricable from human rights.  “Putting sexual and reproductive health and rights at the heart of population and development policies” was a turning point, Ms. Barroso said in her acceptance speech. It helped to “unleash a cultural sea change, a new language, and new ways of thinking.”  

Syrian women
news item

| 24 May 2016

IPPF supports Call to Action for protection from Gender- Based violence in crisis

IPPF is supporting the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Emergencies, which aims to fundamentally transform the way GBV is addressed in humanitarian operations via the collective action of numerous partners, each bringing various strengths and capacities to the table. The commitments were presented during a High Level Panel at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul today. On the Call to Action, Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General said: ” We cannot allow gender based violence to go ignored. We are seeing the impact when people reach our humanitarian services. We call for others to follow our lead and deliver a prioritised approach that ensures there is a tailored service for those who affected by gender-based violence. This will ensure that those in crisis will get the support and protection they need so no one is left behind”. Women and girls are disproportionately influenced by humanitarian crises exposed to early marriage, trafficking, rape, forced pregnancies, unattended service delivery during complicated pregnancies and delivery. Women and girls are 14 times more likely to die in disaster settings than men. IPPF tailors its programmes to focus on GBV and women and girls. The Call to Action will strengthen a global standard and prioritization for GBV in crisis settings. IPPF has committed to a range of areas for GBV in crisis settings: IPPF Secretariat-wide standard to drive action and accountability on GBV and gender equality in humanitarian service delivery. Develop a tailored minimal sexuality education programme that is responsive to the needs of people living in crisis settings, recognizing the additional risks of early marriage, and sexual violence All IPPF local Member Associations implement GBV and/or gender equality interventions that are based on assessment and planning processes. IPPF targets to deploy its regional and local GBV experts within 72 hours of a major crisis  

Syrian women
news_item

| 24 May 2016

IPPF supports Call to Action for protection from Gender- Based violence in crisis

IPPF is supporting the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Emergencies, which aims to fundamentally transform the way GBV is addressed in humanitarian operations via the collective action of numerous partners, each bringing various strengths and capacities to the table. The commitments were presented during a High Level Panel at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul today. On the Call to Action, Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General said: ” We cannot allow gender based violence to go ignored. We are seeing the impact when people reach our humanitarian services. We call for others to follow our lead and deliver a prioritised approach that ensures there is a tailored service for those who affected by gender-based violence. This will ensure that those in crisis will get the support and protection they need so no one is left behind”. Women and girls are disproportionately influenced by humanitarian crises exposed to early marriage, trafficking, rape, forced pregnancies, unattended service delivery during complicated pregnancies and delivery. Women and girls are 14 times more likely to die in disaster settings than men. IPPF tailors its programmes to focus on GBV and women and girls. The Call to Action will strengthen a global standard and prioritization for GBV in crisis settings. IPPF has committed to a range of areas for GBV in crisis settings: IPPF Secretariat-wide standard to drive action and accountability on GBV and gender equality in humanitarian service delivery. Develop a tailored minimal sexuality education programme that is responsive to the needs of people living in crisis settings, recognizing the additional risks of early marriage, and sexual violence All IPPF local Member Associations implement GBV and/or gender equality interventions that are based on assessment and planning processes. IPPF targets to deploy its regional and local GBV experts within 72 hours of a major crisis