The Japanese Ambassador Emphasizes Importance of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD) and Reproductive Health for Advancing Human Security and Enhancing People’s Wellbeing in Africa at The 11th African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights (ACSHR) Today is the last day of the 11th African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights (ACSHR) held in Rabat, Morocco from February 26 to March 2, 2024, under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The conference theme is “The Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Well-being in Africa”. As the 11th SCSHR organize committee, IPPF has been working hard jointly with its Member Association in Morocco (AMPF) and like-minded organizations such as UNFPA as driving force to make sure of the following conference objectives are met: • Take stock of responses to sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and youth in Africa; • Identify, interrogate and consolidate on best and promising SRHR policies and practices for women and youth SRHR in Africa; • Provide networking opportunities, strengthen coalitions and movements for advancing women and youth SRHR in Africa. At the Plenary Session held in the morning of the last day of the three-day conference, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tunisia, H.E. Mr Takeshi Osuga made a presentation entitled ‘TICAD 8 and Japan’s Cooperation on African Continent’. After introducing TICAD's history since 1993, he explained how the SRHR have been incorporated into the TICAD Summit outcomes. He also briefed about Japan’s contribution to African development in relevant areas in partnership with IPPF and its member associations. During his speech, H.E. Mr Osuga said: "Japan will continue to invest in SRHR projects in Africa and support the advocacy efforts in support of SRHR. Whether or not SRHR will be further mainstreamed internationally and especially in Africa, in line with African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Goal 3, target 7 of the SDGs, is totally up to African countries and the civil society in each country." IPPF has participated in the TICAD process since 2006. In next year 2025, the 9th TICAD will be held in Yokohama. IPPF will continue to advocate SRHR to make it one of the core topics of the TICAD. For further information, please contact Mr Mustapha Kameyal [email protected] (Arabic and English) and Ms Yuri Taniguchi [email protected] (Japanese).   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.

The Argentinian Senate voted narrowly against a bill that would have legalized abortion up to 14 weeks. The vote tally was 31 in favour, 38 against, 2 abstentions, and 1 absence.     Giselle Carino, IPPF Western Hemisphere Region’s Director (IPPF/WHR) and CEO, issued the following statement:   "Today, the Argentinian Senate failed women by voting to maintain a status quo that leads to anguish, forced pregnancy, and preventable death. This compassionless vote denies women’s lived experiences, evidence-based public health policies and international agreements. While the senate has demonstrated that they are out of touch, women will not retreat. Tens of thousands of women organized, mobilized, and took to the streets to support this bill, and their courage have inspired activists across Latin America to share their stories and take on the stigma that too often keeps abortion care out of public discourse. We stand firmly and in solidarity with all women until forced pregnancies become a thing of the past—until all women are treated as equals.”       While current law in Argentina technically permits a woman access to abortion services when her life is in danger, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape, the true issue is one of accessibility: Women with fewer economic and social resources have less access to care than upper-class women in urban centers.   Dr Alvaro Bermejo, IPPF’s Director General:  “Poor women bear the brunt of these restrictive laws and will continue to pay with their health and lives until abortion is decriminalized and becomes an integral part of sexual and reproductive health care. IPPF congratulates our partners, civil society and all the activists who fought so valiantly for women’s rights. We will continue working closely with our partners and allies in Argentina in the fight for sexual and reproductive rights for all. ”