ICPD in the Context of Nepal

There was a time when after the death of a husband, his wife was burnt alive in the same fire as her husband in Nepal. Society used to believe that only when this happens, the husband’s soul would rest in peace in heaven calling Sati Pratha.
Today, there are no traditions as such. It is due to consciousness raised after the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Huge achievements can be noted from decreasing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to lowering population growth. No longer do women have 10-16 children. My grandmother gave birth to 10 children. Today, many families limit children to 2. I and my sister are the only children of my mother. 

After the 1994 conference, various policies matching the agenda of the ICPD were formed in Nepal. Abortion has been legalized. Any women can go to the health center and abort her child without any consent of anyone within a limited number of days in Nepal. Sexual and Reproductive Health Education has been introduced as a part of the Course studies in the lower secondary level in Nepal. Every growing child is now aware of sexual and reproductive health and family planning techniques to some extent. 

However, there are other challenges too. In late 2013, in a place nearby Bara (200 km south from Capital), an old lady was beaten to death while being called an evil. Although stated in Principle 1 of the ICPD Program of Action (PoA), Nepal is unable to reduce discrimination. Dalits, are still seen with a separate eye, and are restricted in various aspects. Nepal has been unable to work on Principle 2 as well. Living standards have not been maintained for more than half of the population despite their huge effort. Practices of Chaupadi can be observed, which violates Principle 4 on violence against women. The case of Bara can also be regarded here.  As per Principle 8, women gained the freedom to decide their number of children, and that is not yet practiced. Men are still the ones who decide on pregnancy of women. Moreover, child labor can be found in various sectors of the country from hotels and restaurants to public transportation, showing the failure of Principle 11 as well. Amnesty International has also raised the issue of uterine prolapse, stating that a large number of women in Nepal go through this problem. (http://campaigns.amnesty.org/campaigns/unnecessary-burden) 

Beyond 2015 is a next opportunity for developing countries to move ahead with the ICPD PoA. There has to be effective monitoring on the implementation of promised lines. More than funding, international guidance is a must for developing countries; because there is a large number of NGOs working on this issue without enough funds. Key responsible persons for the ICPD must make regular visits to gain timely updates with Governmental officials of developing country so that they at least conscious of progress. Hospitals must be youth friendly, because women hesitate to talk about their problems to male doctors. Awareness must be taken in an aggressive manner at the local level as well.

There are several issues that are emerging in the case of Nepal that relates to the ICPD. The commitments signed by governmental officials, despite being binding seem to clash with the traditional norms. The need for sex education as a course is the next thing that is getting regard. Not unless an adolescent child is made aware of every aspect of sexuality and reproduction, will he/she be aware of the important issues that allow him/her to life a healthy and enjoyable life. Nepal has ratified a number of Human Rights Instruments including ICESCR, ICCPR, CEDAW, ICERD, CRC having a motive to keep women free from all forms of discrimination and violence; however there is lacking in implementation part. Strong commitments by governments for the effective implementation of the ICPD PoA with recognition of the challenges like those listed above is a needed step going into 2015.

Published in the Watchdog published by Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (YCSRR) for CPD47. You can download the Watch Dog through:

http://www.youthcoalition.org/publication/47th-session-commission-population-development/