New Year Message from UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem

Human beings are born free and equal, both in rights and in dignity. This is the fundamental principle enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today, as we commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we celebrate the foundations that the Declaration provides for the right to sexual and reproductive health, and the growing recognition that these are fundamental human rights. This takes these rights and freedoms to new levels.

Ashley Judd was one of the “silence breakers” named by Time magazine as Person of the Year 2017. This designation makes us even prouder than ever to be working with Ms. Judd as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.

One new HIV infection is one too many – and in 2016 there were 1.8 million.

Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh have reported horrific stories of sexual violence. One woman, Shakila, said she was raped after being forced to watch the murder of her husband and infant daughter.

UNITED NATIONS, New York -- UNFPA, the United Nations Populations Fund, is concerned about the effects of the total closure of air, sea and land access to Yemen on the people in the country, particularly the 2.2 million women of childbearing age, among whom some 352,000 are pregnant.

Girls today enjoy better life prospects than previous generations in many ways. Prosperity and nutrition are improving, child marriage and teenage pregnancy are declining, and female educational attainment and participation in the labour force are on the rise.

A new narrative about the role of older persons is in the making—one that acknowledges their potential to contribute to societies and economies.

Every woman has the right to decide whether or when she will become pregnant, to give birth safely and to be protected from gender-based violence. Yet every day, untold millions of women and girls, whose lives have been upended by wars, conflicts or natural disasters, cannot enjoy these rights.

Young people have the potential to act as greater forces for positive social change and to build the foundation for a just and peaceful world.

Every day, vulnerable women, especially those who are poor and are refugees, face social, economic and geographic obstacles to voluntary family planning services and information.