Youth legislator represents PH in landmark parliamentarians’ conference in Oslo

PLCPD member and youth legislator Raoul Danniel Manuel of Kabataan Partylist represented the Philippines and actively engaged other counties in the eighth International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD [International Conference on Population and Development] Programme of Action held in Oslo, Norway on April 10-12.

Gathering almost 300 participants, including 200 parliamentarians from 112 countries, the parliamentarians’ conference marked the 30th anniversary of the ICPD and served as venue for parliamentarians from all over the world to share perspectives and current practices on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

By the end of the conference, the participating parliamentarians crafted and signed the Oslo Declaration, a statement not only celebrating the progress made in the areas of SRHR and women’s rights since the adoption of the ICPD Programme of Action 30 years ago, but also pledging commitment to develop policies, allocate budgets, and put in place monitoring mechanisms to ensure that no one is left behind as countries work to fulfill their respective goals.

“My mind was opened to the similarities and differences in how issues on SRHR manifest across countries. It was good that the breakout sessions featured several related topics including SOGIE [sexual orientation and gender identity and expression] and youth participation,” said Representative Manuel, who suggested to have report-back session with legislators, partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the commitment and way forward. Representative Manuel was part of the drafting committee of the Oslo Declaration. #