Asian Youth Peace Conference ends on high note

 Asian Youth Peace Conference and Festival, the most awaited event of the year, kicked off on Wednesday. The day started with The Network Game, in which everyone was asked to go up to someone in the audience and introduce themselves and ask their one major goal in life. Glimpses from National Youth Peace Festival 2010 were also shown to the participants.
Channan Development Association Executive Director Shahzad Khan opened the ceremony and spoke about the aims and objectives behind the conference. He summed up the agenda of the conference in four simple words: “we are the solution!” UNFPA Youth Officer Sadia Ata Mahmood said youth was the most desirable segment of the society to bring about a real change in economic, social and academic conditions of the society. She encouraged the participants to enthusiastically play a role to bring about a change in the world.
Punjab Youth Department Additional Secretary Tahir Raza Hamdani talked about his efforts against dengue virus and its effects on the country from the governmental point of view. IA Rehman said, “The way to the future lies within the youth.” He commented on the problems of Pakistan, discussing peace, illiteracy, riches and poverty. He ended his speech by saying, “Success begins by rejection”.

Asian Youth Demography, Challenges and Opportunities was moderated by UNFPA youth officer. Colonel Aizaz for NAB, Saqib Shahid from Islamic International University and Taranjeet Singh from PTV shared their experiences with the youth. The panellists discussed about individual and team efforts to facilitate the youth and make them realise what they could do for their better personality. Ali Moeen Nawazish, the highest scorer in A-levels, said education was the most important tool to achieve success. Junaid from Call music band said the youth had to be in the forefront to better the society. In the closing session, Punjab Minorities Minister Kamran Michael appreciated the organisers for moving forward with such events, which could bring about a positive change in the depressed society.


The Asian Youth Peace Conference and festival ended on Friday, leaving behind an almost tangible sense of inspiration and enthusiasm for learning by doing. The theme of the first panel discussion of the day was “Extremism, an alarming phenomenon for Asian youth”, in which the panelists discussed the roots of extremism in the modern era. Colonel Aizaz, Ajmal Jami and the khateeb of Badshahi Mosque spoke on the issue with a very special regard for what the youth thought about the origins of and the media hype around extremism, and what role the religious leaders had been playing in promoting or curbing extremism among the youth of the nation. Singer Abrar-ul-Haq, the chief guest of the closing ceremony, spoke about the importance of the youth’s role in a time of such instability in the country. He shared his experiences in youth development efforts by the youth parliament. He has asked youngsters to try for an assembled and revolutionised society and urged the youth delegates to take away a practical message with them to build a new human being within themselves and to realise their tremendous potential to move on in life. Omair Jalianwala took a short session on a recap of the learning process which delegates had been observing during the three days of the conference and festival. At the end, he arranged a few activities to take up a commitment from the delegates that they would make themselves capable.


For details visit http://www.aycpf2011.org/ or contact Muhammad Shahzad Khan at shahzad@youthpeer.org.pk 

Definitions of Youth Development and Youth Leadership

Courtesy:  Prateek Suman Awasti, UNFPA
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/topic/youth-development


DEFINITIONS OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT typically characterize it as a process or approach in which young people become competent or develop competencies necessary to be successful and meet challenges (Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; National Collaboration for Youth, 2003; Pittman, 1991; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995). Most definitions also identify either specific desired outcomes that young people need to achieve or critical tasks they must accomplish in order to achieve these positive outcomes (Astroth, Brown, Poore, & Timm, 2002; US Department of Heath and Human Services, 1996; Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995; Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989). The Search Institute’s definition differs slightly in its focus on assets, defined as factors – both internal and external – that promote positive development; however, its explanation of youth development covers similar developmental needs and challenges as other definitions (Search Institute, 1996). Most sources identify similar and overlapping competencies and outcomes that young people need to develop or achieve. In each instance, these competencies or outcomes encompass a wide range of areas such as cognitive, social, civic, cultural, spiritual, vocational, physical, emotional, mental, personal, moral, or intellectual development. Based on its research of existing definitions, NCWD/Youth has adopted the following working definition of youth development adapted from NYEC and National Collaboration for Youth: youth development is a process which prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressiveseries of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. Positive youth development addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to deficit-based models that focus solely on youth problems.

THE CONCEPT OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP was also examined with the goal of identifying a working definition. Some definitions of youth leadership describe it as the ability to lead others or get others to work together toward a common goal or vision (Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 2003; US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996; National Order of the Arrow, 1992; Wing

Span Youth Empowerment Services, n.d.). More often than not, definitions of youth leadership focused on the ability to lead oneself and work with others, while not necessarily influencing others to act (ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, 1990; Youth Leadership Support Network, n.d.; Urban Think Tank Institute, 2002;.Karnes & Bean, 1997). Definitions frequently characterize youth leadership as the ability to envision a goal or needed change, to take initiative or action to achieve the goal, to take responsibility for outcomes, and to work well with, relate to, and communicate effectively with others. In the review of definitions, it has become apparent that youth leadership can be defined as both an internal and external capability. Therefore, NCWD/Youth has chosen to adopt a two-part working definition of youth leadership, as follows: youth leadership is (1) “The ability to guide or direct others on a course of action, influence the opinion and behavior of other people, and show the way by going in advance” (Wehmeyer, Agran, & Hughes, 1998); and (2) “the ability to analyze one's own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem to carry them out. It includes the ability to identify community resources and use them, not only to live independently, but also to establish support networks to participate in community life and to effect positive social change” (Adolescent Employment Readiness Center, Children’s Hospital, n.d.).

Top five recent successes in HIV

South Africa's HIV/AIDS programme has come a long way from the dark days of denialism and deadly treatment delays. Francois Venter, chairman of the country's bi-annual HIV conference, SA AIDS 2011, gave IRIN/PlusNews five reasons to be happy about the country’s progress:

1. Testing - About 12 million people in South Africa have been testedfor HIV in the past year, representing just under a quarter of the total population.

2. Antiretroviral prices - ARV drug costs have been halved in the past six months, because of the country’s recently negotiated ARV tender. HIV is now one of the cheapest chronic conditions to treat in the South African public health system.

3. Treatment - Nearly 1.4 million South Africans are on ARVs - still less than half of those in need. But of the 1.4 million on treatment, 400,000 were initiated in the past year. The programme hopes to have 2.3 million on treatment by the end of 2012, according to Venter, who is also deputy executive director of the Wits Institute for Sexual & Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases. Over 5 million South Africans are living with HIV.

At present, 1,668 public health facilities provide ARVs in South Africa.

4. Tuberculosis - South Africa has finally begun to tackle TB. Although about 70 percent of TB patients are co-infected with HIV, TB has been “the orphan of the health world for decades”, Venter told IRIN/PlusNews.

“[TB] has been mismanaged and hasn’t been given the resources it deserves. For the first time, it’s being regarded as the emergency it actually is,” he said. “For the first time, we’re seeing the drugs and the diagnostics; we need to now start making sure that the health system is one that allows us to start to tackle it.”

5. The re-engineering of the primary healthcare system - Venter called this initiative one of the most profound changes planned in the past 20 years. Expected to be community-driven, the restructuring of local health districts is set to increase access to HIV care and treatment. 

Round III - Youth & the MDG's E-Cource -Free Online Grant-giving Short Course

Free Online Grant-giving Short Course on “Youth and the MDGs” ROUND 3
Brought to you by Youth Action for Change, UNFPA & Youth Dividend

Register Now (SEE BELOW)!

Course Dates: 
1st Session: 2nd May, 2011 to 31st May, 2011
2nd Session: August 2011
(Please choose one session to participate when applying)

Course Description:

This course is designed for young people aged 18-30 who are actively involved in making a difference in their communities. The course aims to help its participants learn about the UN’s 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), their specific targets, and their importance as a framework for global development. The course will then focus on how young people can work towards contributing to the MDGs, what can be done locally, and the potential for young people to make a difference. The course will be led by young professionals from UNDP and UNFPA and will also draw on local experts from UNDP and other UN organizations and will combine theoretical and practical knowledge. The course will be restricted to 40 participants chosen by application – preference is given to participants who are active in their communities and who intend to use the course material to help them make a difference in their communities. Participants must be able to attend all sessions of thecourse and complete homework tasks in order to obtain a certificate of completion. Participants must also have regular internet access (at least 5 hours per week) to join course sessions. Students who may also be disadvantaged are also encouraged to apply.

About the course sponsors:

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and youth to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.

Youth Action for Change is a global, youth-led organization inspiring and empowering young people worldwide to become active agents of change in their own communities, so as to be able to tackle the issues affecting them and the world at large.

Youth Dividend is a dynamic youth led organization in Pakistan working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership training, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and  advocacy.

Application (HOW TO APPLY):

Register your interest in participating in this online course by reading the YAC student guide attached and completing the online application form at [ http://kwiksurveys.com?u=MDGCOURSE ]  by the 24th April 2011. Successful participants will be notified by the30th April, 2011.

Our student guide can also be downloaded here [ http://tinyurl.com/2brn6dm ]

Call for Nominations: Orientation workshop on PRSPs, UNFPA Pakistan

UNFPA Pakistan is pleased to announce an orientation workshop on Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) . The workshop is being organized to familiarize relevant stakeholders with the PRSP of Pakistan and draw attention of policy makers towards poverty issues faced by young people, given that youth development a priority in the national development plans and goals. Youth Dividend & UNFPA will be launching an e-course for young people in Pakistan on PRSPs Deadline 10th April, 2011

Nominations are invited from
·         Young people (age 18-25) from youth organizations/networks across Pakistan
·         Officials from Govt. departments and ministries (Grade17-19)
·         Members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and INGOs personnel working at  
          managerial   level on policy advocacy.

A copy of CV along with a short letter of intent explaining interest in the workshop is required along with the nominations by 10th April, 2011. Kindly send your application to Ms. Sadia Atta Mehmood, National Programme Officer at mehmood@unfpa.org. For details regarding the workshop please contact Ms. Hira Hafeez ur Rehman, Coordinator, Youth Advisory Panel, UNFPA at hirahur@gmail.com.

Workshop details can be found in the announcement below, please circulate widely.


http://youthdividend.weebly.com/announcements.html

Education Emergency - Pakistan

Education is Pakistan’s most critical emergency. No country will enjoy security or robust economic growth without quality education. We simply cannot afford to wait.


The campaign has been launched by the Pakistan Education Task Force which brings together representatives from the federal and provincial governments, with leaders from civil society. Anyone, however is welcome to join the campaign.

No country can thrive in the modern world without educating its children.

But Pakistan faces an education emergency that has disastrous social and economic consequences, and threatens the security of the country.

We believe it is now time to end this emergency.

Under the 18th amendment, which received Presidential assent on 19 April 2010, education is no longer a privilege, but a fundamental right for all up to the age of sixteen.

Provinces, meanwhile, now have full responsibility for developing plans to ensure that every child is able to go to a decent school.

That is why we ask you to help us make March the month that Pakistan talks about only two things: education and cricket.

We want to start a debate about the how the country can unite across political, religious, and ethnic divides – dedicating itself to a cause that will determine its future.

Please join  in the March for Education. http://educationemergency.com.pk/

Youth Dividend’s Volunteer Programme 2011 - Pakistan

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Youth Dividend is non-commercial and non-political youth-led organization in Pakistan established in 2010. Youth Dividend is committed to empower and enable youth & adolescent to influence international and national policy frameworks and be positive agents of change. Our organization is working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership trainings, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and advocacy. By providing young people with the platform to implement initiatives that target social, cultural, economic, legal and environmental issues they are committed to, we have created a space that is committed to developing the expression of young people.

Youth Dividend is committed to undertake the projects on youth, gender, health, poverty reduction and education through leadership trainings, life skills based education, advocacy, awareness campaigns and social media, to equip them with skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be able to exercise informed decision-making.

Purpose and objectives of the volunteer programme:

Currently Youth Dividend is running a global project on Millennium Development Goals in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Youth Action for Change (YAC). Youth Dividend is also in a process of developing a new program on Poverty Reduction and Strategy Papers (PRSP) with UNFPA Pakistan. In order to support the organizational objective, the volunteer under the supervision of Youth Dividend team will be required to undertake the key milestones and deliverables:

1)       Support development of new projects and ongoing interventions with its partners.
2)       Assist in developing training materials for its ongoing projects for the organization.
3)       Assist in development of training reports, proposals, and database.
4)       Maintaining Youth Dividend’s websites (blogs, social network sites) on a regular basis.
5)       Share resources and new project developments with MDGs advocates.

Conditions and incentives:

Youth Dividend values the opportunity for volunteers to be a part of its operations. The goal of Youth Dividends volunteer program is to provide young people with successful and meaningful opportunities to learn about our mission and projects, contribute to the work of the organization during a limited time period, and gain meaningful volunteer experience. Youth Dividend is now offering a limited number of paid volunteer positions (payments will start after a 1 month probation period). Volunteers will also have an opportunity to attend trainings, capacity building workshops and conferences. All applicants must hold a bachelors degree and be based in Pakistan. Applicants are also required to have internet availability at least 15 hours a week.

Application Procedure: If you are interested in applying for volunteer positions, please send a resume and letter of interest (one page or less) to the email contact listed below. We will contact you if your application is chosen for an interview. Application Deadline: 20th March 2011. For further details, please visit our website:http://youthdividend.weebly.com

Youth Dividend is a partner NGO of UNFPA Pakistan

Address all application to Ms. Hira Hafeez-ur-Rehman at youth.dividend@gmail.com

It’s Time to Unleash the Full Potential of Women

Message of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the International Women's Day 2011

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and once again declare our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women. As the world approaches a population of seven billion, it’s high time to unleash the full potential of half the world’s population.

When girls enjoy equal access to education, and women, men and young people can claim their right to sexual and reproductive health, we come closer to equality. When women and couples can plan their families, and balance work and family life as they desire, we expand equal opportunity. When a pregnant woman no longer fears losing her job, and maternity no longer continues to be a source of discrimination in employment, we advance equal rights between men and women.

When girls are educated and healthy, and can avoid early marriage, unwanted pregnancy and HIV, they can contribute fully to society. UNFPA will continue to move forward guided by the belief that progress for women is progress for all.

Today and every day, my colleagues and I in UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, will continue to champion reproductive health and reproductive rights. We renew our commitment to work with governments and civil society to achieve universal access to education and reproductive health by 2015.

We join partners worldwide, including the newly established UN Women, to advance gender equality and dignity for all.

‘Regional Conference on Fistula’ in Karachi - UNFPA Pakistan

A three-day regional fistula conference was held in Karachi from 4th March to highlight the disease condition, mainly among women. The conference was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Fistula is a severe medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth when adequate medical care is not available.

“Every year, around four thousand women in Pakistan develop fistula due to improper or lack of health facilities during childbirth and suffer for their entire life although the disease is completely treatable through surgery,” Dr Shershah Syed, a renowned gynecologist and President of the Pakistan National Forum on Women Health, said while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday.

Fistula experts from the United States, Egypt, France, Nepal, Nigeria and other countries will attend the conference to share their experiences of treating the disease with local surgeons and midwives, he said.

Dr Shershah maintained that midwives would also be attending the conference during which they would be trained to provide better care to pregnant women to avoid fistula condition.

The conference was inaugurated on Friday at the Liaquat National Hospital Auditorium Karachi in collaboration with the Pakistan National Forum on Women’s Health. Known artist Sheema Kermani will present her play “Genital Tract Fistula” on the occasion.


Source: The News

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: As Population Hits 7 Billion, UNFPA Focuses on You...

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: As Population Hits 7 Billion, UNFPA Focuses on You...: "By: Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund This year, world population will hit 7..."

As Population Hits 7 Billion, UNFPA Focuses on Youth

By: Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund

This year, world population will hit 7 billion. With this major milestone occurring in my first year as Executive Director of UNFPA, I have an interesting and unique opportunity in leading the organization’s priorities.

One major focus will be today’s large generation of young people. There are an estimated 1.8 billion adolescents and youth aged 10 to 24, accounting for nearly a quarter of the planet's population. Just below 90 per cent of them live in developing countries and that proportion will increase during the next 20 years. They want freedom, participation and dignity and their decisions will define the future.

They need increased support. Under my leadership, UNFPA will strengthen efforts to give young people, especially adolescent girls, the attention they deserve. Along with our partners in many countries, we will push for greater investments in young people across many sectors—in education, including sexual health education, in reproductive health, employment and participation. UNFPA will continue providing technical assistance to implement sexual and reproductive health-care initiatives.

Our efforts help young people, particularly girls, to stay in school, stay healthy and free from unwanted pregnancies and HIV, postpone family formation and eventually enter the labour market with skills to earn an income and contribute to economic growth.

Investing in today’s youth will bring positive returns for current and future generations. This is especially important for the least developed countries that have the highest rates of poverty and mortality, a population growth rate that is nearly double that of developing countries as a whole, and 6 in 10 people below the age of 25.

The large youthful populations are a potential asset if young people enjoy productive employment. This calls for the development of human capital and much higher investment in adolescents and young people and their education, skills and health. Investing in young people, their reproductive health and gender equality, can help put countries on a path to accelerated economic growth and development. This is a message we should all stress whenever we get a chance or an audience.

If we want to shape not only the population of the planet, but also the development of the world, we have to embrace youth as leaders and partners. Young people are energetic and open to the possibilities afforded by new technologies in an interconnected world. Already, they are leading the way on HIV prevention and having a powerful impact on politics and culture. They can make major contributions to solutions to common problems, such as conflict, inequity and climate change. And they will be the parents and teachers of the next generation.

UNFPA remains committed to the core principles of the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), that every person has the right to sexual and reproductive health, every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person has the education and services to grow up healthy, every girl is treated with dignity and respect, and violence against women can and should end. We also rally behind the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health to save 16 million lives by 2015.

As the world prepares to support a 7 billion-strong population, UNFPA is committed to helping young people build a better future for themselves, their families and their nations.

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: Youth & the MDG's Ecourse - Creating a pool of MDG...

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: Youth & the MDG's Ecourse - Creating a pool of MDG...: "Our E-course 'Youth & the MDGs 'aims to create a pool of Millennium Development Goals Advocates from all around the world Che..."

Youth & the MDG's Ecourse - Creating a pool of MDGs Advocates

Our E-course 'Youth & the MDGs 'aims to create a pool of Millennium Development Goals Advocates from all around the world

Check out details on Youth Dividend's Website

http://youthdividend.weebly.com/

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: Round II of "'Youth & the MDG's " E-course - Launc...

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel: Round II of "'Youth & the MDG's " E-course - Launc...: "UNFPA, Youth Action for Change & Youth Dividend brings you the Second Round of the new online course on 'Youth and the MDGs'.Don’..."

Round II of "'Youth & the MDG's " E-course - Launched by UNFPA, Youth Action for Change and Youth Dividend

UNFPA, Youth Action for Change & Youth Dividend brings you the Second Round of the new online course on  "Youth and the MDGs".Don’t waste your time: read and apply! Please see below for details and register now!

Free Online Short Course on “Youth and the MDGs” Brought to you by UNFPA, Youth Action for Change & Youth Dividend

Register Now (SEE BELOW)!

Course Dates: 13th March – 8th April

Course Description:

This course is designed for young people aged 18-30 who are actively involved in making a difference in their communities. The course aims to help its participants learn about the UN’s 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), their specific targets, and their importance as a framework for global development. The course will then focus on how young people can work towards contributing to the MDGs, what can be done locally, and the potential for young people to make a difference. The course will be led by young professionals from UNDP and UNFPA and will also draw on local experts from UNDP and other UN organizations and will combine theoretical and practical knowledge. The course will be restricted to 25 participants chosen by application – preference is given to participants who are active in their communities and who intend to use the course material to help them make a difference in their communities. Participants must be able to attend all sessions of the course and complete homework tasks in order to obtain a certificate of completion. Participants must also have regular internet access (at least 5 hours per week) to join course sessions. Students who may also be disadvantaged are also encouraged to apply. This course will help students in designing and implementing their own MDG related community development projects. The top 2 to 3 projects will receive small grants to support in their implementation courtesy of UNFPA.

About the course sponsors:

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and youth to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.

Youth Action for Change is a global, youth-led organization inspiring and empowering young people worldwide to become active agents of change in their own communities, so as to be able to tackle the issues affecting them and the world at large.

Youth Dividend is a dynamic youth led organization in Pakistan working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership training, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and advocacy. 

Application (HOW TO APPLY): http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=IIEHIL_40e44dbf

Register your interest in participating in this online course by reading the YAC student guide attached and completing the online application form at tiny by the 4th of March 2011. Successful participants will be notified by the 11th of March. Apply fast as only the first 100 applications will be considered.

For any further details please contact hirahur@gmail.com

Advocacy Event of UNFPA with the Parliamentarians against Early Forced Marriages

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Youth Peer Education Network (PEER) and Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) invites you to submit key advocacy messages “Against Early Forced Marriages and Right to Choose Life Partner” for an Advocacy event being held on Valentine’s Day on 14th February, 2011. During this session UNFPA will link “Right to Choice” with the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and affects of early/force marriages on young people’s life and health by emphasizing the importance of Meaningful Youth Participation in each and every matter of their lives and decision which have an effect on them directly or indirectly. If you want to express your valuable thoughts or be a part of this advocacy campaign, you have a chance to get your message across the Government, the Parliamentarians and the Civil Society to raise voice against the issue.

Please submit your messages to Sana Sohail, National Focal Point In-charge for Media and Communication, Youth Peer Education Network (PEER) at yap.unfpa@gmail.com by 11th February, 2011 (5:00pm)


Date: 14th Feb 2011Time: 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Theme: "Right to Choose a Life Partner"
Venue: Shah Latif Auditorium, Abdul Latif Bhittai Community Centre, St 3, H-8/1, near Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
Chief Guests:
Dr. Donya Aziz, Member National Assembly, Pakistan

Youth Coalition invites you to write an article on Comprehensive Sexuality Education

The 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the United Nations will be held in New York City from February 22th to March 4th. This year the CSW will focus on Equal Access of Women and Girls to education. As youth SRHR activists, we believe that quality education includes comprehensive sexuality education, which should always be taken into account when educational curriculums are developed (for in and out-of school audiences, in formal and informal educational settings). 

With the purpose of raising policy and decision makers' awareness on that, and to ensure they fully understand the benefits of CSE on the social, mental and physical development of adolescents and young people the YC will prepare for the upcoming CSW an edition of its Watchdog.

The Watchdog is a newsletter distributed by the YC at most international conferences and events we attend, as part of our advocacy and public education activities.

The YC would like to invite you to write an article on topics related to Comprehensive Sexuality Education to be included in our 55th CSW edition of the Watchdog. Articles are welcome in any widely spoken language (not necessarily UN language) and should not exceed 1 page.

you can send your articles to: mariaines@youthcoalition.org by Wednesday February 16th. 

Pakistan court OKs third sex for identity cards

Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered authorities on Wednesday to allow transvestites and eunuchs to identify themselves as a distinct gender as part of a move to ensure their rights, a lawyer said.

Known by the term "hijra" in conservative Muslim Pakistan, transvestites, eunuchs and hermaphrodites are generally shunned by society.

They often live together in slum communities and survive by begging and dancing at carnivals and weddings. Some are also involved in prostitution.

Iftikhar Chaudhry, chief justice of Pakistan, ordered the government to give national identity cards to members of the community showing their distinct gender and to take steps to ensure that they were not harassed.

"The government's registration authority has been directed to include a separate column in national identity cards showing them as hijras," Mohammad Aslam Khaki, a lawyer for hijras told Reuters.

"By doing so, they think they will get a distinct identity and it will help them get their rights."

A hijra association welcomed Chaudhry's order, saying it would ease their suffering.

"It's the first time in the 62-year history of Pakistan that such steps are being taken for our welfare," the association's president, who goes by the name Almas Bobby, told Reuters.

"It's a major step toward giving us respect and identity in society. We are slowly getting respect in society. Now people recognize that we are also human beings."

Khaki said the court also ordered the government to evolve a mechanism to ensure that hijras are not harassed and also take steps to ensure their inheritance rights.

Hijras are often denied places in schools or admittance to hospitals and landlords often refuse to rent or sell property to them. Their families often deny them their fair share of inherited property.

Hijras are both feared and pitied in Pakistan. They are feared for their supposed ability to put curses on people while they are pitied as they are widely viewed as the outcast children of Allah.

The number of hijras in Pakistan is not known but community leaders estimate there are about 300,000 of them.

In June, the Supreme Court ordered the government to set up a commission to conduct a census of hijras.



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/worl...#ixzz0cKafjmRh