A/RES/69/148
Intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula
consider, as a matter of priority, signing, ratifying or acceding to those Conventions
and the Optional Protocols thereto, 11
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General 12 and the conclusions and
recommendations contained therein,
Stressing the interlinkages between poverty, malnutrition, lack of or
inadequate or inaccessible health-care services, early childbearing, child, early and
forced marriage, violence against young women and girls and gender discrimination
as root causes of obstetric fistula, and that poverty remains the main social risk factor,
Recognizing that the difficult socioeconomic conditions that exist in many
developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, have resulted in
the acceleration of the feminization of poverty,
Recognizing also that early childbearing increases the risk of complications
during pregnancy and delivery and entails a much higher risk of maternal mortality
and morbidity, and deeply concerned that early childbearing and limited access to
the highest attainable standard of health, including sexual and reproductive health,
specifically timely access to high-quality emergency obstetric care, cause high levels
of obstetric fistula and other maternal morbidities, as well as maternal mortality,
Recognizing further that adolescent girls are at particular risk of maternal
death and morbidity, including obstetric fistula, and concerned that the leading
cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19 in many low- and middle-income countries
is complications from pregnancy and childbirth and that women aged 30 and older
are at increased risk of developing complications and of dying during childbirth,
Noting that a human rights-based approach to eliminating obstetric fistula is
underpinned by the principles of, inter alia, accountability, participation, transparency,
empowerment, sustainability, non-discrimination and international cooperation,
Deeply concerned about discrimination against women and girls and the
violation of their rights, which often result in less access for girls to education and
nutrition, their reduced physical and mental health and the enjoyment by girls of
fewer of the rights, opportunities and benefits of childhood and adolescence
compared with boys, and in their often being subjected to various forms of cultural,
social, sexual and economic exploitation and to violence and harmful practices,
Deeply concerned also about the situation of women living with or recovering
from obstetric fistula, who are often neglected and stigmatized,
Recognizing the need to raise awareness among men and adolescent boys and,
in this context, to fully engage men and community leaders as strategic partners and
allies in the efforts to address and eliminate obstetric fistula,
Welcoming the contribution by Member States, the international community
and civil society to the global Campaign to End Fistula led by the United Nations
Population Fund, bearing in mind that a people-centred approach to social and
economic development is fundamental for protecting and empowering individuals
and communities,
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11
12
2/8
Ibid., vol. 2131, No. 20378; and vols. 2171 and 2173, No. 27531; and resolution 66/138, annex.
A/69/256.