Countries can no longer afford to deny problems of HIV/AIDS, drug and sexual abuse

UNITED NATIONS WARNS NATIONAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES
FAIL YOUNG PEOPLE

BANGKOK (United Nations Information Services) – Saying it was clear that existing national policies and programmes have failed young people in finding viable solutions to contemporary health problems, the United Nations called for a new regional initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and sexual abuse and exploitation of young people.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations system, Dr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, told over 250 young delegates and policy makers attending a five-day meeting on youth health in Bangkok that it was time to break the silence imposed on these issues and discuss them openly without being judgmental.

“For too long now, we have treated these issues as taboo. We can no longer afford to continue denying their existence. Let us confront these problems head on.” he said.

Mr. Kim said the emerging social issues being discussed at the meeting, namely, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and sexual and reproductive health, were at the top of ESCAP’s agenda on emerging social issues.

“I am personally committed to forging a strong regional initiative, in close cooperation with other members of the UN family, to combat HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, in Asia and the Pacific.” he told delegates.

He called for national policy makers to listen to young people and take into account their views, let young people play a meaningful role in finding new solutions. Young people must be given access to youth-friendly health services, including sexual and reproductive health services regardless of whether or not they are married, as well as the life skills they need to make informed choices.

“We have a unique opportunity at this Meeting to make a genuine, collective search for fresh solutions to the problems that are harming our youth, and undermining the future of our region.” Mr. Kim said.

The outcome of the meeting, which runs from 4-8 June 2001 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, will be the Asian and Pacific region’s input into the World Youth Forum of the UN System, to be held in Dakar, Senegal, this August.

 The meeting is being organized by ESCAP. Cosponsors include the Government of Japan, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN International Drug Control Programme, UNAIDS, UNESCO, and the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement-International.

                                                        UNIS