Launch of the Technical Guidance on a Human Rights Based Approach to reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

On 14 September 2012, the High Commissioner convened a high level event to launch the technical guidance on a human rights-based approach to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The event provided an opportunity for UN agencies, civil society, Government, and research institutions to reflect on their work on maternal mortality and morbidity from a human rights perspective, and the ways in which the tool could be utilised for enhanced implementation of human rights obligations. Please find below the statements delivered at the launch event:

• Ms Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund
• Dr. Flavia Bustreo, Assistant Director General, Family, Women’s and Children’s Health, World Health Organization
• Ambassadeur Proper Vokouma, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso
• Professor Alicia Yamin, Director, Program on the Health Rights of Women and Children, François-Xavier Bagnoud
  Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University
• Ms. Jashodhara Dasgupta, SAHAYOG, India

This event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Burkina Faso, Colombia and New Zealand, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, Action Canada for Population and Development, Amnesty International, Center for Reproductive Rights, International Initiative on Maternal Mortality and Human Rights, and the Sexual Rights Initiative. Interpretation was provided thanks to the contribution of the African Union.