UN Advocacy

The General Assembly is the main ultimate decision-making and governing body and has representatives of all 193 Member States, each of whom has a vote. The General Assembly meets in regular, special and emergency special sessions. The regular session occurs in September every year in New York. Civil society organizations do not have consultative status with the General Assembly, although they can participate in its activities if invited to do so. The annual High-Level Week (HLW) at the United Nations is an important event that takes place in September when world leaders gather at UN Headquarters in New York.

Each year, IPPF and MA actively participate in High-Level Week, a crucial moment for international diplomacy that facilitates collaboration among stakeholders to address shared challenges and establish the agenda for global cooperation in the year ahead.

The Third Committee is one of the six main committees of the General Assembly in New York, and deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues. This includes e.g. the advancement of women, protection of children, indigenous issues, treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-development. The Third Committee works to draft and agree upon both international and country specific resolutions. The Third committee approves everything that comes out of ECOSOC bodies. IPPF plays a pivotal role in the Third Committee (3C) by actively engaging in the negotiation of gender-related resolutions at every stage, providing both technical support and strategic advice to Member States. IPPF coordinates advocacy action with other civil society organizations and contributes comprehensive markups to draft resolution texts to ensure that gender equality, SRHR, and CSE remain central priorities throughout the discussions. Additionally, IPPF analyzes Member States’ voting records, forecasts potential outcomes, and equips them with persuasive arguments to uphold key positions. IPPF also participates in cross-regional meetings, ensuring its involvement in strategic dialogues with like-minded states, and offers a terminology briefing before each 3C session. Despite challenges from opposing countries, IPPF’s efforts are crucial in ensuring a strong advocacy presence in the Third Committee.

The High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the central platform within the United Nations for reviewing and following up on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held annually in New York, under the auspices ECOSOC, and every four years at the level of Heads of State and Government under the General Assembly, the HLPF provides a space for countries to present their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) in which they share their experiences, challenges and actions taken to meet the SDGs,, and discuss strategies for achieving sustainable development. The HLPF is highly relevant for sexual and reproductive health and rights as it addresses relevant SDGs (e.g. SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 5 on Gender Equality). The HLPF concludes with the adoption of a ministerial declaration, which is negotiated by Member States throughout the forum.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is a functional commission, based in New York, under ECOSOC. Established in 1946, the CPD is tasked with monitoring, reviewing, and assessing global population trends, policies, and programs. Its work is integral to addressing population issues in the context of sustainable development and human rights. The Commission is made up of 47 member states elected by ECOSOC. Each member state serves four-year terms. Representation on the Commission is determined on a geographic basis. IPPF and its MAs participate in CPD every year, to influence its outcomes, pushing the agenda of SRHR forward and safeguarding against backslide. IPPF is the global co-convener of the International Sexual and Reproductive Rights Coalition (ISRRC) a group of 100+ civil society organizations from each region of the world that mobilizes and strategize around each session of the Commission on Population and Development, raise awareness of SRHR, and advance implementation of the ICPD since 1999. IPPF also works closely with Member States collaborating on analysis and strategy of the CPD resolution.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 1946 by ECOSOC, CSW plays a critical role in advancing women’s rights and shaping global standards on gender equality. CSW is guided by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995. The CSW meets annually in New York and is made up of 45 member states which each serve overlapping four-year terms. Seats on the Commission are allotted based on geographical representation. IPPF and its MAs participate in CSW every year, participating in discussions, side-events and joint advocacy efforts with organizations from across the world. IPPF also carefully follows the negotiations of the CSW Agreed Conclusions, providing expert advice to Member States.

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is the inter-governmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. It is made up of 47 Member States with representatives from each global region. The HRC meets in Geneva to investigate violations of human rights in UN Member States, and address issues surrounding human rights. The HRC also oversees the appointment and work of Special Procedures (including Special Rapporteurs, Working Groups and Independent Experts on human rights issues), and Treaty Bodies that monitor the implementation of the human rights treaties. IPPF collaborates with civil society partners and Member States to influence resolutions relevant to our work, and to bring specific issues to the agenda of the HRC through e.g. organising or co-sponsoring side events. We also support MA engagement and inputs in the process to ensure resolutions reflect the realities and needs on the ground.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR)is a unique State-led, peer-review process, under the auspices of the HRC, whereby the human rights record of each UN Member State is examined every 5 years in Geneva. The aim of the review is to improve the human rights situations in every country and make recommendations on human rights violations where they occur. IPPF supports MAs to engage in their country’s review through submission of a report and advocacy with Member States to make recommendations suggested by the MA, so the country receives and commits to implement the specific recommendations suggested by the MA to advance SRHR at the national level.

UNLO also engages in processes related to specific UN Agencies and their mandates when relevant. We are active in the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, where representatives from its 194 member states meet annually in Geneva to set health priorities, approve budgets, and formulate policies to improve global health. IPPF and other civil society organizations engage in the WHA by attending the assembly as observers, advocating for specific health issues, participating in side events, and collaborating with member states to influence health policies. We can also submit written statements and provide technical input on SRHR and gender, rooted in MA experiences and expertise, thereby contributing to a more inclusive dialogue that shapes global health initiatives.

Special procedures, including special rapporteurs and treaty bodies, are mechanisms established by the United Nations to monitor and promote human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Special rapporteurs are independent experts tasked with reporting on specific human rights issues, while treaty bodies are committees that oversee the implementation of international human rights treaties. IPPF and civil society partners can engage with these mechanisms by submitting reports, providing evidence and testimonies about SRHR issues, and participating in consultations and meetings. We also advocate for the inclusion of SRHR in the agenda of these procedures, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and that their rights are upheld on an international platform.