Austria
1
11th Session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
5. – 9. May 2014
Statement by Austria
Focus area 3. Health and population dynamics
Mr Co-Chair,
Concerning not only health and population dynamics, but also gender equality and women’s empowerment, we would like to recall the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights for both focus areas. These should include measurements on rights-based policy and legal reforms, including guarantees of non-discrimination, rights to privacy and confidentiality.
Target f) should read as follows: “by 2030 ensure universal access to quality, comprehensive, integrated and affordable sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, including modern methods of family planning, information, education and services by 2030.”
Furthermore, point d) should read as follows, “achieve universal health coverage (UHC), including financial risk protection, with particular attention to women and the most marginalized, including children and persons with disabilities.”
Focus area 4. Education and life-long learning
Regarding education, Austria welcomes the mentioning of vocational training, an issue that has proven a useful instrument in the fight against youth unemployment. We also call for the consideration of tertiary education and science as additional aspects.
Keeping gender equality and women’s empowerment in mind, we suggest adding three additional targets in this Focus area:
1. By 2030 ensure equal access to education at all levels;
2. Ensure girls’ safety and an environment free from sexual harassment and violence in school;
3. By 2030 eliminate gender stereotypes in the curriculum.
11th Session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
5. – 9. May 2014
Statement by Austria
Focus area 3. Health and population dynamics
Mr Co-Chair,
Concerning not only health and population dynamics, but also gender equality and women’s empowerment, we would like to recall the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights for both focus areas. These should include measurements on rights-based policy and legal reforms, including guarantees of non-discrimination, rights to privacy and confidentiality.
Target f) should read as follows: “by 2030 ensure universal access to quality, comprehensive, integrated and affordable sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, including modern methods of family planning, information, education and services by 2030.”
Furthermore, point d) should read as follows, “achieve universal health coverage (UHC), including financial risk protection, with particular attention to women and the most marginalized, including children and persons with disabilities.”
Focus area 4. Education and life-long learning
Regarding education, Austria welcomes the mentioning of vocational training, an issue that has proven a useful instrument in the fight against youth unemployment. We also call for the consideration of tertiary education and science as additional aspects.
Keeping gender equality and women’s empowerment in mind, we suggest adding three additional targets in this Focus area:
1. By 2030 ensure equal access to education at all levels;
2. Ensure girls’ safety and an environment free from sexual harassment and violence in school;
3. By 2030 eliminate gender stereotypes in the curriculum.
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