The statement was delivered by Ms. Mirane Vella, a volunteer of Humanists Malta, a Member Organization of Humanists International. Humanists Malta advocate for reproductive rights domestically, and have previously raised the issue at the United Nations. International Safe Abortion Day is marked annually on September 28th.
The statement was delivered in the General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and it connected the curtailing of access to abortion services to broader trends, including a halt in aid by the United States, and the use of rape as a weapon of war. The latter topic was raised by Humanists International at a previous Human Rights Council session in the context of the role of religious and belief leaders as individuals with the ability to either uphold or undermine international humanitarian law.
Mirane Vella delivering the statement by video
Underscored also was the gravity of the denial of access to safe abortions. While abortion rates remain similar whether it is legal or not in a country, clandestine and unsafe abortions can lead to complications, including maternal mortality and injury. Differentiated access based on fragmented legal regimes are also seen around the world, and engagement pointed to the United States as an example of this. While previous US administrations had changed their policy on what was colloquially known as the ‘Global Gag Rule,’ that debate has become moot since the shuttering of USAID.
Commenting on the statement, Leon Langdon, Humanist International’s Senior Advocacy Officer said:
“The strongest asset Humanists International has is its Member and Associate Organizations. They provide us with an insight we could not otherwise have into the situation on the ground in their countries. Being able to have members deliver statements at the UN is a true privilege for us on the Advocacy Team, especially in a case like this, where Humanists Malta is strident in its advocacy within the domestic sphere.”
The statement closed by calling on states to uphold their commitments under international law and to guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health and rights regardless of the circumstances.
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