IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

14th August, 2023 International Relations

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Context

  • A project of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for gender sensitivity in Rajasthan has received support from the experts working for the elimination of customs promoting patriarchy.

UNFPA

  • The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide.
  • Its work includes developing national healthcare strategies and protocols, increasing access to birth control, and leading campaigns against child marriage, gender-based violence, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation.
  • The UNFPA supports programs in more than 144 countries across four geographic regions: Arab States and Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Around three-quarters of the staff work in the field. It is a founding member of the United Nations Development Group, a collection of UN agencies and programs focused on fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • The agency began operations in 1969 as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities under the administration of the United Nations Development Fund. In 1971 it was placed under the authority of the United Nations General Assembly.
  • Its name was changed to United Nations Population Fund in 1987. However, the shortened term of UNFPA has been retained.

Areas of work

  • UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of funding for population and reproductive health The Fund works with governments and non-governmental organizations in over 150 countries with the support of the international community, supporting programs that help women, men and young people:
  • UNFPA uses a human rights-based approach in programming to address three "transformative goals":
    1. Zero preventable maternal death
    2. Zero gender-based violence
    3. Zero unmet need for family planning.
  • The Fund raises awareness of and supports efforts to meet these goals, advocates close attention to population concerns and helps nations formulate policies and strategies in support of sustainable development.
  • The Fund is also represented by UNFPA Goodwill Ambassadorsand a Patron.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):

1.    United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is a UN agency under the administration of the United Nations Development Fund.

2.    UNFPA is a founding member of the United Nations Development Group.

3.    UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of funding for population and reproductive health programs.

How many of the above are correctly matched?

A) Only 1

B) Only 2

C) All 3

D) None

Answer: B) Only 2

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/unfpa-project-in-rajasthan-for-gender-sensitivity-gets-support-from-experts/article67188095.ece