This review1 of young people’s sexual and reproductive health (YPSRH) and gender issues affecting young people ages 10–24 in 19 Arab States2 and the Islamic Republic of Iran (hereafter referred to as ‘Iran’), was undertaken to: 1) strengthen the knowledge base on YPSRH, including gender issues, and on the regional programme and policy context; 2) provide recommendations for national YPSRH and gender policies and programmes based on evidence from international programmes and regional data; and 3) identify gaps in the knowledge base on YPSRH and gender issues in the region and recommend research priorities.

The authors and three research assistants conducted: 1) a YPSRH literature review globally and from the 20 specified countries; 2) policy analyses related to the countries’ compliance with international human rights treaties and agreements on issues related to YPSRH and gender; 3) interviews with international and regional experts; 4) interviews with and email surveys of national programme professionals.

The Regional Context for Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Overview

Weak mechanisms for citizen activism and political representation are key factors that prevent adequate participation of young people in decisions on policies that affect their well-being. In some countries, gender discrimination within personal status codes3 and labour legislation, social and penal sanctions for sexual relations outside of marriage, and a socially conservative environment make it particularly difficult to address young people’s SRH needs.

The situation analysis revealed an urgent need for investment in young people’s programmes and for increased attention to this age group (10–24), which now comprises over one third of the total population of the region. Across the region, age at marriage has been rising for both sexes, for a number of social and economic reasons. Educational levels have also risen rapidly, which, together with globalization and access to mass media, has increased generational differences. This trend results in young people’s diminished access to trusted adults in matters related to reproductive and sexual health. Youth unemployment is the highest of any region, creating widespread frustration.

Media characterization of youth from the Arab countries and Iran as somehow ‘politically dangerous’ has obscured the need for positive attention to their needs, perspectives and aspirations. Researcher El Tawila calls for a development approach that recognises young people’s strengths and potential. (From Executive Summary)

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Breaking the Silence and Saving Lives:
Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Arab States and Iran
By Bonnie L. Shepard and Jocelyn L. DeJong, 2005

International Health and Human Rights Program
François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights
Harvard School of Public Health

Authors:

Bonnie L. Shepard, M.Ed., M.P.A., International Health and Human Rights Program, François-Xavier Bagnoud Centre for Health and Human Rights,Harvard School of Public Health

Jocelyn L.DeJong, M.Phil., Ph.D., Institute for Development Policy and Management,University of Manchester & American University of Beirut

With the assistance of: Rana Jawad M.A., Ph.D. candidate; Julieta LeMaitre, LL. M. , J.S.D. candidate; Iman Mortagy, M. Sc.

This review was supported by a grant from UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Office against funds made available to it by Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), for HIV/AIDSfocused activities, on the request of the country offices.The study was conducted in partnership with the regional offices of UNAIDS,United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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