$50 million US contribution will boost women’s rights, says UN

United States President Barack Obama’s release of $50 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will help curb poverty and improve the health of women and children in over 150 nations, the agency said today, lauding an action it said will help it continue its “life-saving” work.

Mr. Obama signed legislation yesterday to restore US funding for UNFPA which has been suspended since 2002.

“This is a great day for women, girls and their families around the world,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, the agency’s Executive Director. “We warmly applaud this action by President Obama, which underlines his support to the protection of the lives and human dignity of women and girls in the poorest countries.”

The US contribution will allow UNFPA to “maintain its life-saving work, particularly improving maternal and reproductive health in the world’s poorest communities, especially during this financial crisis,” she said.

Yesterday’s action fulfills a pledge Mr. Obama made during his first days as US leader to resume support for UNFPA and join 180 other donor nations in working towards slashing poverty, boosting the health of women and children, preventing HIV/AIDS and providing family planning assistance to women in 154 countries.

“We are delighted that the United States will once again take a leading role in championing women’s reproductive health and rights, alongside all other countries and partners that have supported us over the years,” Ms. Obaid noted.