Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a cross-cutting issue with relevance across the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Alipate Nagata while officiating at the closing ceremony of the Empowerment training on SRHR, said it is specifically addressed in three specific targets under three different Goals; Goal 3 on health, Goal 4 on education, and Goal 5 on gender equality.
“This SRHR training is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination,” Assistant Minister Nagata said.
The training, which was conducted virtually with the youth of Lomanibuca Youth Club, Nawerelevu Youth Club and Naqaidamu Youth Club, has seen a total of 20 youth participants complete the training this week.
He added that increased funding for SRHR information and services was needed to enable further progress towards achieving the SDG’s and gender equality.
The Assistant Minister thanked and acknowledged the United Nations Population Fund, saying their partnership had enabled the Ministry to successfully deliver the training to the youth.
He reiterated the Government's determination to strengthening the youth sector in Fiji, saying the Ministry's responsibilities are not limited to non-formal education but also include sports and the development of sporting facilities.
“Let me end by assuring you that the Ministry will continue to facilitate capacity building activities to enhance and support the on-going development of our young people.”
The Ministry in partnership with Empower Pacific have co-facilitated the three-day training.