Courtney R. Nemroff
Deputy U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council
New York, New York
June 10, 2021
AS DELIVERED
The U.S. partnership with UNFPA to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights comes at a critical juncture for the world. When we work together with the international family planning and reproductive health community, our collaboration leverages global efforts to accelerate progress towards key targets in the Sustainable Development Goals.
The United States greatly appreciated the opportunities to engage positively and robustly on the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and looks forward to an ambitious plan that strives to protect gains threatened during the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthens UNFPA’s focus on humanitarian response. We commend UNFPA’s efforts to seek diversified funding to bolster its essential work with governments and communities to strengthen health systems, including improving the quality of reproductive health services, ensuring greater accessibility, and supporting reproductive empowerment.
The United States is pleased to resume funding to UNFPA this year, providing $30.8 million in core funding to the organization. Additionally, to date we have also provided $2.6 million to Bangladesh for the Rohingya refugee crisis; nearly $1.2 million to help refugees who have fled from Ethiopia’s Tigray region into Sudan; $1.3 million in Sudan for strengthened and coordinated multi-sectoral gender-based violence response for internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities; and nearly $1.5 million as part of our commitment to international protection in Afghanistan, particularly for Afghan returnees and internally displaced persons.
These contributions reflect the priority we place on supporting UNFPA’s work and our commitment to its life-saving interventions. As we rejoin a community of dedicated donors, we encourage all Member States to increase their funding to UNFPA and call on the global community to enhance and sustain support for critical thematic funds.
In closing, the United States reiterates its commitment to working with all our partners and UNFPA to advance our shared goals in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Thank you.
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