Feminist, women’s rights and civil society organisations from 146 countries have written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA under the UN80 reform process to be withdrawn.
The coalition supports efforts to build a stronger and more effective United Nations, but argues that no evidence has been presented to show that a structural merger would address the financial and political pressures facing the UN system. We strong feel that the proposal could instead create significant risks for fundraising, operational continuity and the distinct mandates of UN Women and UNFPA, including their work to advance gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
IPPF, as part of the Feminist Cross Coalition Working Group, are calling for serious consideration of non-structural alternatives, alongside meaningful participation from feminist, women’s rights and gender equality organisations in determining the future of the UN’s gender equality architecture.
Read the full letter and signatories in the PDF below.
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Letter: Civil Society Rejection and Call for Withdrawal of the Proposed Merger of UN Women and UNFPA under UN80
