UN Commission on Population and Development to Focus on Youth

The United Nation’s Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is convening this month to discuss the state of reproductive health and rights.  This year’s annual session will focus on youth and adolescents.  With the world’s largest generation ever of young people about to enter their prime reproductive years, a growing number of experts are warning that not enough is being done to address the reproductive health and rights of adolescent populations.  Globally, the adolescent pregnancy rate has declined sharply over the past half-century, but in recent years the rate has leveled off.  Experts indicate that several factors may account for the rebound in adolescent pregnancies, including the persistence of child marriage practices and the failure of many developing countries to provide comprehensive sex education to younger populations.