Recap of Days 4&5 at CSW63
Days 4 and 5 were certainly eventful. On March 14th, the Netherlands hosted an event on the topic of “Advancing Sex Workers Rights” where panelists and attendees celebrated prostitution and its recent legalization in New Zealand, while ignoring the fact that this industry is fed largely by human trafficking.
At another event, ready to challenge the “oh so sacred” presuppositions, one of our CLCY delegates approached a Member of Icelandic Parliament, Andrés Ingi Jónsson, and having previous knowledge of Iceland’s intent to eliminate Down Syndrome through abortion, engaged him in conversation. She inquired as to his thoughts on the matter, stating her belief that it would be better to create a society that accommodated those with disabilities rather than eliminating them. The MP agreed but could offer no substantial steps on how this might be achieved. He did however reaffirm his support of a woman’s right to choose.
For any development project to succeed and be sustainable, the human person, regardless of colour, race, sex, or ability, must be acknowledged as the center and focal point of the project. Anything else is likely to degenerate into the abuse and misuse of the person.
The Holy See argued just that at an event they sponsored titled, “Valuing Unpaid Work and Caregiving,” which focused on the importance of approaching social services from a family-based perspective, so as not to unintentionally divide the family in the process. It touched on how to overcome the objectification of those being cared for through the appreciation of their individual human dignity.
Meanwhile, CLC, after co-hosting a pro-life event with two Mexican non-governmental organizations (NGOs) earlier in the week, was busy connecting with various delegates from a variety of countries. CLC representatives were able to advise them on pro-life issues and were also able to put them in contact with other like-minded policy-makers. The formation of these kinds of relationships are the backbone of pro-life efforts at the United Nations. There is no way that a single country or organization can succeed alone. At the end of the day upholding the universal right to life and defending the traditional family is a team effort.
As the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women enters its second week, the intensity of the negotiations over the final document increases. From here on out, it will be up to the member states on this year’s committee to decide the 2019 priorities for women’s empowerment around the globe. As of right now, the document contains references to sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), both of which have become synonymous with abortion on demand, contraception, and radical sex-ed. Even one reference to SRHR is one too many. In this domain, there can be no compromise, for even one reference is enough for organizations like Marie Stopes and International Planned Parenthood Federation to push for a right to abortion worldwide. Hopefully, no such resolution document containing these terms will be produced.
The abortion advocates are never compromising in pushing forward their agenda. We shouldn’t be either. Please pray for the pro-life delegates and NGOs like Campaign Life Coalition, who are working very hard to ensure an ideal outcome.
For more on CLC's work during the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women, read: