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Family planning is a human right. Yet today some 222 million women in developing countries, particulary in Asia-Pacific region, are unable to exercise that right because they lack access to contraceptives, information and quality services or because social and economic forces prevent them from taking advantage of services even where they are available.

 

The first-ever International Day of the Girl Child will be observed on 11 October 2012.

 

This important occasion will promote girls’ human rights, highlight gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys, and address the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the globe.

International Day of Older Persons acknowledges the critical role older people play in the society.

 

In our fast ageing world, older people increasingly play a critical role – through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force. Such contributions to development can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place.