Provide services that take sexual and reproductive rights into account or live with the dire consequences - delegates at the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference in Kuala Lumpur have sent out this unequivocal message in their declaration.

Committing to advocate such rights in national and local policies, plans and budgets, they will also ensure recognition in strategies to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.

The declaration, adopted yesterday, said the development of health systems and health sector reforms should not deprive people of their rights and access to affordable sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

More than 1,200 delegates from 57 countries said they would work with the governments and civil society, including media and private sector, in implementing the points outlined in the declaration.

They will see to it that "lifelong, high quality and gender sensitive" SRH information and services are provided through evidence-based programme design and monitoring.

"We will also advocate the availability, accessibility and affordability of the widest possible range of contraceptives including emergency contraception," they said in the declaration.

Male and female condoms will be promoted for dual protection and improved management of sexually transmitted diseases.

"We will be alert to the safety of medications and procedures for SRH used by people in our countries. We will especially support initiatives to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, and promote proper breastfeeding practices."

Behavioural change

While many countries have legalised abortion and actively promote safe methods of pregnancy termination, the conference noted that women throughout the region are still at risk of illness or death due to unsafe abortions.

"We will work to promote services to eliminate the harm caused by unsafe abortion while respecting the laws of countries," it read.

Delegates identified the need to change norms and masculine roles and behaviour that sustain gender inequities.

"We will advocate respectful, responsible, pleasurable and safer sexual behaviour. We will campaign for zero tolerance of violence against women, and exploitation of women and children."

They acknowledged the special needs and rights of marginalised and vulnerable groups including migrants, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

"We will work to end stigma and discrimination and promote social justice for all in each of our countries."

The declaration expressed support for the Young People's Declaration adopted during the conference which called for respect of their SRH.

"We will work together to mobilise meaningful youth participation in SRHR policies and programmes," it added.

The conference, held for the first time in a Muslim-majority country, expressed solidarity with people living with HIV/Aids.