Salzburg seminar on forced or coerced sterilization
Monday, 20 December 2010 11:10
As part of a global initiative to stop cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment in health-care settings, IFHHRO co-organised a seminar on the issue of forced sterilisation in Salzburg, Austria.
Almost 40 health workers, human rights defenders and experts on the issue from around the world participated in this event, which took place from 28 November to 4 December 2010. The first day focused on the human rights framework in relation to sexual and reproductive rights and the role and responsibilities of health workers in this regard.
Small-group work during the Salzburg meeting
During the second day the issue of forced or coerced sterilisation was addressed. First, a historical overview was given, followed by an analysis of to whom it happens, how it happens and for what reasons. The session ended with some good practices on how to take action against this violation of human rights. Also, the dual loyalty concept was discussed in relation to forced sterilisation practices, as well as the issue of informed consent.
With this background information participants were challenged to design an action plan to incorporate the issue of forced sterilisation in their own work. The two following days all participants worked very hard and shared their experiences, identified possibilities and discussed obstacles. This resulted in 12 very concrete and feasible plans at national level which will be followed-up by IFHHRO in the coming year. More information about these actions will follow soon on our campaign webpage.
More than 1,600 Palestinian prisoners have agreed to end their hunger strike in exchange for concessions by Israel, including a modification to its practice of detention without charge or trial. 
As of June 1st 2012, the IFHHRO International Secretariat in Utrecht, the Netherlands, will be closed. The secretarial work of IFHHRO will continue with less capacity and with volunteers.
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