The Agenda 2030 pledges to “leave no one behind,” and to prioritize those who are farthest behind first. This cannot be achieved if the needs and rights of the people in the Global South regions are not prioritized. Nor can it be achieved if we do not consider the rights and needs of various constituencies and marginalised populations, such as women, rural and urban poor, young people, adolescents, indigenous people, farmers, fisher folk, herders, artisanal miners, people with disability, people living with and affected by HIV, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ), people affected by conflicts and disasters, older people, migrants, and other falling in minority groups.
Governments must recognise that gender-equality and universal access to sexual and reproductive rights are integral to sustainable social, environmental and economic development and realising the SDG Agenda 2030, and address the structural, systemic barriers and social determinants of health that impede women and young people’s empowerment, equality and access to quality sexual and reproductive health and rights, SRH information and services and care throughout the life cycle.
