Devex: Opinion: We can’t advance health without advancing rights
Kate Gilmore, U.N. deputy high commissioner for human rights

“…When it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights, at times progress has met resistance and even outright hostility. … In many places, stigma and shame still dominate what should be dignifying access to essential services and commodities. Yet, sexual and reproductive health and rights are firmly grounded in international human rights standards. … [R]espect for and protection of human rights are indispensable. Countries should work systematically toward guaranteeing in law, policy, and practice the essential package of sexual and reproductive health interventions for their entire population, specifically so that people and communities can receive those services without stigma, discrimination, or financial hardship…” (6/6).