Youth Partnership Platform launched
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 18, 2012:
With a view to enhance the decision makers and the young people to get an opportunity for equal exchange of constructive dialogue and information sharing, a State Level Youth Partnership Platform was launched at the conference hall of Hotel Nirmala today.
The Youth Partnership Platform which was hosted by SASO in association with AASHA and FDDUO along with the support from India HIV/AIDS Alliance is an output of the Action Project, funded by the European Commission.
Delivering the key note address of the function, Y.Shasikumar Singh, General Secretary, SASO, said that Youth Partnership Platform is a state level platform where youths and other stakeholders come together and stand in one platform and dialogue for a policy changes on the youths’ sexual health and rights.
Further highlighting the problems being faced by the young people of the state, he said that youth are vulnerable as they lack correct information about safe sex practices.
They do not have any access to health facilities and sometimes their attitude becomes a barrier.
Moreover they are not aware about their sexual rights.
It's the women who are more vulnerable as our culture does not allow them to come out and talk about their Sexual Repreductive Health & Rights issues, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, James Robertson, Country Director, India HIV/AIDS Alliance said that this forum would serve as a platform where the youth and other stakeholders will get an opportunity to discuss and take constructive measures to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Manipur.
Dr.Ibemcha, Nodal Officer, NRHM also spoke on the Adolescence Health in the state, Chitra, District Youth Coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra spoke on the youth platform in the state while Dr.Rosy, Deputy Director, IEC, Manipur AIDS Control Society (MSACS) spoke on the programmes of youths being taken up by MSACS where she mentioned about the Adolescence Education Programme to be initiated shortly.
She also said that a Youth Extravaganza will be organised under the Multi Media Campaign.
Irengbam Arun, Sr.
Journalist moderated the Open discussion session and recommended formation of Core Committee members of Youth Partnership Platform.
The Core Committee members consisted of media persons, lawyers, government officials and youths.
A number of recommendations were also taken on the occasion which include forming a Core Committee of 15 members where 9 will be young people of which 4 will be KP and 6 will be other stakeholders, voting of the CC will be done after three months, SASO will draft the Operational guideline and will share with the YPP members for their inputs before finalizing it etc.