The U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate
Abstract
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), established in 1969, is the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs and the principal unit within the United Nations for global population issues. In 2003, the organization provided services in 136 developing and transition countries, with funds totaling $398 million, drawn exclusively from voluntary contributions made by 149 nations. In its first 25 years, UNFPA moved from an organization focused on statistical collection and analysis to an agency providing maternal and child health/family planning assistance. UNFPA played a large role in shaping the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo. The Cairo Conference marked a turning point in the international debate over the impact of population issues on global development and established a policy framework that continues to guide current family planning and reproductive health policies, including the work of UNFPA. The Plan of Action integrated population concerns into the broad context of development, concluding that education and health, including reproductive health, were prerequisites for sustainable development. While UNFPA receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations, most of its income comes from a handful of donors. In years during the last decade when the United States has contributed to UNFPA programs, the American transfer has represented about 8% of UNFPA's regular budget, making it the 5th or 6th largest donor. But during the past two decades, there has been a continuing and contentious debate within the United States, and especially within Congress, as to whether the U.S. should financially support UNFPA. The issue has centered on the extent to which, if any, UNFPA aids China's coercive family planning programs and policies. In 12 of the past 20 years the United States has not contributed to the organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA484895
Entities
People
- Larry Nowels
Organizations
- Library of Congress