Australia’s commitment to SRHR is embedded within its foreign policy and international development strategies, emphasizing health as a priority area. This alignment with global frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, highlights the government’s recognition of SRHR as essential for overall health and development.
There has been a flatlining of ODA funding, with calls for increased investment in SRHR. Current funding levels do not adequately address the growing needs, especially in light of ongoing challenges like pandemics and climate change, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Amidst rising global anti-rights movements, there is a growing advocacy movement in Australia pushing for comprehensive SRHR policies, including reproductive justice and access to services for marginalized communities.
▶︎ Ensuring Universal Health Coverage for SRHR
Access to sexual and reproductive health services is critical to achieving universal health coverage. Addressing gaps in maternal health, sexuality education, and SRHR services in the context of climate change and humanitarian crises are key priorities for the region and globally.
► Challenging Anti-Rights Movements
This priority focuses on addressing the global and regional movements undermining SRHR, particularly regarding the rights of marginalized groups and feminist movements. The aim is to counteract opposition to SRHR, which undermines progress on sexual and gender rights.
▶︎ Investing in SRHR for Healthy and Equitable Societies
SRHR must be positioned as a critical factor for achieving health equity and social justice. Linking SRHR to social determinants of health, such as income, education, and living conditions, strengthens the case for investment in SRHR as essential for equitable development.
International Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Consortium 