- - -
European Central Asia

Resources

Latest resources from across the Federation and our partners

Spotlight

A selection of resources from across the Federation

Cover image annual report - Ukraine humanitarian response
Resource

2022 IPPF EN Annual Report

Download our Annual Report to read about our activities and achievements in 2022.
Image of gynaecological medical setting
Resource

| 22 November 2022

Gynaecological and Obstetric Violence - a form of gender-based violence

The widespread and systemic mistreatment and violence against women experienced during childbirth and other reproductive health services has gained international visibility in recent years, following pioneering work in several Latin American countries to recognise and criminalise this form of gender-based violence.   International institutions have also spoken out on the issue. In 2014, gynaecological and obstetric violence was acknowledged by the World Health Organisation, and in 2019 the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women described it as a “serious violation of women’s human rights occurring across all geographical and income-level settings”. In Europe, the parliaments of the Council of Europe and of the European Union have very recently adopted resolutions drawing attention to this phenomenon and calling for national and European measures to tackle it. But to date, no national government has put in place legislation specifically to criminalise gynaecological and obstetric violence. This means that currently, people living in EU Member States have few legal protections or means of redress.  With this in mind, IPPF EN produced this research and policy paper to provide an outline of the systemic and widespread nature of gynaecological and obstetric violence across many countries in Europe, and make recommendations to European and national decision-makers to tackle this form of gender-based violence. On this page you can download our full research and policy paper, as well as a short summary of the report.  Check out IPPF EN's Safe From Harm campaign, highlighting the EU action we support to combat gender-based violence.  ***     This work was funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of IPPF EN and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union or the European Commission can be held responsible for them.   

Image of gynaecological medical setting
Resource

| 22 November 2022

Gynaecological and Obstetric Violence - a form of gender-based violence

The widespread and systemic mistreatment and violence against women experienced during childbirth and other reproductive health services has gained international visibility in recent years, following pioneering work in several Latin American countries to recognise and criminalise this form of gender-based violence.   International institutions have also spoken out on the issue. In 2014, gynaecological and obstetric violence was acknowledged by the World Health Organisation, and in 2019 the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women described it as a “serious violation of women’s human rights occurring across all geographical and income-level settings”. In Europe, the parliaments of the Council of Europe and of the European Union have very recently adopted resolutions drawing attention to this phenomenon and calling for national and European measures to tackle it. But to date, no national government has put in place legislation specifically to criminalise gynaecological and obstetric violence. This means that currently, people living in EU Member States have few legal protections or means of redress.  With this in mind, IPPF EN produced this research and policy paper to provide an outline of the systemic and widespread nature of gynaecological and obstetric violence across many countries in Europe, and make recommendations to European and national decision-makers to tackle this form of gender-based violence. On this page you can download our full research and policy paper, as well as a short summary of the report.  Check out IPPF EN's Safe From Harm campaign, highlighting the EU action we support to combat gender-based violence.  ***     This work was funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of IPPF EN and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union or the European Commission can be held responsible for them.   

HIV
Resource

| 20 July 2018

IPPF EN cares: Supporting neglected communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, young people from marginalised groups most vulnerable to HIV are being harmed by high levels of violence, discrimination and stigma, and it is enormously difficult for them to access the care they need. This is the only region in the world where the HIV epidemic continues to rise rapidly, and yet many governments are failing to take action. IPPF EN champions free, safe and dignified lives for all people, especially those who are neglected by their governments and the societies they live in. Find out more about about how we are empowering and improving care for marginalised young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  

HIV
Resource

| 20 July 2018

IPPF EN cares: Supporting neglected communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, young people from marginalised groups most vulnerable to HIV are being harmed by high levels of violence, discrimination and stigma, and it is enormously difficult for them to access the care they need. This is the only region in the world where the HIV epidemic continues to rise rapidly, and yet many governments are failing to take action. IPPF EN champions free, safe and dignified lives for all people, especially those who are neglected by their governments and the societies they live in. Find out more about about how we are empowering and improving care for marginalised young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_12.jpg
Resource

| 01 December 2017

Health, rights and well-being - new tool for HIV and SRH care for young people

This new toolkit aims to support young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia who are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and are facing widespread stigma, discrimination and violence. “Health, rights and well-being” is a practical guide for programming on HIV and sexual and reproductive health care with young key populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, available in both English and Russian. It was developed on the basis of discussions in eight countries with young people from groups that are most at risk of HIV infection: sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men and prisoners. The toolkit describes the situations they face, policy and legal contexts, and includes examples of good practice and tips for implementing successful programmes from the young people themselves. We believe that it provides very practical support to all those working to ensure that the rights of these young people are met, that discrimination is stopped, and that they can fulfil their potential. The guide is designed for public health care professionals, health workers, managers of HIV and SRHR programmes and NGOs, including community groups. We hope that it will also be of interest for international funding organisations as well as advocates and decision-makers.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_12.jpg
Resource

| 01 December 2017

Health, rights and well-being - new tool for HIV and SRH care for young people

This new toolkit aims to support young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia who are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and are facing widespread stigma, discrimination and violence. “Health, rights and well-being” is a practical guide for programming on HIV and sexual and reproductive health care with young key populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, available in both English and Russian. It was developed on the basis of discussions in eight countries with young people from groups that are most at risk of HIV infection: sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men and prisoners. The toolkit describes the situations they face, policy and legal contexts, and includes examples of good practice and tips for implementing successful programmes from the young people themselves. We believe that it provides very practical support to all those working to ensure that the rights of these young people are met, that discrimination is stopped, and that they can fulfil their potential. The guide is designed for public health care professionals, health workers, managers of HIV and SRHR programmes and NGOs, including community groups. We hope that it will also be of interest for international funding organisations as well as advocates and decision-makers.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_2.jpg
Resource

| 30 November 2017

Photo Gallery: Rising HIV numbers and funding cutbacks - Macedonia at the crossroads

This article was written in September 2017. Since then, thanks to the work of NGOs including our member HERA, Macedonia’s government has committed to providing long-term funding for all HIV programmes for marginalised people. Although HIV prevalence is low in Macedonia, with only 151 people registered as living with HIV, these small numbers mask a complex picture, and one that is rapidly changing. In 2016, there were 40 new HIV diagnoses, the majority of them among men who have sex with men.  Macedonia is not alone in facing a rise in HIV cases. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the rate of new infections is growing. Between 2010 and 2015, the region saw a 50 per cent rise in new HIV infections annually. Another looming problem that threatens to send Macedonian HIV rates spiralling upwards is a funding crisis precipitated by donor cutbacks and political uncertainty. Between 2004 and 2016, Macedonian HIV programmes received almost $25 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Much of this money was channelled into HIV prevention, funding NGOs that target those deemed most vulnerable to infection – sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and prisoners. But in 2016 this funding was phased out and NGOs on the frontline are left hoping that the new government will deliver fully on a recent commitment to step in with similar levels of funding in 2018. In the chasm left by the country’s public healthcare system, Macedonia’s sexual health and rights NGOs work tirelessly to plug the gap, often on a shoestring and in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape. HERA, IPPF's member in Macedonia, is a leading NGO providing free HIV testing services, sexual health support and advocacy. It works closely with smaller organisations around the country to ensure support for young people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. These NGOs are many people’s first port of call for HIV tests and other vital health care.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_2.jpg
Resource

| 30 November 2017

Photo Gallery: Rising HIV numbers and funding cutbacks - Macedonia at the crossroads

This article was written in September 2017. Since then, thanks to the work of NGOs including our member HERA, Macedonia’s government has committed to providing long-term funding for all HIV programmes for marginalised people. Although HIV prevalence is low in Macedonia, with only 151 people registered as living with HIV, these small numbers mask a complex picture, and one that is rapidly changing. In 2016, there were 40 new HIV diagnoses, the majority of them among men who have sex with men.  Macedonia is not alone in facing a rise in HIV cases. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the rate of new infections is growing. Between 2010 and 2015, the region saw a 50 per cent rise in new HIV infections annually. Another looming problem that threatens to send Macedonian HIV rates spiralling upwards is a funding crisis precipitated by donor cutbacks and political uncertainty. Between 2004 and 2016, Macedonian HIV programmes received almost $25 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Much of this money was channelled into HIV prevention, funding NGOs that target those deemed most vulnerable to infection – sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and prisoners. But in 2016 this funding was phased out and NGOs on the frontline are left hoping that the new government will deliver fully on a recent commitment to step in with similar levels of funding in 2018. In the chasm left by the country’s public healthcare system, Macedonia’s sexual health and rights NGOs work tirelessly to plug the gap, often on a shoestring and in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape. HERA, IPPF's member in Macedonia, is a leading NGO providing free HIV testing services, sexual health support and advocacy. It works closely with smaller organisations around the country to ensure support for young people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. These NGOs are many people’s first port of call for HIV tests and other vital health care.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_13.jpg
Resource

| 21 July 2014

HIV Prevention Report Cards for Sex Workers

This series of four Report Cards explores the challenges of HIV prevention for sex workers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia. It was produced by IPPF European Network with the support of the Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Report Cards are available for download here in English and Russian.

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_13.jpg
Resource

| 21 July 2014

HIV Prevention Report Cards for Sex Workers

This series of four Report Cards explores the challenges of HIV prevention for sex workers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia. It was produced by IPPF European Network with the support of the Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Report Cards are available for download here in English and Russian.

Image of gynaecological medical setting
Resource

| 22 November 2022

Gynaecological and Obstetric Violence - a form of gender-based violence

The widespread and systemic mistreatment and violence against women experienced during childbirth and other reproductive health services has gained international visibility in recent years, following pioneering work in several Latin American countries to recognise and criminalise this form of gender-based violence.   International institutions have also spoken out on the issue. In 2014, gynaecological and obstetric violence was acknowledged by the World Health Organisation, and in 2019 the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women described it as a “serious violation of women’s human rights occurring across all geographical and income-level settings”. In Europe, the parliaments of the Council of Europe and of the European Union have very recently adopted resolutions drawing attention to this phenomenon and calling for national and European measures to tackle it. But to date, no national government has put in place legislation specifically to criminalise gynaecological and obstetric violence. This means that currently, people living in EU Member States have few legal protections or means of redress.  With this in mind, IPPF EN produced this research and policy paper to provide an outline of the systemic and widespread nature of gynaecological and obstetric violence across many countries in Europe, and make recommendations to European and national decision-makers to tackle this form of gender-based violence. On this page you can download our full research and policy paper, as well as a short summary of the report.  Check out IPPF EN's Safe From Harm campaign, highlighting the EU action we support to combat gender-based violence.  ***     This work was funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of IPPF EN and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union or the European Commission can be held responsible for them.   

Image of gynaecological medical setting
Resource

| 22 November 2022

Gynaecological and Obstetric Violence - a form of gender-based violence

The widespread and systemic mistreatment and violence against women experienced during childbirth and other reproductive health services has gained international visibility in recent years, following pioneering work in several Latin American countries to recognise and criminalise this form of gender-based violence.   International institutions have also spoken out on the issue. In 2014, gynaecological and obstetric violence was acknowledged by the World Health Organisation, and in 2019 the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women described it as a “serious violation of women’s human rights occurring across all geographical and income-level settings”. In Europe, the parliaments of the Council of Europe and of the European Union have very recently adopted resolutions drawing attention to this phenomenon and calling for national and European measures to tackle it. But to date, no national government has put in place legislation specifically to criminalise gynaecological and obstetric violence. This means that currently, people living in EU Member States have few legal protections or means of redress.  With this in mind, IPPF EN produced this research and policy paper to provide an outline of the systemic and widespread nature of gynaecological and obstetric violence across many countries in Europe, and make recommendations to European and national decision-makers to tackle this form of gender-based violence. On this page you can download our full research and policy paper, as well as a short summary of the report.  Check out IPPF EN's Safe From Harm campaign, highlighting the EU action we support to combat gender-based violence.  ***     This work was funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are those of IPPF EN and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union or the European Commission can be held responsible for them.   

HIV
Resource

| 20 July 2018

IPPF EN cares: Supporting neglected communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, young people from marginalised groups most vulnerable to HIV are being harmed by high levels of violence, discrimination and stigma, and it is enormously difficult for them to access the care they need. This is the only region in the world where the HIV epidemic continues to rise rapidly, and yet many governments are failing to take action. IPPF EN champions free, safe and dignified lives for all people, especially those who are neglected by their governments and the societies they live in. Find out more about about how we are empowering and improving care for marginalised young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  

HIV
Resource

| 20 July 2018

IPPF EN cares: Supporting neglected communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, young people from marginalised groups most vulnerable to HIV are being harmed by high levels of violence, discrimination and stigma, and it is enormously difficult for them to access the care they need. This is the only region in the world where the HIV epidemic continues to rise rapidly, and yet many governments are failing to take action. IPPF EN champions free, safe and dignified lives for all people, especially those who are neglected by their governments and the societies they live in. Find out more about about how we are empowering and improving care for marginalised young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_12.jpg
Resource

| 01 December 2017

Health, rights and well-being - new tool for HIV and SRH care for young people

This new toolkit aims to support young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia who are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and are facing widespread stigma, discrimination and violence. “Health, rights and well-being” is a practical guide for programming on HIV and sexual and reproductive health care with young key populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, available in both English and Russian. It was developed on the basis of discussions in eight countries with young people from groups that are most at risk of HIV infection: sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men and prisoners. The toolkit describes the situations they face, policy and legal contexts, and includes examples of good practice and tips for implementing successful programmes from the young people themselves. We believe that it provides very practical support to all those working to ensure that the rights of these young people are met, that discrimination is stopped, and that they can fulfil their potential. The guide is designed for public health care professionals, health workers, managers of HIV and SRHR programmes and NGOs, including community groups. We hope that it will also be of interest for international funding organisations as well as advocates and decision-makers.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_12.jpg
Resource

| 01 December 2017

Health, rights and well-being - new tool for HIV and SRH care for young people

This new toolkit aims to support young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia who are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and are facing widespread stigma, discrimination and violence. “Health, rights and well-being” is a practical guide for programming on HIV and sexual and reproductive health care with young key populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, available in both English and Russian. It was developed on the basis of discussions in eight countries with young people from groups that are most at risk of HIV infection: sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men and prisoners. The toolkit describes the situations they face, policy and legal contexts, and includes examples of good practice and tips for implementing successful programmes from the young people themselves. We believe that it provides very practical support to all those working to ensure that the rights of these young people are met, that discrimination is stopped, and that they can fulfil their potential. The guide is designed for public health care professionals, health workers, managers of HIV and SRHR programmes and NGOs, including community groups. We hope that it will also be of interest for international funding organisations as well as advocates and decision-makers.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_2.jpg
Resource

| 30 November 2017

Photo Gallery: Rising HIV numbers and funding cutbacks - Macedonia at the crossroads

This article was written in September 2017. Since then, thanks to the work of NGOs including our member HERA, Macedonia’s government has committed to providing long-term funding for all HIV programmes for marginalised people. Although HIV prevalence is low in Macedonia, with only 151 people registered as living with HIV, these small numbers mask a complex picture, and one that is rapidly changing. In 2016, there were 40 new HIV diagnoses, the majority of them among men who have sex with men.  Macedonia is not alone in facing a rise in HIV cases. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the rate of new infections is growing. Between 2010 and 2015, the region saw a 50 per cent rise in new HIV infections annually. Another looming problem that threatens to send Macedonian HIV rates spiralling upwards is a funding crisis precipitated by donor cutbacks and political uncertainty. Between 2004 and 2016, Macedonian HIV programmes received almost $25 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Much of this money was channelled into HIV prevention, funding NGOs that target those deemed most vulnerable to infection – sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and prisoners. But in 2016 this funding was phased out and NGOs on the frontline are left hoping that the new government will deliver fully on a recent commitment to step in with similar levels of funding in 2018. In the chasm left by the country’s public healthcare system, Macedonia’s sexual health and rights NGOs work tirelessly to plug the gap, often on a shoestring and in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape. HERA, IPPF's member in Macedonia, is a leading NGO providing free HIV testing services, sexual health support and advocacy. It works closely with smaller organisations around the country to ensure support for young people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. These NGOs are many people’s first port of call for HIV tests and other vital health care.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_2.jpg
Resource

| 30 November 2017

Photo Gallery: Rising HIV numbers and funding cutbacks - Macedonia at the crossroads

This article was written in September 2017. Since then, thanks to the work of NGOs including our member HERA, Macedonia’s government has committed to providing long-term funding for all HIV programmes for marginalised people. Although HIV prevalence is low in Macedonia, with only 151 people registered as living with HIV, these small numbers mask a complex picture, and one that is rapidly changing. In 2016, there were 40 new HIV diagnoses, the majority of them among men who have sex with men.  Macedonia is not alone in facing a rise in HIV cases. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the rate of new infections is growing. Between 2010 and 2015, the region saw a 50 per cent rise in new HIV infections annually. Another looming problem that threatens to send Macedonian HIV rates spiralling upwards is a funding crisis precipitated by donor cutbacks and political uncertainty. Between 2004 and 2016, Macedonian HIV programmes received almost $25 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Much of this money was channelled into HIV prevention, funding NGOs that target those deemed most vulnerable to infection – sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and prisoners. But in 2016 this funding was phased out and NGOs on the frontline are left hoping that the new government will deliver fully on a recent commitment to step in with similar levels of funding in 2018. In the chasm left by the country’s public healthcare system, Macedonia’s sexual health and rights NGOs work tirelessly to plug the gap, often on a shoestring and in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape. HERA, IPPF's member in Macedonia, is a leading NGO providing free HIV testing services, sexual health support and advocacy. It works closely with smaller organisations around the country to ensure support for young people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. These NGOs are many people’s first port of call for HIV tests and other vital health care.  

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_13.jpg
Resource

| 21 July 2014

HIV Prevention Report Cards for Sex Workers

This series of four Report Cards explores the challenges of HIV prevention for sex workers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia. It was produced by IPPF European Network with the support of the Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Report Cards are available for download here in English and Russian.

aaron-burden-xG8IQMqMITM-unsplash_13.jpg
Resource

| 21 July 2014

HIV Prevention Report Cards for Sex Workers

This series of four Report Cards explores the challenges of HIV prevention for sex workers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia. It was produced by IPPF European Network with the support of the Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Report Cards are available for download here in English and Russian.