Countries of Asia Pacific Region Defy U.S. Efforts to Block Progress on HIV/AIDS, Deaths to Women

December 15, 2002

Washington, DC / Bangkok, Thailand — Representatives of Population Action International attending a regional conference on population and poverty in Bangkok, Thailand, said they were "stunned and amazed" by U.S. delegation efforts to delete references to maternal deaths and to condoms for HIV/AIDS prevention from a draft Plan of Action for the Asia Pacific Region.

"Despite enormous pressure brought to bear by the U.S. government both inside and outside the conference building, countries of the region remained united. These negotiations have been grueling, if not cruel," stated Ms. Terri Bartlett, Vice President for Public Policy at PAI.

The U.S.-proposed text was only presented to delegates at mid-afternoon of what was to be the final day of negotiations at the weeklong conference (11-17 December), which is in recess until Monday when higher ranking officials begin meeting. The "U.S. Conditional Proposal" was roundly rejected by country delegates early Saturday evening.

"At every turn, members of the U.S. delegation said their position was non-negotiable, while at the same time describing their position as 'flexible' — another example of their willingness to redefine terms to suit their own ends," continued Ms. Bartlett.

The United States proposed deleting language calling attention to the impact of unsafely performed abortions on women's health, as well as a reference to "consistent condom use" as a means to reduce vulnerability to HIV infection.

"The impact of such an extreme agenda — if approved — would be both brutal and unjust for the women and families of this region," said Ms. Bartlett. "However, delegates from the region know firsthand the situation in their own countries. They refuse to let U.S. rhetoric — or the singular domestic political agenda it represents — dictate either their present or future."

The comment of one government delegation member from a Pacific island country reflected the reaction of many to U.S. tactics. Describing the title of the U.S. proposed text as "threatening," this delegate continued, "I ask, conditional on what? Our total surrender?"

As the draft Plan of Action -- but not the U.S. proposed text -- is handed over to Ministers on Monday for consideration, the United States is the only country refusing to join the consensus. The U.S. stance includes its refusal to fully reaffirm a breakthrough Programme of Action adopted by 179 countries in 1994. Delegations will have to choose among several options as to how to proceed.

From Washington, Amy Coen, President of PAI, urged ministers coming from the region's countries to stand strong in their commitment to the 1994 Programme of Action. "We plead with the U.S. delegation to show that they understand the meaning of compassion and respect for Asia Pacific countries. We ask the United States to be the fair and good partner, as we have been in prior years, and to just step aside."