World Population Day, seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues and the theme for this year is “Family Planning is a Human Right”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1968 International Conference on Human Rights, where family planning was, for the first time, globally affirmed to be a human right.The conference’s outcome document, known as the Teheran Proclamation, stated clearly: “Parents have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children.”

“Embedded in this legislative language was a game-changing realization: Women and girls have the right to avoid the exhaustion, depletion and danger of too many pregnancies, too close together. Men and women have the right to choose when and how often to embrace parenthood — if at all. Every individual has the human right to determine the direction and scope of his or her future in this fundamental way” –United Nations.

In commemoration of this day, FPA Sri Lanka’s Executive Director made a statement saying; "Why is it that the word “family planning” is still misunderstood in many cultures and countries, mostly in the developing world?  It is mainly due to the demographic and cultural divisions within the context that sway discussions and prompt allegations towards family planning.  It has been 50 years since the International Conference that recognized “family planning as a human right” was held and little has changed in some countries. The situation has only slightly improved in Sri Lanka. It is amazing how people jump into conclusions when the topic is raised giving it their own flavor. Today we affirm our belief on family planning being a part of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of an individual and pledge our unwavering commitment to the delivery of the right. It is a part of our identity and FPA Sri Lanka stands committed to ensure that all couples are enabled to have children by choice."

Also, an online campaign brought focus to the nine standards to uphold the human right to family planning. They are:
 

Non-discrimination

Available

Accessible

Acceptable

Good quality

Informed decision-making

Privacy and confidentiality

Participation

Accountability