The theme of this year’s WPD is “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies”, and it is intended to highlight the special needs of women and young people during conflicts and humanitarian disasters. According to recent UN report, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has risen to a record number of almost 60 million in 2014. Of these, over three quarters are women, children and young people. Girls and women in crisis situations face much greater risk of abuse, violence, forced marriage, reproductive health-related illnesses and death, due to the lack of protection and services to address their needs.

In Uzbekistan, UNFPA, Women’s Committee and khokimiyats (municipalities) of Tashkent city and Yakkasaroy district join hands to celebrate the World Population Day with open-air event at one of Tashkent’s beautiful locations, Bobir Park. The celebration features women’s marathon, as well as kids’ chalk drawing contest and checkers tournament. Winners and participants of the contest will get awarded with souvenirs. Participants of the event and guests will also enjoy performance of children’s folk dance and song groups.

One of the priorities of UNFPA worldwide is to empower and safeguard the well-being of women, adolescent girls, and young people and address their specific needs and concerns. The Fund works closely with governments, the United Nations system, local partners and others on disaster preparedness to ensure that reproductive health is integrated into emergency responses.

UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin highlights the importance of this year’s WPD theme: “Even under normal conditions, reproductive health complications are a leading cause of death and illness among women of childbearing age. In humanitarian situations, an estimated one in five women and adolescent girls are likely to be pregnant. As skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care often become unavailable, pregnant women’s and girls’ vulnerability to death and injury is further exacerbated”.