1. Background (brief history)

In 2004, the China Youth Network (CYN) was formed by a group of university students in Beijing with support from UNFPA and the China Family Planning Association (CFPA) . CYN adopted the motto, “By Youth, For Youth” as key decisions regarding CYN activities are reached by young people themselves. 

 

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  2. Areas of expertise

CYN helped their peers learn about

• Protecting themselves from sexual violence and sexual harassment

• Safer and responsible sex

• Forming healthy relationships

• Youth’s rights to express their own views, opinions and perceptions

• Gender equality

 

   3. Strengths in the ICPD

China Youth Network is committed to promote and implement the International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD).

These are some of the initiatives performed by CYN that are related to the ICPD subjects:

• All types of nongovernmental organizations, including local women’s groups, trade unions, cooperatives, youth programmes and religious groups, should be encouraged to become involved in the promotion of better reproductive health.

• Active and open discussion of the need to protect women, youth and children from any abuse, including sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking and violence.

• Youth should be actively involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development activities that have a direct impact on their daily lives.

 

  4. Quality assurance/ previous evaluation

• Youth members of the China Youth Network(CYN) have been empowered and given the opportunity to contribute their ideas to policy discussions regarding the sexual and reproductive health of young people. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Population and Family Planning Commission (NPFPC) have, for the first time, actively sought input from youth regarding their sexual and reproductive health needs.

• Youth have also contributed to the design of reproductive health programmes in UNFPA pilot counties through a youth-adult partnership model. In each of the pilot counties, a Youth Representative of CYN is paired with an adult mentor and contributes their ideas to regular programme meetings to ensure reproductive health services and information is youth-friendly.