Implementing Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Colombia.

In this brief presentation, I will try to give a general idea of the context in which we discuss the issue of sexual and reproductive rights in Colombia, and of the type of work we do at the nongovernmental organization in which I work. Let me start with the most recent and unfortunate public debate, generated by the Ombudsman.' The day he was elected to Congress he proposed that all women working in prostitution should be subject to mandatory sterilization as a way to "prevent child neglect and future delinquency." He claimed to be protecting human rights while failing to recognize that forced sterilization, as well as forced pregnancy or any other similar coercion, is a serious violation of human rights. To say the least, this very striking proposal prompted immediate reactions by the general public and particularly by women's groups; it also produced the most interesting of alliances: human rights activists and conservative opponents to contraception both agreed that the proposal itself was outrageous. Although there was general agreement that the proposal was not a very good idea, the implications of its making were not innocuous. The Ombudsman, who symbolizes the protection of and respect for human rights, delivered a wrongful message about human rights. This unfortunate incident shows a deep misunderstanding and ignorance of human rights, and especially of women's rights. It never occurred to the newly appointed Ombudsman that many cases of children living in poverty or other difficult circumstances are the consequence of the father's complete failure to fulfill his obligations, leaving women on their own to raise and support their children. Or that many