Over the last half century, ideas about the relationships between population, sustainability and human rights have evolved significantly. At the centre of this evolution stands the International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, 1994). This watershed event forged an international consensus that placed individuals and human rights at the centre of population and development concerns. It shed new light on the linkages between reproductive health and rights and other aspects of development.

At the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, 179 countries agreed that population and development are inextricably linked, and that empowering women and meeting people's needs for education and health, including reproductive health, are necessary for both individual advancement and balanced development. The conference adopted a 20-year Programme of Action, which focused on individuals' needs and rights, rather than on achieving demographic targets.

These countries are committed to follow a road map for the development aiming the achievements of the following goals:

• To ensure the universal access to the Reproductive health services for all by the end of 2015
• To guarantee primary education for all reduce the inequalities in education among two sexes by the end of 2015
• Reduce the maternal death rate by 75% by the end of 2015
• Reduce the infant mortality rate
• Increase the life expectancy
• Reduce the rate of infections to HIV