A/HRC/39/26 application of a rights-based approach to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, which was nearing completion. The strategy was based on a synthesis report produced in 2017 that reviewed existing multi-sectoral programmes and initiatives from a human rights perspective and highlighted a number of systemic challenges, including: insufficient coordination and gaps in human resources for emergency obstetric care; inadequate funding for medical equipment, tools and medicines; and inadequate information management at the district level. The strategy sought to address those challenges from a human rights perspective. 13. Multi-stakeholder initiatives to implement a rights-based approach to sexual and reproductive health were highlighted by States and civil society organizations in their submissions. For instance, Croatia noted collaborative efforts across sectors to elaborate regulatory frameworks and with non-governmental organizations to advance respectful sexual and reproductive health care. Human Rights in Childbirth convened multistakeholder meetings and conferences around the world to discuss barriers to accessing lifesaving care and the quality of care in birth facilities. B. Legislation, planning and budgeting 14. In their submissions, several States and UNFPA reported how the human rightsbased approach had been drawn on in legislative initiatives concerning maternal mortality and morbidity.6 The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in its submission, emphasized how it had used the technical guidance to inform the development of its proposed law on universal health coverage. 15. The United Nations country team in Malawi supported awareness-raising efforts concerning the magnitude and implications of unsafe abortion in support of the termination of pregnancy bill, which aimed to expand the grounds where abortion was permitted and was under consideration by the relevant authorities. 16. A number of States described in their submissions how they had adopted aspects of the technical guidance in their national strategies. 7 In Uganda, various local district governments had also committed to prioritizing budget allocations for maternal health programmes. Attention to the most marginalized population groups and their inclusive participation in the planning and budgeting process was also emphasized by civil society organizations.8 C. Programmes and capacity-building 17. Numerous programmes and capacity-building initiatives were undertaken in line with the technical guidance and the human rights principles. Some stakeholders, such as Sweden and Turkey, highlighted health interventions specifically destined for women who faced socioeconomic barriers. 9 International Planned Parenthood Federation also implemented programmes and services for women and girls living in poverty and emphasized its programmatic approach to involve youth volunteers, enabling them to reach a growing number of young persons. 18. Capacity-building of key stakeholders was another important aspect of promoting a rights-based approach. OHCHR Uganda conducted three district-level training sessions with medical and other technical personnel on the application of the technical guidance. In 2016, OHCHR also strengthened the capacities of 25 civil society organizations to monitor, investigate, document and report on allegations of sexual and reproductive health and rights 6 7 8 9 See also submissions by Cuba, Lebanon, Mauritania and Mexico. See submissions by Albania, El Salvador, Iraq, Mauritania, Mauritius and Oman. See submissions by Marie Stopes International, Swedish Association for Sexuality Education and Women Enabled International. See also submissions by Georgia, Sociedad Intercontinental de Derechos Humanos and Swedish Association for Sexuality Education. 5