Institutional Framework
Currently, the Dominican Republic does not have an institutional body specifically dedicated to population and development issues.
Since 2023, the National Statistics Office (ONE), an agency attached to the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD), has assumed the role of focal point for monitoring the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development. Its primary objective is to facilitate an accurate assessment of progress in the implementation of the Consensus at the national level, while also serving as the political and technical counterpart to the Regional Conference on Population and Development.
With regard to monitoring this commitment, the Dominican Republic has prepared two follow-up reports. The first, submitted in 2018, was the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development. The second report, corresponding to 2023, was coordinated by the National Statistics Office.
Participation
Since March 2017, a transitional mechanism has been established for the implementation and follow-up of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development, although it does not have a formal legal basis: the National Coordination Committee.
The Committee is composed of representatives of various government institutions and civil society organizations, including the National Statistics Office (ONE), the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD), which serves as chair, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), the Ministry of Women (MMujer), the Ministry of Youth (MJ), the National Council for HIV and AIDS (CONAVIHSIDA), the Dominican Association for Family Welfare (PROFAMILIA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Within the National Coordination Committee, civil society organizations participate on a transitional and consultative basis. These organizations provide contributions on a range of issues, particularly the right to health in its broadest sense, including sexual and reproductive health. This latter issue is addressed from different perspectives, including education, family planning, services for persons living in situations of extreme poverty, and inclusive and differentiated care for persons with disabilities, particularly women. In addition, the promotion of culture, the protection of rights, and the advocacy of equitable development based on the identity of people of African descent constitute other areas of focus of the participating organizations.
With regard to academia, participation in the Committee is also transitional and consultative. The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) contribute to discussions and initiatives related to sustainable development, human rights, social justice and gender equality.
Lastly, UNFPA participates on a permanent and consultative basis, providing guidance on gender equality and equity, prevention of domestic violence, responsible fatherhood, safe motherhood, strengthening of the National Statistical System, collection and analysis of socio-demographic data, training and education.
The information on Institutionality comes from the regional survey for the update of the Virtual Platform for the follow-up of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development, implemented by the technical secretariat in 2023, as well as from the Voluntary National Report submitted by the country in 2023.