MANSEHRA, Oct 11: Speakers at a seminar on 'Population and Development Education for Youth' held here on Monday stressed the need for better access to justice, rapid growth in literacy, better environment , health and nutrition, gender awareness and women empowerment.

They also highlighted the importance of human rights and education for protection from HIV/Aids, hepatitis and drug abuse and called for managing the problem of rapidly growing population and meagre resources.

The seminar was organised by the NWFP directorate of curriculum and teachers education in collaboration with the UNFPA and the federal ministry of education. Renowned educationist Dr Mumtaz Mangloori delivered a lecture. UNFPA's national coordinator Saqib Ali Khan, project director Omar Farooq and subject specialist Munir Ahmad spoke on the occasion.

Dr. Mumtaz Mangloori said that the project was aimed at developing awareness about various demographic issues, including population, its size and growth and its impact on the quality of life through health, food, nutrition, hou-sing, education, employment, environment and health education. He emphasised on gender roles and responsibilities, family and social life and to correct misconceptions about discrimination.