In commitment to promoting and advancing the belief that sexual rights are an inextricable component of human rights and that sexuality is a central aspect of being human, IPPF developed and adopted the Declaration of Sexual Rights in May 2008. The Declaration is a framework for understanding the application of basic human rights to sexuality ensuring that everyone can fulfil and express their sexualities with dignity free from any coercion, discrimination or violence.
IPPF’s Declaration recognizes the differences between sexual and reproductive health issues and the critical need for a code of practice dedicated specifically to sexuality. The Declaration acknowledges sexuality as an evolving concept that encompasses sexual activity, gender identities, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.
It calls attention to preventing and protecting against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and addresses sexual pleasure stating that all people are entitled to experience and enjoy sex outside of reproduction. IPPF promotes the concept of the evolving capacity of children which recognizes children as active agents in their own lives who are entitled to protection in accordance with their vulnerability.
The Declaration is a guide for service delivery and for advocacy and policy change; IPPF recognizes that organisations should not only be responsive and accountable, but should also pro-actively address root causes that affect sexual rights and health. IPPF intends that the Declaration will provide understanding and help governments and organizations make a commitment to the significant place of sexual rights within public health and international development.
For more information on the Declaration on Sexual Rights visit: http://www.ippf.org/NR/rdonlyres/9E4D697C-1C7D-4EF6-AA2A-6D4D0A13A108/0/SexualRightsIPPFdeclaration.pdf
Conflict of Interest: There are no conflicts of interest
Financial Support/Funding: The Ford Foundation is contributing to the implementation of the Declaration of Sexual Rights
This lecture was recorded at The 19th WAS World Congress for Sexual Health - Sexual Health & Rights: A Global Challenge, Sweden, June 2009
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