‘IPPF envisages a world in which... sexuality is recognized both as a natural and precious aspect of life and as a fundamental human right.’ Universal, interrelated, interdependent and indivisible, sexual rights are a component of human rights, and they are an evolving set of entitlements that contribute to the freedom, equality and dignity of all people. Sexual rights are also a fundamental component of the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to each of the health MDGs and overall health and well-being which in turn contribute to each of the MDGs. We cannot achieve this development framework without raising awareness of what sexual rights are and holding to account those governments which repeatedly neglect their responsibility to guarantee these rights. Furthermore, sexual rights go beyond the context of development; they are fundamental to all people. As part of its ongoing commitment to sexual rights, and to support the work of the 152 IPPF Member Associations which work to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world, IPPF produced a Declaration of Sexual Rights in 2008. This resulted from recognition that there was a clear need for a framework specifically related to sexuality, as distinct from reproductive health, to guide programme delivery and inspire advocacy. The Declaration was developed by a panel that included international experts in sexual and reproductive health and it is grounded in core international human rights treaties and other instruments.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded at 19th WAS World Congress for Sexual Health - Sexual Health & Rights: A Global Challenge Göteborg (Sweden) - June 21 – 25, 2009
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