• Public health vs rights based approaches

Public health vs rights based approaches

This IDS working paper highlights some of the contradictions between rights and participation by examining the ways in which participation of sexual minorities and/or dissidents is framed in the development industry. It focuses on the placement of sexual minority rights and well-being struggles within an HIV/AIDS framework. The author identifies and considers alternative strategies for realising sexual rights, particularly through the adoption of a rights-based approach to development (RBA), and including the affirmation of sexual pleasure as a basic human right.

Given the importance currently placed on the rights of the individual and being inclusive of marginalised groups, the author concludes that a rights-based and participatory approach would provide not only the basis for recognising sexual and sexuality rights, but also be the most appropriate method for doing so. However, this approach would require a major shift in the dominant discourses on sex. This would involve identifying and questioning the assumption and promotion of heterosexuality in development policy and programmes. It would also require a respect for sexual and cultural diversity and the affirmation of sexual pleasure as a right. The author argues that sexual rights are about social justice and human rights, and are therefore a development issue in every respect. [adapted from author]

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