• Public health vs rights based approaches

Public health vs rights based approaches

This action sheet on sexual rights is one of a series on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), published by the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC), which define central concepts in SRHR and identify actions needed. The action sheet stresses that sexual rights are an integral element of human rights, and encompass the right to pleasure, freedom and autonomy in the responsible exercise of sexuality, as well as the right to sexual health. It further argues that respect for sexual rights as human rights is the basis for gender equality, the elimination of violence against women, and broader social well-being.

Key actions identified include: sexual rights and sexuality education for all age groups and both sexes, which emphasises gender equality and includes information on forms of sexual orientation; training human rights workers, educators and health care professionals to recognise and promote sexual rights as human rights; developing broad-based media campaigns; ensuring access to comprehensive sexual health services, including contraceptive methods, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and safe abortion; and ensuring that health care providers respond effectively to cases of sexual abuse and violence. The action sheet concludes by listing legislative changes needed to realise sexual rights.

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