Transcript Development of a European Charter on Sexual and

Development of a European Charter on
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
of Young people
Despina Michaelidou1,2, Margarita Kapsou1,3, Mia Hessel1,
Tsvetomira Danova1, Kajsa Westling1, Elina Juntunen1 &
Gvantsa Κhizanishvili1
1YouAct,
European Youth Network for Sexual and
Reproductive Rights
2Cyprus Family Planning Association &
3University of Cyprus
Health and Society Conference
Nicosia, 4 of April 2009
University of Cyprus
[email protected]
Background: Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights
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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights are the
rights for all people, to make choices regarding their
own sexuality and reproduction, provided that they
respect the rights of others.
It includes the right to access to information and
services, in order to support these choices and promote
sexual and reproductive health.
Background: Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2002),
Reproductive Health is a state of complete physical, mental and
social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to
its functions and processes. Reproductive health therefore
implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe
sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and
the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.
Sexual Health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social
well-being related to sexuality: not merely the absence of
disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a
positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual
relationships, as well as the possibility of having
pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion,
discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained
and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be
respected, protected and fulfilled (WHO, 2002).
Background
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Several human rights (HR) documents include
direct or indirect references to Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), yet no
unified document exists that specifically
addresses SRHR from a youth perspective:
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UNDHR,1948)
Convention of the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 1979
4th World Conference on Women in Beijing,
(1995).
International Conference on Population and
Development, Program of Action (ICPD PoA, 1994
Millennium Development Summit (2000), set of 8
time-bound and measurable goals.
Introduction: SRHR situation of young
people
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340 million new infections of curable STI’s occur
per year in the 15-49 age group (WHO, 2007).
5 million new HIV infections every year and over
2 million of these are amongst young people
(Committee on the Rights of the Child, 2003).
Approximately 1.25 million teenagers become
pregnant each year in the 28 OECD (Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development)
nations.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex
and Questioning (LGBTIQ) issues are often
considered controversial such as the right to form
a family.
Introduction
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The aim of the European Youth Charter of Sexual
and Reproductive Health and Rights was to expand
on previous efforts and present the vision of young
people residing in the Council of Europe area, for
societies that fully meet the SRHR of all individuals.
These aims were addressed through efforts to adopt a
positive approach to sexuality.
This Charter further extends the recognition of SRHR as
human rights addressed in other documents, by
promoting sexual well being and enjoyment.
Method: Study Session
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The European Youth Sexual and Reproductive
Health and Rights Charter was developed during
the Study Session: “Improving the Health of
Young People in Europe: Towards a Sexual
Health Strategy”. It was held between the 6th
and the 12th of July 2008, in Strasbourg,
France.
Organizers
The Study Session was organized by YouAct
with the cooperation and financial support of
Council of Europe.
Method: Study Session
Profile of participants
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27 participants (4, male, age range 19-32): young
experts from the Council of Europe countries, with
demonstrated experience on SRHR or HR.
Included team of facilitators (5 YouAct Members,
and YouAct Executive Coordinator)
In addition, Council of Europe educational advisors
Participants represented all geographical regions
of Council of Europe (Northern Europe, Southern
Europe, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus
region).
Came from NGOs working in the field of SRHR,
HR, and young people in the national, regional or
European level.
Study Session Program
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Educational Sessions (lectures, experiential methods,
group work)
 Legal Framework of Human Rights
 linkage between Human and Sexual and Reproductive
rights.
 Current state of affairs of SRHR in their countries,
youth participation, policy making and advocacy.
The most important points discussed were abstracted and
documented by the participants.
Controversial issues identified in plenary. Methods utilised
to reach consensus on the content of the Charter:
 Plenary discussions
 Working groups
 Feedback sessions
 Silent floor methods
Charter Development
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Drafting Process:
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An initial outline for main chapters was obtained and agreed
upon in plenary.
 Different groups were formed to work on the various sections
of the Charter under the supervision and feedback of Study
Session team.
Editing process:
 An editing committee consisting of representatives from both
YouAct facilitators and participants was subsequently
appointed.
 Definitions, terminology, and style was addressed in plenary
and discussed more extensively among the editing
committee. Non-sexist and non-heterosexist language guides
were employed during the review process.
 Editing process was concluded in the months following the
Study Session
Results: Charter structure
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6.
The 11 Chapters included in
the Charter are:
Meaningful Youth
Participation,
Gender Equality & NonDiscrimination
Gender Based Violence
Young Individuals in
Marginalised Groups
Lesbian Gay Bisexual
Transgender Intersex
& Questioning
(LGBTIQ) issues
Families, Partnership &
Childcare
Employment
8. Sexually Transmitted
Infections including
HIV/AIDS
9. Sexual Reproductive
Health & Rights
Services &
Contraception
10. Comprehensive
Sexuality Education
(CSE)
11. Abortion.
7.
The European Youth Charter on SRHR: Main points
The Charter calls for:
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financial support to Meaningful Youth Participation, and envisions
for effective youth adult partnerships
an approach that aims to eliminate gender based
discrimination.
States to develop and implement a legal framework against
gender based violence, with special attention on harmful
traditional or cultural practices
States to use, where necessary, special provisions in order to
promote equality in the SRHR situation for individuals in
marginalized groups.
equal rights, access and opportunities to employment and
advancement and workplaces to be free of any discrimination and
all forms of sexual or gender related harassment
LGBTIQ people to have equal rights to heterosexual people.
Comprehensive SRHR and family planning services, including
abortion, delivered in an accessible and youth friendly manner
comprehensive, evidence based information and education in
issues pertaining to partnership, marriage, families and
parenthood should be made available to individuals.
Discussion
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The Charter addresses young people’s needs,
interest and vision towards SRHR using a
comprehensive positive approach on SRHR in the
framework and principles of Human Rights, as they
are described in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (1948) and outlined by United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA).
The vision focuses on the promotion of well being
regarding sexuality, rather than merely on disease
prevention and treatment.
Discussion
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Despite some differences in the priorities outlined
among the participants, vision, values, and
beliefs of European Youth are similar.
Increased intercultural dialogue and communication
is needed for those issues such as partnerships,
adoption policies, abortion, cultural issues (honour
related violence, Female Genital Mutilation etc).
Many participants expressed that they enjoyed the
whole procedure, esp. the fact that they were
confronted with other young people passionate on
SRHR and that they discussed controversial issues.
Discussion & next steps
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The Charter can function as:
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an awareness raising tool for Human Rights advocates
an evidence-based document that presents the current views and
needs of young people in Europe.
To enable further dissemination, next steps include
 on-line publication www.youact.org ,
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translation in various European languages,
paper publication by Council of Europe,
presentations to decision makers, to Civil Society organizations and
to the academic community.
Further research on the current SRHR situation is required
on national, regional and European levels.
 The needs and interests of young people in relation to their
Sexual and Reproductive Health need to be further examined.
 Evaluation of current or planned strategies, policies and
programs in relation to SRHR
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Thank you
[email protected]
www.youact.org