FIGIJ Advocacy Statement in Support of Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Spanish Translation: Declaración de FIGIJ en defensa y apoyo a la Educación Sexual Integral (ESI)
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a vital component in the development of child and adolescent sexual and reproductive health, important attributes for both the individual and their community. CSE is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. CSE aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to develop respectful social and sexual relationships that will promote their health, well-being, human rights and dignity.
The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) delineate both universal human rights as well as goals for progress. The SDGs support CSE as a human right for health and wellness as well as for quality education, “every individual has the right to health and well-being in all aspects of their sexuality, their body and their reproductive choices. These rights are agreed upon in international law. FIGIJ, the International Federation of Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology, is strongly advocating for the widespread implementation of CSE as a basic human right proven to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents. We are gynecologists, pediatricians, adolescent medicine specialists, and other providers whose professions are dedicated to promoting and protecting the sexual and reproductive health of children and adolescents. FIGIJ recognizes the evidence and unequivocally supports CSE.