| Beijing Platform for Action para 267
The International Conference on Population and Development recognized, in
paragraph 7.3 of the Programme of Action, that "full attention should
be given to the promotion of mutually respectful and equitable gender
relations and particularly to meeting the educational and service needs of
adolescents to enable them to deal in a positive and responsible way with
their sexuality", taking into account the rights of the child to
access to information, privacy, confidentiality, respect and informed
consent, as well as the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents and
legal guardians to provide, in a manner consistent with the evolving
capacities of the child, appropriate direction and guidance in the
exercise by the child of the rights recognized in the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, and in conformity with the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. In all actions
concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary
consideration. Support should be given to integral sexual education for
young people with parental support and guidance that stresses the
responsibility of males for their own sexuality and fertility and that
help them exercise their responsibilities. (Note 14 Report of the
International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 5-13
September 1994 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.95.XIII.18), chap.
I, resolution 1, annex.)
Beijing +5 para 79 (f) Design and implement programmes with the full involvement of adolescents as appropriate, to provide them with education, information and appropriate, specific, user-friendly and accessible services without discrimination to address effectively their reproductive and sexual health needs taking into account their right to privacy, confidentiality, respect and informed consent and the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents and legal guardians to provide in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child appropriate direction and guidance in the exercise by the child of the rights recognized in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in conformity with CEDAW and ensuring that in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child are a primary consideration. These programmes should, inter alia, build adolescent girls' self esteem and help them take responsibility for their own lives; promote gender equality and responsible sexual behavior; raise awareness about, prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS and sexual violence and abuse; counsel adolescents on avoiding unwanted and early pregnancies. Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 5 - States Parties shall respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents or, where applicable, the members of the extended family or community as provided for by local custom, legal guardians or other persons legally responsible for the child, to provide, in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child, appropriate direction and guidance in the exercise by the child of the rights recognized in the present Convention. ICPD+5 para 73(d) Acknowledge and promote the central role of families, parents and other legal guardians in educating their children and shaping their attitudes, and ensure that parents and persons with legal responsibilities are educated about and involved in providing sexual and reproductive health information, in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of adolescents, so that they can fulfil their rights and responsibilities towards adolescents. |