Development of a European Charter on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young people Despina Michaelidou 1,2, Margarita Kapsou 1,3, Mia Hessel 1, Tsvetomira Danova 1, Kajsa Westling 1, Elina Juntunen 1 & Gvantsa Κhizanishvili 1 1 YouAct, European Youth Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights 2 Cyprus Family Planning Association & 3 University of Cyprus Health and Society Conference Nicosia, 4 of April 2009 University of Cyprus

Background: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights  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  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  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: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR,1948) Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, th 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  340 million new infections of curable STI’s occur per year in the 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  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  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  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  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  Drafting Process: 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  The 11 Chapters included in the Charter are: 1. Meaningful Youth Participation, 2. Gender Equality & Non- Discrimination 3. Gender Based Violence 4. Young Individuals in Marginalised Groups 5. Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex & Questioning (LGBTIQ) issues 6. Families, Partnership & Childcare 7. Employment 8. Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS 9. Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights Services & Contraception 10. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) 11. Abortion.

The European Youth Charter on SRHR: Main points The Charter calls for:  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  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  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  The Charter can function as: 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 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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