1 ADOLESCENTSEXUALITY

2 Definitions In 1989, the joint WHO/UNFPA/UNICEF Statement gave the following definitions: Adolescents:10-19 year olds; Youth:15-24 year olds; Young People:10-24 year olds....the meaning of the term youth varies in different societies and changes continuously in response to political, economic and socio-cultural circumstances.

3 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Z The reproductive health needs of adolescents largely ignored to date Z Information to make responsible decisions - end objective Adolescents Basis for Action

4 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 _ Information and services should help adolescents - understand their sexuality - protect from unwanted pregnancies - sexually transmitted diseases and - subsequent risk of infertility _ Education of young men to respect womens self- determination Adolescents

5 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 b Share responsibility in sexuality and reproduction b Motherhood at a very young age - risks of maternal death and morbidity b Children of young mothers have higher levels of morbidity and mortality Adolescents

6 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 p Early child-bearing impedes rise in status - education, economic and social p Early marriage, early motherhood curtails opportunities - education and employment p Long-term, adverse impact on quality of life Adolescents

7 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 J Important factors in high levels of adolescent child-bearing - Poor educational and economic opportunities - sexual exploitation J Adolescents with few apparent life choices have little incentive to avoid pregnancy and child bearing J Low-income adolescents face pressures to engage in sexual activity Adolescents

8 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 k High risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS k Typically poorly informed about how to protect themselves k Programmes most effective with the full involvement of adolescents - in identifying their reproductive and sexual health needs - in designing programmes that respond to those needs Adolescents

9 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Countries must ensure that the programmes and attitudes of health- care providers do not restrict the access of adolescents to appropriate services and the information they need including on sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse Adolescents Actions

10 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 These services must safeguard the rights of adolescents to privacy, confidentiality, respect and informed consent, respecting cultural values and religious beliefs Adolescents

11 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Countries should where appropriate, remove legal, regulatory and social barriers to reproductive health information and care for adolescents Adolescents

12 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Programmes for the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse and incest and other reproductive health services should be provided Adolescents

13 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Adolescents must be fully involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of such information and services with proper regard for parental guidance and responsibilities Adolescents

14 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Programmes should involve and train all who are in a position to provide guidance to adolescents concerning responsible sexual and reproductive behaviour, particularly parents and families, and also communities, religious institutions, schools, the mass media and peer groups Adolescents

15 ICPD POA CAIRO 1994 Such programmes should include support mechanisms for the education and counselling of adolescents in the areas of gender relations and equality, violence against adolescents, responsible sexual behaviour, responsible family-planning practice, family life, reproductive health, sexually transmit- ted diseases, HIV infection and AIDS prevention Adolescents