UN boss debunks notions on sex education :: Mmegi Online

Comprehensive sex education does not lead to early sexual escapades but prepares young people to make their choices about sexuality, the United Nations (UN) resident coordinator has said. Anders Pedersen told a meeting of regional ministers on Friday that contrary to what most people fear, sex education builds knowledge, healthy social norms, skills and values that are essential to prepare young people for adulthood, choices about sexuality, relationships and ultimately citizenship.

He said along with the changes to their bodies, the onset of adolescence brings new vulnerabilities to young people, particularly on their sexuality. “HIV infections remain uncomfortably high, most young people continue to drop out of school due to teenage pregnancies, young people have limited access to sexual and reproductive health services including comprehensive sexuality education,” Pederson told the consultative meeting to discuss the implementation of the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Ministerial Commitment to accelerating access to comprehensive sexuality education for young people in the region.

He stated that a safe passage from adolescence into adulthood is the right of every child. The right can only be fulfilled if societies make focused investments and provide opportunities to ensure young people get skills and knowledge such as sexual and reproductive health education.

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