Untitled Document

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS SEXUAL EDUCATION

Sexuality is present all throughout the life cycle of human beings. It is a sociocultural
construction based on a biological condition, situated in a historical context and
having a political sense. Sexuality shapes human experience and includes affection,
subjectivity and spirituality; its various aims include personal development,
communication and strengthening links with other individuals, as well as pleasure and
reproduction. In addition, sexuality is developed and evidenced in the sphere of both
individuals and families, community and the society as a whole. Sexuality is
constructed through education expressing the various conceptions of life coexisting in
the society.


ACHIEVEMENTS	STATEMENT OF RIGHTS SEXUAL EDUCATION	BACKGROUND INFORMATION
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS SEXUAL EDUCATION Sexuality is present all throughout the life cycle of human beings. It is a sociocultural construction based on a biological condition, situated in a historical context and having a political sense. Sexuality shapes human experience and includes affection, subjectivity and spirituality; its various aims include personal development, communication and strengthening links with other individuals, as well as pleasure and reproduction. In addition, sexuality is developed and evidenced in the sphere of both individuals and families, community and the society as a whole. Sexuality is constructed through education expressing the various conceptions of life coexisting in the society. The free expression of human sexuality is based on recognition and respect for universal human rights and the individual and social guarantees established by the Political Constitution of the Mexican United States, as well as the international agreements and treaties backing said rights subscribed and ratified by the Mexican State. Bearing in mind any educational proposal is based on a code of values and a commitment to given principles, the Democracy and Sexuality Group has proposed a form of sexual education aimed at ensuring health, empowerment, well-being and comprehensive development and enhancing the quality of life of people and the society, based on 16 principles: 1. Human sexuality must be based on an ethics of recognition and respect for universal human rights. 2. All human beings are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, regardless of their sex, age, social class, sexual preferences and physical condition. 3. Sexual education must promote a positive attitude towards life, the search for knowledge, personal development, trust and self-determination, and overcome the culture of fear and guilt resulting from misinformation, ignorance and dogmatism. 4. All human beings have the right to exercise their own sexuality at any age in a free and responsible fashion. 5. All individuals have the right to love without discrimination. 6. Any form of sexual violence is unacceptable. 7. The exercise of human rights requires an atmosphere of tolerance, respect and acceptance. 8. Pleasure, in itself, is an essential element of physical and emotional well-being. 9. AII individuals have the right to live their sexuality in an atmosphere of affection and tenderness where respect, freedom and equality are core values. 10. Responsible sexuality means the capacity to foresee, assume and respond to the effects of sexual behavior, and to recognize and respect the rights of other individuals. 11. The respect for differences, tolerance and appreciation of sexual diversity are important elements enhancing human life. 12.All individuals have the right to make decisions regarding their reproduction. 13. Maternity and paternity are a right of all individuals regardless of their social class, sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or physical condition. 14.lnformation on sexuality must be scientific, truthful, timely and appropriate for the needs of the target recipients, and it must allow them to make responsible decisions. 15. All educational processes must offer complete information, shape attitudes, develop skills and contribute to the development of a personal ethical code. 16. Sexual education must be backed by participative and democratic methodologies based on collective and individual needs and experiences. Sexual education is the responsibility of all individuals and it includes, in addition to the family, the State, schools, professionals, religious organizations, health institutions and the media, among others. The State has the obligation to guarantee the constitutional right to education in a democratic, free and secular fashion for all Mexicans. From our perspective, sexual education is a fundamental part of this right. Mexico City, November 1997.