THE FAMILY PLANNING Association yesterday presented the European Youth Charter of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), which aims to promote sexual well-being across Europe.
Among the Charter’s goals is to promote acceptance of homosexuals’ right to marriage and adoption, as well as legalising abortions in way that protects a woman’s basic right to make her own choices.
The Charter was created during a Study Session in Strasburg, France, between July 6 and July 12, 2008, which was organised by YouAct – the European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive rights.
“Sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights, which can’t be put into second fate or be compromised, and which are often projected as excuses for silencing or tolerance of their violation,” YouAct member Margarita Kapsou said yesterday.
So the Charter, which was developed by 27 young experts from 15 different Council of Europe member states, therefore is based on the aspect of protecting human rights.
“Taking into consideration the variety in civilisations and the limits of the freedom of expression in sexuality among the countries of the European Council, the need to create a commonly accepted document, which can operate effectively as a common tool of promotion, was definitely a challenge,” she added. “Even among young experts, with excellent knowledge on the issues, the intense need for dialogues and intercultural communication on the matter of SRHR was evident.”
But the difficulties were overcome, to open the way for a common vision. “This is centred on the promotion of sexual well-being, as opposed to be being solely restricted to the prevention and therapy of diseases,” said Kapsou.
This vision will be promoted through 11 chapters, which among others include the promotion of European youths’ right for substantial participation in decision-making when it comes to SRHR, as well as gender equality and non-discrimination.
It also wants to promote equal rights for sexual minorities, such as homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals; the Charter wants acceptance of their identity, their right to wed and their right to create a family, while combating homophobia and heterosexism.
It promotes gender equality in the workforce and better support mechanisms for sufferers of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.
The Charter calls for free access to new methods of contraception and the legalisation of abortions.
Speaking during the session, candidate MEP Eleni Theocharous of DISY expressed her support towards the Charter and the YouAct’s efforts to promote the protection of sexual health.
“We support and co-sign the EU Charter, though there are one or two points we do not completely agree with,” said Theocharous.
DISY feels that Cypriot society is not yet ready to accept gay couples adopting children. “This is something that needs to be accepted gradually,” said Theocharous. “Therefore we cannot accept the adoption of children by homosexuals for the moment,” she said.
