Who speaks for girls? The conflicting voices on sexual education and reproductive health rights in the United Nations system

Abstract

Women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health are fundamental human rights, as enshrined in international laws and agreements and recognized by human rights’ bodies. However, despite instruments promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and girls and the right to comprehensive sexual education (CSE), these rights are often limited, restricted or denied.

This research considers whether the differences between the Charter-driven and treaty-derived bodies within the United Nations are impeding the advancement of these rights for women and girls. The divergent logic, processes and activities of the actors within these bodies, namely the human rights experts and state representatives, are examined. Furthermore, the validity of positions adopted by states, whether political, legal, cultural or religious, are explored. The research is a qualitative study drawn from primary and secondary sources in UN agencies, international human rights law, academic research and government policies addressing SRHR and CSE.

This thesis contributes to the understanding of the lack of collaboration between the human rights experts and States parties within certain UN bodies. The study concludes that whilst UN documents continue to reflect progressive recognition of these rights, challenges persist across all geopolitical regions in the understanding, realisation and implementation of these rights. The research furthermore definitively concludes that cultural or traditional practices cannot be justified should they impede on a girl’s rights in any way. As the narrative on girls’ rights is not linear, but is instead co-located within numerous other interests, the polarisation and politicisation of these issues are expected to continue.