Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Where We Are and Where We Should Go

Abstract

In this paper we propose to provide a concept of Comprehensive Sexual Education and identify arguments based on International Human Rights Law that should define its scope and the extension of the obligations of the States in the region. In particular, we will identify five standards linked to sex education and its normative regulation; namely: a) legality, b) comprehensiveness, c) transversality, d) teacher training and e) role of families. In our opinion, these standards constitute indicators that should be considered by any public policy of Comprehensive Sexual Education. Based on this, we propose to critically analyze the regulations on sex education that exist in fifteen countries of the region. This, in order to identify aspects that could be relevant when designing a public policy of Comprehensive Sexual Education that is in accordance with international human rights standards in the matter.