Glasgow WAS Declaration Forging the Future of Improved Sexual Health for All

PRESS RELEASE

[Cape Town, South Africa] – The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) proudly reaffirms its global commitment to advancing sexual health and rights through the Glasgow Declaration, unveiled at the WAS Congress. This powerful statement underscores the collective responsibility to forge a future in which sexual health is fully recognised as integral to human well-being and dignity. Rooted in human rights, the declaration calls for urgent action to address sexual health inequities, protect vulnerable populations, and embed sexual health as a public health priority.

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16 June 2011

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled (WAS/WHO, 2002).

The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS):

AFFIRMS that all people are entitled to the highest standards of sexual health. That special focus should be placed on vulnerable populations including women, youth, people with disabilities, those who are displaced and those living under poverty.

RECOGNISES that this is a collective endeavour and that together we must mobilise support and advocate for the full recognition of sexual rights. We expect that governments, organizations, institutions and individuals will develop policies and provide resources to ensure full access to sexual health services, including comprehensive sexuality education.

This Congress is committed to ‘forging the future to improve sexual health for all’. The attainment of sexual health is both lifesaving and life affirming.

Sexual health should be central to public health policies. This Congress will address sexual health inequalities, and oppose all forms of exploitation and violence. Regardless of circumstances and irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and identity, we assert that such acts are unacceptable.

The mission of this congress is to:

• Affirm that sexual health is based on sexual rights which are essentially human rights

• Uphold a holistic and human rights informed approach to gender, sexuality and sexual health

• Promote access to effective sexual health interventions for those with the greatest need

• Strengthen personal and professional leadership to champion sexual health, sexual rights and diversity

• Provide evidence of effectiveness of sexual health interventions to transform health and wellbeing

And this will be delivered through a spirit of collaboration, a culture of respectful challenge and an openness to change.

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About WAS

WAS represents thousands of individuals in Sexual Health as an international confederation with member organizations worldwide, promoting Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure through research, education, and clinical services.

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Contact Lisa Welsh, our Communications Lead.

media@worldsexualhealth.net