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Global Leaders Publish the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice

PRESS RELEASE


[Porto, Portugal] – International leaders commit to advancing equality, inclusion, and dignity for all

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Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice
Delegates of the inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) at the University of Porto.

16 September 2025


Today, the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) publishes the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice together with the inaugural list of signatories.


At the first-ever World Sexual Health Assembly in Porto, Portugal, WAS convened global leaders from UN agencies, international and regional organizations, professional societies, and academic and research institutions to address both the progress achieved and the mounting backlash against sexual health and rights worldwide.


The signatories affirm their joint commitment to defend sexual health as integral to health, sexual rights as human rights, and sexual justice as essential for dignity and equality.


Why this matters now


The Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice sets out global priorities for 2025–2030, designed to meet the urgent challenges of our time:


  • Defending sexual health and rights against political rollbacks and disinformation


  • Promoting universal access to person-centered, rights-based, and pleasure-inclusive services, education, and training


  • Confronting stigma, systemic inequalities, and censorship


  • Expanding professional training and comprehensive sexuality education


  • Strengthening global evidence and research


  • Ensuring sustainable and equitable funding for sexual health, rights, and justice


Dr. Faysal El Kak, President of WAS and Chair of the WSHA, emphasized:


“The Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice reflects a collective commitment to act with purpose, unity, and accountability. Together we will position sexual health as a core pillar of public health and human rights.”


Next Steps for the Porto Proclamation


A detailed plan of action is being developed to guide implementation of the Proclamation’s priorities. Signatories will also convene in annual meetings of the World Sexual Health Assembly to ensure accountability and sustained progress.


WAS invites all professionals, organizations, institutions, and individuals working in sexual health and rights to endorse the Porto Proclamation by sharing it widely. Aligning with this mission means helping to amplify a collective call for equality, inclusion, dignity, and justice across regions and communities.


Read and download the full Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice here.


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About WAS


Founded in 1978, WAS serves as the global confederation of professional organizations, academics, clinicians, educators, and advocates dedicated to Sexual Health and Rights for All. Through six regional federations and more than 80 organizational members, WAS promotes sexual health as a fundamental human right. ____________________________


Media Queries


Dr. René de Klerk, WAS Executive Director


Lisa Welsh, WAS Communications Lead.

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