The right of access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is grounded in fundamental human rights and is a means to empower young people to protect their health, well-being and dignity. This Operational Guidance sets out UNFPA’s framework for CSE, which is one of five prongs to UNFPA’s Adolescent and Youth Strategy. It is also linked with the other four prongs, which are focused on: evidenced-based advocacy for development, investment and implementation; building capacity for sexual and reproductive health service delivery, including HIV prevention, treatment and care; bold initiatives to reach the most vulnerable; and youth leadership and participation.
This document guides UNFPA’s support to governments and other partners as CSE programmes, both in and out of school, are designed, implemented and evaluated. Building on current standards, it outlines steps to identify priorities, implement actions and evaluate outcomes – providing tools for programme managers and technical advisers.