Title:	Stigma, Discrimination and Human Rights
Authors:	Kate Wood and Peter Aggleton
Keywords:	Human Rights
Issue Date:	1999
Publisher:	DFID
Description:	All over the world, young people are stigmatised and discriminated against in relation to their sexual and reproductive health. Stigma, discrimination and the violation of human rights are intimately connected, reinforcing and legitimising each other.Their manifestations are varied, occurring in families and communities, in health services, at places of work, and in schools. Across a range of settings, young people may be stigmatised and discriminated against for being sexually active before marriage,or for engaging in forms of sexuality which are considered by their communities and wider society to be non-normative such as homosexual or transgendered practices. In addition, in settings where premarital sexual activity among young people is stigmatised, the signs of unprotected sexual activity, such as unplanned pregnancy, having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or being HIV-positive, may themselves be highly stigmatised. This may seriously limit access to good quality sexual and reproductive health services. This stigmatisation of young people’s sexuality and sexual behaviour has serious consequences. In particular, it can lead to young people feeling that they have to conceal their sexual activity from significant adults in their lives, including parents,teachers and health workers.The secrecy and shame that stigma often brings can deny young people access to the resources they need in order to make, and implement, informed decisions about their sexuality and sexual health. Where resources are available - or inappropriately framed - they may be inadequate to address young people’s needs.
URI:	http://10.6.20.12:80/handle/123456789/56635
ISBN:	0 85432 806 8
Appears in Collections:	Population Studies

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