The right of children and young people to comprehensive sexual education is in danger
Factsheet on on relationship and sexuality education in Slovakia
Comprehensive relationship and sexuality education (RSE) is one of the key ways of reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies. It helps young people make informed and responsible decisions concerning their health and sexuality. Currently, topics related to RSE are mainly taught within the cross-cutting subject called Education towards Marriage and Parenting. To some extent, they are also present in other subjects, such as civic education or ethics.
Regarding the teaching of RSE, Slovakia has repeatedly faced criticism from experts, as well as various human rights institutions such as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child or the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
Qualitative research conducted by Freedom of Choice on teachers’ experiences with teaching RSE confirms there are several problematic areas. This results in a situation when the right of children and young people a good quality RSE is not fulfilled sufficiently.
