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Advocacy and public policy

* We have stopped introduction of abstinence based program of sexual education in schools

CESI supports and is actively working on the introduction of gender-sensitive, scientifically based sexual education in schools. So in 2002 together with a group of experts, CESI participated in the founding of the Initiative for the Introduction of Sex Education in Schools that made a program "Human Sexuality and Quality of Life." In early 2007 we have initiated the establishment of the Citizens' Coalition STOP HIGH RISK SEXUAL EDUCATION (www.zamirnet.hr/stoprso/) that managed to bring to a halt an ineffective public policy on reproductive and sexual health and rights of children and youth conducted by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

In cooperation with organization Interights from London and the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York, CESI filed a collective complaint to the European Committee of Social Rights against the Republic of Croatia and support for attempts to introduce discriminatory and scientifically inaccurate abstinence program of sexual education in schools. This is the first time that an international body for human rights examined the complaint on the issue of sexual education in schools and articulated detailed standards on countries' obligation to provide accurate and scientifically based sexual education. European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR), found that the Croatian curriculum, which has a limited coverage of sexual education, discriminates against persons on the base of sexual orientation.

 

* Introducing gender perspective in programs and policies intended for young people and adequate sanctioning of violence in young relationships

Through various activities we are working on inclusion of gender perspective in programs for prevention of violence among youth. Our work received the support from the Ombudsperson for Children, relevant ministries and government agencies, parliamentary committees dealing with issues of children and youth as well as gender equality.

We are seeking sanctioning of violence in adolescent relationships and together with the Ombudsperson for Children advocate that the legal sanctions for violation of protection against domestic violence envisioned by the Law on Prevention of Family Violence also apply to violence perpetrated in the adolescent relationships.

 

* Analysis of policies and recommendations for improving sexual and reproductive rights and health of young people

For the first time a policy analysis relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights of youth was conducted, and recommendations made, that could lead to a better regulatory framework, quality of services tailored to the needs of youth and the introduction of mandatory comprehensive sex education.

Expert Committee on program development centers for reproductive health of children and youth was established in the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a result of joint efforts of CESI, Croatian Youth Network and the group of Zagreb high school and high school students who initiated a campaign called "GOOD ADVICE– WISE AT ALL TIMES".