At the Inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly in Porto, Portugal, leading global organizations, institutions, and advocates committed to Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice, hereby proclaim  that:

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• Sexual Health is an essential component of overall health, human dignity, and development.

• Sexual Rights are human rights. 

• Through Sexual Justice, we can achieve a more equal and inclusive world.

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Building on the achievements of the past decades and at a time when the world is facing political crises, international conflict, humanitarian emergencies, funding cuts, climate change, and widening inequalities, we pledge to advance Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice for all.

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With this proclamation, we set our strategic priorities to guide collective action and ensure progress with purpose, unity, and accountability.

 

Guiding Principles

 

Sexual rights, justice, and pleasure
Sexual Rights are human rights. Sexual Justice advances these rights by dismantling systemic barriers and structural inequalities that especially oppress marginalized communities. It ensures that all people can live safe, pleasurable, and fulfilling sexual lives, free from violence and coercion, with access to care, education, legal protection and recognition, and equitable resources. 

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Redress and reparation are necessary - at both systemic and individual levels - for those whose sexual rights have been violated or denied. Sexual pleasure is a fundamental part of sexual rights, sexual health, and sexual well-being, as well as human connection, dignity, and joy for those who choose to experience it. 

 

Equity and inclusion
Equity and inclusion mean guaranteeing sexual health and rights without discrimination on any ground - including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, race, ethnicity, color, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, class, birth, disability, age, health or economic status, marital or family status, nationality, or place of residence - while centering the needs and voices of those most marginalized and transforming systems so that all people can participate fully and equally in shaping their sexual lives with dignity and autonomy.

 

Evidence
All sexual health-related interventions must be grounded in evidence that is rigorous and transparent, supported by research and informed by the lived experiences of people and communities. 

 

Accountability
Accountability for sexual health and rights requires governments and institutions to be answerable through transparent laws and policies, adequate funding, effective monitoring, and meaningful community participation, particularly from marginalized groups. Beyond compliance, accountability advances sexual justice by dismantling systemic inequalities, combating stigma, and ensuring equitable access to services and protections, while affirming dignity for all.

 

Person-centered sexual health services
Every person has the right to accessible, respectful, and confidential sexual health services, with full informed consent and shared decision-making across the life course. Sexual pleasure is a fundamental part of sexual health, sexual rights, and sexual well-being, and should be integrated into the provision of high-quality sexual health services.