As the U.N. celebrated the 25th anniversary of the treaty on the Rights of the Child, Nov. 20, many countries spoke out on the rights of the parents to determine the sex education of their children, and a recognition of religious values.
It was "heatedly” debated, according to an official U.N. news release. The delegate from Qatar, Al-Noud Al-Temimi, called for the consideration of religious and traditional views. She voiced a reservation on the language in the resolution before the Third Committee of the U.N., which calls for comprehensive education on human sexuality. She requested consideration of the national sovereignty of individual countries.
Several delegations objected to the language because of the inclusion of two words: comprehensive and sexuality. This often expands beyond the usual sex-education programs, with the inclusion of lessons in support of abortion and homosexuality.
An example is the “It’s All One Curriculum” program, which received some funding from UNFPA and is promoted in 50 countries. Among other things, this program teaches students how to become activists to promote legalization of abortion and gay marriage.
While the general topic of the resolution is on the rights of the child, the family is also recognized in the resolution as having “the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children,” and that “children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.”
With reservations, the resolution (A/C.3/69/L.24/Rev.1) passed Third Committee and will be presented to the General Assembly in December.
The United States of America has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Susan Roylance is the international policy and social development coordinator for the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society.