NIHRC launches report on Relationships and Sexuality Education

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission launched its report of its investigation on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in post primary schools in Northern Ireland.

The report is based on an investigation carried out by the Commission to assess the extent to which post-primary schools in Northern Ireland are providing “age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion”, as recommended by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 2018 Report.

The investigation found that there are some positive examples of post-primary schools providing comprehensive and scientifically accurate Relationships and Sexuality Education. However, in the majority of schools this is not the case, where resources are not always considered to be comprehensive, pluralistic and objective. There were also some examples of schools using resources which were outdated.

A wide range of stakeholder organisations attended the event online and in person at the Commission’s office and heard from Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, and other members of Commission staff on the key findings of the investigation and the 13 recommendations made in the report.

You can read the full report here: Publication - NIHRC Report: Relationships and Sexuality Education in Post Primary Schools in Northern Ireland: A Compelling Case for Reform | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

There is also a Factsheet with further details about the investigation, which can be read here: Fact Sheet: Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s Investigation on Relationships and Sexuality Education in post primary schools in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (nihrc.org)

Speaking about the launch of the report, Alyson Kilpatrick said:

“Comprehensive and accurate RSE is essential to the fulfilment of a range of human rights including the right to education, the right to health and even the right to life. Whilst this is an important step for children’s rights, the implementation and monitoring will be critical. There is a clear need for schools to be supported to develop their capacity to deliver relationships and sexuality education. We stand ready to support the implementation of the CEDAW recommendation which should take a human rights-based approach.”

You can watch the live stream of the launch event here: