Almost half of the world population today is under 25 years old. Particularly large numbers of young people live in developing countries: of the 1.2 billion inhabitants of the earth who are currently between 15 and 24, almost 90 per cent live in these countries. Young people are the parents of tomorrow and the key to the development of their countries. The decisions that they take regarding their sexuality and their idea of their future family life are factors that will determine the future of the earth.

A right to sexual and reproductive health

Young people are entitled to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services and information. This has been recognized by almost all countries. If this entitlement became a reality for all young people, it would contribute to saving many lives. The international community committed itself to this for the first time at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994 and reaffirmed its commitment at every World Conference that followed. Providing universal access to family planning and contraceptives by 2015 is also an objective under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Taboos and their consequences

In many societies, sexual intercourse before marriage is disapproved and information on sexuality and contraception is considered immoral. However, most people start sexual activity before their 20th birthday. Only five per cent of the poorest adolescents who are sexually active use condoms. This is why the 15 to 24-year-olds are particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Half of the young people in developing countries are not aware of how the HI virus is transmitted. This was found by studies conducted in 40 countries. Nonetheless, half of all new HIV infections worldwide are found in young people between 15 and 24 years of age. To counter social taboos and prejudices, information is vital.