UN Press Release on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UN welcomes Vice-President’s announcement of a technical review to address rumours on CSE Framework in Zambia

Lusaka, 06 October 2020: The United Nations (UN) in Zambia commends the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its announcement that the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) curriculum would be subjected to a multisectoral technical review. The recent statement by Her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Ms. Inonge Mutukwa Wina, MP, provides a way forward, a platform for more discussion of the national CSE Framework, and an opportunity for all actors to find out more about the content of the Framework and results from its implementation.

The UN believes that the CSE Framework provides an important tool to address early and unintended pregnancies, HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), child marriage and Gender-Based Violence in Zambia. The UN stands ready to provide support to the Government of the Republic of Zambia on the planned review.

The UN believes that children and young people should have access to accurate, factual, age- and culturally-appropriate information about relationships as they transition to adulthood. Contrary to recent rumours and misleading information circulating on social media, the CSE Framework (2014) was developed by the Government of the Republic Zambia through a thorough and consultative process involving education sector stakeholders, traditional leaders, faith-based groups and Civil Society Organisations, resulting in an age-appropriate curriculum respecting Zambian cultural values. The CSE Framework in Zambia has been delivered to learners as part of examinable subjects and not as a standalone subject.