Meeting and protecting human rights to information, education, recreation, safe spaces, and employment is fundamental to reducing new HIV infections. Young people have the right to be protected from discrimination and exploitation irrespective of their sex, sexual practices, and HIV status. Young men should not be fooled into believing that being manly means having unprotected sex with many women. Being manly is the ability to stand up to negative pressure from friends. Effective youth work recognizes the strengths of young people.
Young people have the right to develop skills, access services, and live in supportive environments.
Health services must be of good quality, confidential, accessible, affordable, and provided with respect. The media can increase societal debate on young people's participation in promoting their health and development. Outcomes Programmes and policies developed and implemented for young people are grounded in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. Stated commitment by governments, and the civic and private sectors to promoting young people's fundamental rights to information, education, recreation, safe spaces, and employment. Better informed educators, school administrators and parents who can promote skills-based school programmes on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, as well as skills for coping with and reducing substance use and violence.