Too often denied, too often neglected: women's sexual rights. On the meanings, controversies and the need for a comprehensive, positive approach to sexuality

Sexual and reproductive health and rights have increasingly been recognized in the international arena, but their evolution and the definition of their scope and content have not been free of controversies. The aim of this thesis is to present an overview of the historical evolution of sexual and reproductive rights in the international arena. To grasp the complexities of the discourse, the evolution of these rights will be analyzed taking into account the broader social and political movements, ideologies, religions, and revolutions. With these considerations in mind, this work will start with an outline of how SRHR has been embedded in international human rights law. Beginning with the emergence of sexuality in human rights discourses, the work goes on exploring the development of the concept of sexual health and rights and their implications for women and sexual minorities. The second chapter will analyze some problematic aspect of the discourse, including the role of the law in regulating sexual behavior, the need of common principles of sexual rights and the obstacles in the definition of such principles. The third chapter will adopt a feminist framework to overcome the difficulties in the definition and recognition of sexual rights and will therefore propose solutions to reach sexual justice and freedom for all, with a view that supports a comprehensive and positive approach to sexuality.