Sexual and reproductive rights: statements, rhetoric and responsibilities.

The current international movement for the promotion of reproductive health has major potential for improving sexual and reproductive rights. Health professionals should take an active role in applying international human rights instruments at the country level. Over the years health care of women has developed into a distinct entity with a community perspective that encompasses a broad range of service components. Reproductive health shares common features with other aspects of social development. Sexual and reproductive rights have progressively advanced with successive international human rights instruments. In view of this the challenge is to apply the relevant articles of the various international declarations and conventions. Moreover health professionals should implement an effective approach to overcome current obstacles through advocacy training and the monitoring of actions for the enforcement of these rights.