MANILA (AFP) — The United Nations on Friday backed a move by the Philippines to introduce sex education among primary and high school students that has sparked a row with the influential Catholic Church.

The UN stressed that the Philippines was a signatory to an international treaty on the rights of children that commits member- countries to providing proper information to girls and boys about their bodies.

“It is the obligation of the State to ensure that all adolescent girls and boys are provided with accurate and appropriate information on how to protect their health and practice healthy behavior,” the UN said in a statement.

“The United Nations will continue to work with government... to respect, fulfill, and protect the rights of girls and boys to comprehensive information regarding their health and their bodies.

“Global evidence shows that giving clear, appropriate information to adolescents does not increase promiscuity but helps them make responsible decisions.”

The government this week began introducing its Adolescent Reproductive Health program in 80 public elementary and 79 high schools.