Harmful traditional practices, (male circumcision - Electronic Thesis ...
Harmful traditional practices, (male circumcision - Electronic Thesis ...
Harmful traditional practices, (male circumcision - Electronic Thesis ...
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29<br />
Concern has also been expressed at virginity testing in South Africa by the<br />
Committee, where it was stated that:<br />
“… the State party undertake a study on virginity testing to assess its physical and<br />
psychological impact on girls. … the Committee recommends that the State party<br />
introduce sensitization and awareness-raising programmes for practitioners and the<br />
general public to change <strong>traditional</strong> attitudes and discourage the practice of virginity<br />
testing … ” 80<br />
In response to the Ethiopia’s Second Country Report, the Committee<br />
recommended that:<br />
“… the State Party continue to strengthen its current efforts to end <strong>practices</strong> of fe<strong>male</strong><br />
genital mutilation, early and forced marriage and other harmful <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>practices</strong>, and<br />
recommends that the State Party take advantage of the experience gained by other<br />
countries.” 81 (Ethiopia 2RCO, Add. 144, paras. 64 and 65)<br />
Similarly, in response to the Initial Country Report of Lesotho, it was<br />
recommended that the “State Party address the health risks associated with <strong>male</strong><br />
<strong>circumcision</strong>.” 82 (Lesotho IRCO, Add. 147, para. 44)<br />
The concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child is evident in its<br />
submissions to State Parties on the continued risks to the health of children<br />
posed by certain cultural <strong>practices</strong>. From the recommendations made by the<br />
Committee, it becomes evident that not enough is being done to protect children<br />
from harm. The potential harmful consequences of <strong>male</strong> <strong>circumcision</strong> and<br />
virginity testing has been fully addressed in chapter 1. The fact that these two<br />
80<br />
Author unknown, “Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: South<br />
Africa. 23/02/2000. CRC/C/15/Add.122. (Concluding Observations/Comments), United Nations<br />
Convention on the Rights of the Child at p 10. Available online at<br />
http://193.194.138.190/tbs/doc.nsf/(Symbol)(6e861f881ecalble8025687f005b?Opendocument.<br />
Accessed on 24 October 2006.<br />
81<br />
See fn 65 above at p 367.<br />
82<br />
See fn 65 above at p 368.