The World Council of Churches (WCC) is witnessing the impact of its visits to Angola and Madagascar as the Universal Periodic Review continues. Recommendations relevant to their reports have emerged, addressing pressing issues like gender-based violence, children’s rights, and access to health services. These discussions, grounded in insights from visits in 2022 and 2024, aim to foster change and uphold human dignity in these nations.
In the heart of Madagascar, from October 31 to November 8, 2022, WCC delegates engaged with member churches to gather insights on obstetric fistula, a serious childbirth injury that diminishes women’s health and dignity. This condition affects millions globally, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of previous attention from the UN to this issue was highlighted during the past Universal Periodic Review, signifying the need for advocacy and action.
WCC’s response to the January 27 review included a significant recommendation addressing obstetric fistula from the Government of Mali, which Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, the WCC’s program executive for Human Rights, hailed as a vital call to action. “We hope that this reference will be the beginning of the end of the deafening silence in the Human Rights Council about this most tragic condition for women and their families,” she noted, urging others to join in the fight against this critical issue.
From January 21 to 28, 2024, WCC’s mission to Angola aimed to explore the conditions surrounding obstetric fistula and to empower churches to play a role in prevention. Accompanying the visit was a newly released guide to aid churches in this important work. During their stay, the delegation held a workshop in Luanda, facilitating conversations among diverse community members about rights and human dignity, driven by the spirit of collective action.
The delegation’s groundwork preceded by Geneva for Human Rights included visits to hospitals, clinics, and dialogue with medical professionals and women recovering from fistula surgeries. Their experiences in provinces like Bié, Huíla, and Cuanza Sul painted a clearer picture of the challenges ahead and the urgent need for intervention in women’s health matters.
The World Council of Churches is actively engaging with issues of obstetric fistula in Angola and Madagascar as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. Recent visits led to an insightful understanding of human rights challenges, and a renewed commitment to advocacy emerged, particularly concerning women’s health and dignity. The delegation emphasized the importance of community dialogue and collaboration to tackle these pressing concerns.
The World Council of Churches continues to advocate for the recognition and prevention of obstetric fistula in Madagascar and Angola. Through recent reviews, important recommendations have surfaced, encouraging collaborative efforts among governments and civil organizations. The initiative not only seeks to elevate these issues within the UN Human Rights Council but also aims to restore dignity and quality of life to affected women globally.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
