Document
Item 3 General Debate - human rights and obstetric fistula
UN Human Rights Council, Fifty-Second Session
27 February – 4 April 2023
Statement by Ms Eva Abel, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, World Council of Churches (CCIA-WCC). Joint statement with Geneva for Human Rights, Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and Vivat International
Thank you Mr. President,
We wish to highlight the lack of attention by this Council on the human rights of women suffering the pain, stigma and discrimination associated with obstetric fistula.
We express our concern about this issue after a recent visit to Madagascar, which has a draft Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula. The Government estimates that there are 4000 new cases every year. Medical facilities have an annual capacity for about 1500 repair operations - essential for women and girls living with fistula. The only appropriate human rights response is the prevention of this devastating condition. The critical role of adequate midwives in the birthing process cannot be understated, but many women - particularly those delivering in rural areas - do not have access to this service.
Mr. President,
- We call upon Governments of this Council to pay more attention to the prevention of obstetric fistula in their policies, strategic plans and budgets.
- Governments must initiate trainings for midwives from local communities, accompanied by incentives to encourage them to return to serve their communities
Thank you, Mr. President.
