Search results

A new guide published by the World Council of Churches (WCC) aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the role they can play in the prevention of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. 

During the debate on human rights and obstetric fistula at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the World Council of Churches (WCC) with its ecumenical partners called upon governments to pay more attention to the prevention of obstetric fistula in their policies, strategic plans, and budgets.

Visiting Madagascar in partnership with the Catholic Spiritan brotherhood and the non-government organization Geneva for Human Rights last week, the World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation explored how the resources shared better equip churches to help women suffering from obstetric fistula – condition which impacts millions of women around the world, particularly in sub-saharan Africa.

The World Council of Churches and the organization Geneva for Human Rights made a joint call for a sustained human rights-based approach to the prevention of fistula, in conjunction with the international day for obstetric fistula, 23 May.Fistula was first acknowledged by the UN General Assembly in 2007 as a major women’s health issue.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and its partner organizations were deeply engaged with the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, held 22 February through 23 March. For the first time, the Human Rights Council was held almost entirely in a virtual format.