Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ASMARA444
2007-05-09 13:08:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:  

ERITREA BANS FGM

Tags:  PHUM KWMN SOCI ER 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9976
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHAE #0444 1291308
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091308Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8852
RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1350
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1527
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0605
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0638
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ
UNCLAS ASMARA 000444 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KWMN SOCI ER
SUBJECT: ERITREA BANS FGM


UNCLAS ASMARA 000444

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KWMN SOCI ER
SUBJECT: ERITREA BANS FGM



1. With a prevalence rate of 89%, the Government of Eritrea (GSE)
took a significant step and in March 2007 banned female genital
mutilation (FGM). In Proclamation 158/2007, the GSE noted that FGM
violates women's basic human rights and endangers the health of
women, and with one sentence abolished FGM in Eritrea. Furthermore,
the proclamation identified performing, supporting or promoting FGM
as a criminal act subject to fines and imprisonment. To complement
this, the proclamation also states that an individual who knows
"that female circumcision is to take place or has taken place, and
fails, without good cause, to warn or inform...the proper
authorities promptly...shall be punishable by a fine of up to one
thousand (1,000) nakfa" (USD 66).


2. The GSE, under the leadership of the National Union of Eritrean
Women (NUEW) over the past ten years has prioritized their efforts
to eliminate FGM in Eritrea. In collaboration with UNICEF and
UNFPA, the GSE established a national plan of action that includes
representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice,
the National Union of Eritrean Youth and NUEW to combat FGM. The
plan of action uses a community based approach, seeking to education
women and young girls on their rights, advocating ultimately for the
eradication of FGM for the community, by the community. The current
law grew out of these community efforts, particularly in Eritrea's
lowlands, with village councils establishing their own laws and
punishments. According to one UNICEF employee, community response
initially advocated for more stringent punishments than outlined in
the proclamation, however realized that fines perceived as too
extreme are difficult to enforce.


3. An analysis of the GSE Demographic Health Surveys from 1995 and
2002 show a 6% drop in reports of FGM in women between the ages of
15-49 in Eritrea. Presently, some believe that the rate may have
dropped even more thanks to community efforts to raise awareness of
the risks and hazards of FGM. UNICEF points to a short documentary
made several years ago that has been shown to various communities.
Reportedly very graphic and descriptive, the 20 minute video has a
powerful effect and some have even pointed directly to the video as
what led them to act against FGM. The high level of organization of
the GSE's sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and
Justice (PFDJ) has also been credited for its efforts. The
structure of the party at the local level and its ability to reach
out to nearly every member of a community play a key role in efforts
by UNICEF, UNFPA and the GSE to combat FGM.


4. Comment: The GSE's efforts to combat FGM are to be commended and
are a step in the right direction for fighting FGM. Within Eritrea,
anti-FGM proponents have applauded this new law. Given the GSE's
on-going human rights abuses in so many other areas, the GSE's
recognition of FGM as a human right's issue, and its willingness to
do something about it, highlights the conundrum that is Eritrea.
End Comment.

DeLisi#