The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) recently held a follow-up hearing with the National Department of Health (NDOH) on the matter of forced sterilisation. CGE called the NDOH to account on 29 August 2023, exercising its statutory powers under Section 12 (4) (b) of the CGE Act 39 of 1996. This hearing, led by NDOH’s Deputy Director-General Professor Nicholas Crisp, was convened due to concerns over the department’s lack of progress in implementing its investigation recommendations.
IGM Complaints Raised at CGE Hearing
The hearing also served as an opportunity for the CGE to inform the NDOH of seven Intersex Genital Mutilation (IGM) complaints it had received, which include non-consensual, irreversible cosmetic genital surgeries and harmful medical treatments performed on intersex persons without medical justification.
NDOH Commits to Providing Forced Sterilisation Substantive Report
In response to the IGM complaints, the NDOH committed to providing a substantive report on the forced sterilisation investigation by 29 September 2023. The CGE further requested that the NDOH submit a plan of action regarding the IGM investigation no later than 30 October 2023.
Importance of Addressing Forced Sterilisation and IGM
Forced sterilisation is a deeply troubling and complex issue, touching on fundamental human rights and the ethics of medical practice. The CGE’s pursuit of accountability in this matter is an important step towards ensuring that the rights of all people are protected and respected.
Intersex Genital Mutilation is also a critical issue that cannot be overstated. Intersex individuals have historically been subjected to invasive, irreversible procedures without their consent, often in an attempt to “normalize” their bodies and conform to societal expectations surrounding sex and gender.
Efforts to Promote Gender Equality and Uphold Human Rights
The CGE’s ongoing efforts to hold the NDOH accountable for progress in the forced sterilisation matter and the acknowledgment of IGM complaints are pivotal in advancing gender equality and promoting the rights of all individuals.
The progress made in the forced sterilisation matter and addressing IGM complaints represents an essential opportunity to further the cause of gender equality and uphold the human rights of all individuals.
As the CGE continues its work in holding the National Department of Health accountable, urgent action is necessary to address these pressing issues with care. It is imperative that the NDOH takes these matters seriously and works diligently to address any identified deficiencies or failings in the protection and promotion of the rights of its citizens. The CGE will withhold further public statements on forced sterilisation until the NDOH has submitted its report. The outcomes of this hearing and the subsequent reports, as well as the implementation of any recommended actions, will be critical in determining the future course of action in these critical matters.
