On 31 July, 2008, The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and signatory organizations called upon African States to ratify the Maputo Protocol. According to the OMCT the ratification of this Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights would signify a step toward the elimination of violence against women. Specifically, the entry into effect of the Maputo Protocol would require African States to confront gender discrimination, which often contributes to the occurrence and perpetuation of violence against women. The OMCT emphasized that without addressing issues of gender discrimination, women would continue to be marginalized in their attempts to seek justice. The OMCT and signatory organizations urged African States to educate the public about gender discrimination, train public officials, and allow increased access to important health care services. African States were called upon to “put an end to this culture of impunity which serves only to re-victimise female victims of violence, a situation made only worse by armed conflict in certain African countries” (OMCT).
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Compiled From: Mariana Duarte, “Violence Against Women in Africa: From Discrimination to Impunity.” The World Organisation Against Torture. 31 July, 2008.